Get ready for the ultimate soccer spectacle in the city that never sleeps! The 2026 FIFA World Cup New York-New Jersey, expanding to 48 teams and 104 thrilling matches across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., is about to turn the region into a global soccer hub.
As one of the key U.S. venues, New York–New Jersey will host multiple high-profile matches, including group-stage fixtures featuring five-time champions Brazil. Millions of fans are expected to flood iconic spots—from Manhattan’s skyscrapers to Jersey’s shores—blending world-class soccer with NYC’s electric energy and NJ’s unbeatable vibes.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New York–New Jersey — including match schedules, the official stadium, ticket information, travel tips, and the best places to stay. Start planning your trip to experience the thrill.
New York-New Jersey as a 2026 FIFA World Cup Host City
Why is New York-New Jersey the crown jewel of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? The New York-New Jersey metropolitan area is poised to be a central and historic host region for FIFA’s biggest tournament yet.
Selected as one of 16 host cities in June 2022, all matches will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, including the highly anticipated World Cup Final—a stage this region first hosted in 1994.
With world-class infrastructure, hundreds of thousands of international visitors expected, and an International Broadcast Centre and team camps, NYNJ is ready to welcome the world. Fans from every corner will turn the region into a soccer utopia, blending iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and unmatched tournament energy. Are you ready to be part of it?
How Many Matches Will New York-New Jersey Host at the 2026 World Cup?
The New York-New Jersey area will host a total of eight must-see matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it one of the most active venues.
The full schedule includes five group-stage games, a Round of 32 match, a Round of 16 match, and the monumental Final game.
This extensive lineup includes major national teams such as France (including Kylian Mbappé), England, Brazil, and Germany, bringing some of the world’s biggest soccer stars to New Jersey.
New York-New Jersey World Cup Stadium – MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will serve as the official host venue for the New York–New Jersey region during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In line with FIFA’s commercial naming regulations, the stadium will be referred to as “New York New Jersey Stadium” throughout the tournament.
This venue is notable as the selected location for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 26 Final on July 19, 2026.
MetLife Stadium’s position in the region solidifies the New York-New Jersey area as a central hub for the tournament, welcoming teams and fans from across the globe for a series of crucial and historic games.
Where Is MetLife Stadium Located?
MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, within the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Despite its association with New York’s NFL teams, the New York Giants and New York Jets, the stadium’s physical address is firmly in the state of New Jersey, approximately eight miles west of Midtown Manhattan.
The official address is:
1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, United States.
MetLife Stadium Capacity and Features for World Cup 2026
This is one of the stadiums with the highest seating capacity among the World Cup host venues. The stadium will be configured to hold approximately 82,500 seated spectators for the tournament, adhering to FIFA’s all-seater guidelines. This capacity ensures a massive crowd for the eight matches it will host, including the highly anticipated World Cup Final.
Key features of the stadium that will be utilised during the World Cup include its state-of-the-art turf replacement process, where the current artificial field will be converted to a natural grass pitch to meet FIFA standards.
The venue offers extensive premium seating, numerous concession options, large high-definition video displays, and a robust infrastructure designed to handle large-scale international events.
2026 FIFA World Cup New York-New Jersey Match Schedule
The full schedule for New Jersey will begin with the group stage on June 13 and conclude with the FIFA World Cup 26 Final match. The matches are spread across the tournament’s 39-day schedule. All games will be at MetLife, with kickoff times (ET) adjusted for global viewers.
Group Stage Matches in New York-New Jersey
New Jersey will host five group stage matches on the following dates: June 13, June 16, June 22, June 25 and June 27, 2026.
There will be special matches such as high-profile matchups such as Brazil vs Morocco and France vs Senegal, along with two of Senegal’s group stage matches.
- June 13, 2026 – 6:00 PM: Brazil vs Morocco (Group C)
- June 16, 2026 – 3:00 PM: France vs Senegal (Group I)
- June 22, 2026 – 8:00 PM: Norway vs Senegal (Group I)
- June 25, 2026 – 4:00 PM: Ecuador vs Germany (Group E)
- June 27, 2026 – 5:00 PM: Panama vs England (Group L)
Knockout Stage Matches in New York-New Jersey
New Jersey will host one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 fixture, and a Blockbuster Final. The Round of 32 games are scheduled for June 30, 2026, followed by the Round of 16 match on July 5, 2026. The most significant fixture for the venue will be the final on July 19, 2026, which will determine the winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- June 30, 2026 – 5:00 PM: Round of 32 — Group I Winner vs. 3rd Place (Group C / D / F / G / H)
- July 5, 2026 – 4:00 PM: Round of 16 — Winner of Match 76 vs. Winner of Match 78
- July 19, 2026 – 3:00 PM: Final — Winner of Match 101 vs. Winner of Match 102
World Cup Tickets in New York-New Jersey 2026: Prices, Registration & How to Buy
While individual match tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games in the New York-New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) are not yet available for general public sale, fans can officially register their interest through FIFA’s dedicated portal. Registering ensures you receive timely updates and notifications as soon as ticket sales phases and pricing information are formally announced.
