MetLife Stadium is the centrepiece of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosting 8 matches including the Final on July 19, this 82,500-seat arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey sits just 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan — making it the most accessible major tournament venue in North America. Whether you are attending Brazil vs. Morocco in June or the biggest match in world football, this guide covers every logistical detail you need to plan your trip.
To meet FIFA's field-width requirements, MetLife Stadium removed 1,740 corner seats, widening the pitch to international standards. The stadium previously hosted Super Bowl XLVIII (2014), the Copa América Centenario Final (2016), and the FIFA Club World Cup Final (2025).
Source: ESPN / FIFA, 2026
2026 World Cup Match Schedule at MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium hosts five group stage matches across Groups C, E, I, and L — featuring Brazil, France, Germany, and England — followed by three knockout rounds including the Final. All kick-off times are Eastern Time.
| Date | Match | Group / Round | Kick-off ET |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, June 13 | Brazil vs. Morocco | Group C | 6:00 PM |
| Tue, June 16 | France vs. Senegal | Group I | 3:00 PM |
| Mon, June 22 | Norway vs. Senegal | Group I | 8:00 PM |
| Thu, June 25 | Ecuador vs. Germany | Group E | 4:00 PM |
| Sat, June 27 | Panama vs. England | Group L | 5:00 PM |
| Mon, June 30 | Round of 32 (TBD) | Round of 32 | TBD |
| Thu, July 9 | Round of 16 (TBD) | Round of 16 | TBD |
| Sun, July 19 | World Cup Final | Final | TBD |
Photo by Jesse Mills on Unsplash
How to Get to MetLife Stadium for World Cup 2026
NJ Transit is the fastest and most reliable option for most fans. The Meadowlands Rail Line runs directly to the stadium on event days from Secaucus Junction — connect there from Penn Station in Manhattan in under 25 minutes total. A brand-new $35 million World Cup busway will add extra capacity on match days. For fans driving in, the NJ Turnpike (Exit 16E) and Route 3 give direct highway access, but expect heavy congestion from 2 hours before kick-off.
- Train (recommended): Penn Station → Secaucus Junction → Meadowlands Rail Line. Under 25 min total. Trains run every 10–15 min on event days
- World Cup busway: New $35M dedicated bus route from Secaucus Junction — additional capacity built specifically for the 2026 tournament
- NJT Bus 160: Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) to Lot G-17 — available on non-major event days only
- Car: NJ Turnpike Exit 16E or Route 3 — allow 90+ minutes on match days, more for the Final
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Designated drop-off in Lot C. Surge pricing is expected — book in advance
- Taxi: Available at designated taxi stands near the main stadium entrance plaza
Arrive at Least 90 Minutes Before Kick-Off
World Cup security queues at MetLife will be substantially longer than regular NFL games due to international fan volumes and enhanced FIFA screening protocols. Aim for 90 minutes early for group stage matches and 2 full hours for the Final. The Meadowlands Rail Line runs continuous trains on event days — you do not need to book a specific train departure in advance.
Parking at MetLife Stadium for World Cup 2026
All World Cup parking passes are sold via StubHub — there is no cash parking on match days. Lots open 5 hours before kick-off. Prices vary significantly by match proximity and location: Final parking in the adjacent Orange and Pink lots is currently priced at $400–$1,200. Tailgating is permitted only in designated lots under strict FIFA rules.
- All parking sold via StubHub — purchase in advance, no cash accepted on the day
- Lots open 5 hours before kick-off — early arrival gets the best positions
- Group stage parking: from $50 (distant lots) to $150–$400 (Orange/Pink adjacent lots)
- World Cup Final parking: from $400 (nearby) to $1,200+ (Orange/Pink lots adjacent to stadium)
- ADA parking: Lots E, F, and G — valid accessibility credentials required at lot entry
- Tailgating: designated lots only — no open flames, no generators, no large frame tents permitted
- Rideshare drop-off point: Lot C — avoid Lot A which is reserved for permit holders only
Seating at MetLife Stadium — Which Level Is Right for You?
MetLife Stadium's three-tier bowl was reconfigured for soccer, centering all sections on the pitch. Every seat has an unobstructed sightline — there are no structural pillars in the bowl. The stadium also features 200+ luxury suites with private catering, climate control, and midfield views. Club Level offers the best balance of view quality and amenities for most fans.
| Level | View Quality | Price Range (Group Stage) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Bowl | Excellent — close to the pitch, intense atmosphere | $600–$1,500+ | Die-hard fans wanting proximity to the action |
| Mezzanine Club Level | Best overall angle — midfield perspective, cushioned seats | $400–$900 | Families, comfort seekers, fans with club lounge access |
| Upper Deck | Panoramic full-pitch view — steep but excellent for tactics | $150–$400 | Budget fans, large groups, pure atmosphere |
| Luxury Suites (200+) | Private midfield views, in-suite catering | $10,000+ per suite | Corporate hospitality, premium group experiences |
Photo by Myron Mott on Unsplash
Find Hotels Near MetLife Stadium
The closest hotel cluster is in East Rutherford and Carlstadt — within 2 miles of the stadium. Book early: World Cup demand has already pushed match-date rates 3–4x above normal levels.
Best Hotels Near MetLife Stadium for World Cup 2026
East Rutherford has a tight hotel cluster within walking or short-shuttle distance of the stadium, but supply is extremely limited for World Cup dates. Fans attending multiple matches may prefer a Midtown Manhattan base — Secaucus Junction is 20 minutes from Penn Station and the Meadowlands Rail Line takes you directly to the stadium from there.
- SpringHill