Important: FIFA is the only official source for 2026 World Cup tickets, and prices or availability listed elsewhere should be treated with caution.
How Much Are 2026 World Cup Tickets in New York-New Jersey?
Official face-value ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches range from a special “Supporter Entry Tier” priced at $60 for any match to over $8,680 for premium seats at the Final. FIFA uses dynamic pricing so that official prices may fluctuate based on demand.
Estimated prices below are based on FIFA’s published ticket categories and previous World Cup pricing structures.
| Match Type | Supporter Entry Tier | Lowest Main Tier (Cat 4) | Highest Main Tier (Cat 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | $60 | approx. $250+ | $500–$700 (est.) |
| Round of 32/16 | $60 | $185–$240 (est.) | $640+ (est.) |
| Final | $60 | $2,030 | $6,730–$8,680+ |
Where to Buy 2026 World Cup Tickets for New York-New Jersey Matches
To stay informed about when and how to apply for tickets for all matches, including the highly anticipated final in New York-New Jersey, interested individuals should visit the official FIFA ticketing website and complete the registration form.
Official tickets will be sold through FIFA’s ticketing website, with sales conducted via random draws and first-come, first-served phases. Fans who miss out on official sales may use trusted resale platforms, while hospitality packages are available through FIFA-authorised partners.
Tip: Demand for New York-New Jersey matches — especially the World Cup Final — will be among the highest of the tournament. Registering early gives you the best chance of securing tickets at official prices.
Where to Stay in New York-New Jersey for the 2026 World Cup
With millions of visitors expected during the tournament, booking accommodation early is strongly recommended. The best place to stay in the New York City region depends on whether you prioritise proximity to MetLife Stadium on matchdays or prefer access to city nightlife
Best Areas to Stay Near MetLife Stadium for World Cup Matches
For fans who want the easiest matchday experience at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), the most convenient areas to stay are in the immediate New Jersey towns surrounding the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
If you prefer a more urban atmosphere with diverse nightlife and cultural attractions, staying across the Hudson River in Hoboken or Jersey City offers a great balance, while Manhattan provides the full NYC experience with a longer commute to the stadium on matchdays.
Best Hotels for World Cup Fans in New York-New Jersey
When choosing a hotel for the World Cup, most fans will decide between staying close to the stadium in New Jersey or enjoying a broader city experience and attractions in New York City.
Popular hotel options near MetLife Stadium include:
- Hampton Inn Carlstadt-At The Meadowlands
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott East Rutherford Meadowlands/Carlstadt
- Residence Inn by Marriott East Rutherford Meadowlands
These hotels near the stadium minimise game-day travel stress, with many offering dedicated shuttle services to the venue or nearby Secaucus Junction train station, which provides direct event-day connections to the stadium.
For visitors preferring more diverse dining, nightlife, and cultural access, staying in waterfront New Jersey areas like Hoboken or Jersey City, or in Midtown Manhattan near Penn Station, provides easy public transit access to the venue while offering a more urban experience.
New York-New Jersey World Cup Fan Fest and Fan Zones
The New York-New Jersey region will feature three official fan destinations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, spanning both New Jersey and New York City. The main official FIFA Fan Festival will be located at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, serving as the primary gathering point for fans with views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty
Unlike the ticketed matchday experience at MetLife Stadium, the FIFA Fan Festival will operate as a free-entry public space open to all fans throughout the tournament
The festival will feature live match screenings on large screens, interactive fan experiences, live music, and a wide selection of food and beverage vendors.
In addition to the main FIFA Fan Festival in Jersey City, the host committee has designated two additional official fan zones within New York City itself. These include a fan zone at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens and a dedicated Fan Village at the iconic Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan.
Getting to MetLife Stadium and Around New York-New Jersey
Getting to the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is primarily facilitated by a robust network of trains and buses, as the venue is located within the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The most efficient way to get around New York City is via NJ Transit. From Manhattan’s Penn Station, take NJ Transit trains to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line, which stops directly at MetLife Stadium.
Alternatively, fans can use the broader public transportation network to explore the metropolitan area. Options include the New York City Subway, the PATH train connecting Manhattan and New Jersey, and various ferry services.
Driving is possible, but prepaid parking passes are required, and heavy traffic is expected on matchdays. You can use the NJ Transit mobile app or the MTA website to plan your routes to the area’s interconnected transit hubs.
Things to Do in New York-New Jersey During the World Cup
In addition to attending matches at MetLife Stadium and visiting the official Fan Zones, the New York-New Jersey region offers countless activities and iconic sights.
Top experiences in New York City:
- Catch a Broadway show in Midtown Manhattan
- Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Explore vibrant neighborhoods like Brooklyn, Queens, and SoHo
- Enjoy world-class museums such as MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Top experiences in New Jersey:
- Stroll along the Hoboken waterfront with skyline views
- Explore Jersey City and Liberty State Park
- Discover historic towns and landmarks along the New Jersey coast
- Sample local cuisine at bustling markets and eateries
The entire region promises unforgettable experiences beyond the games—plan your itinerary now to make the most of your World Cup trip.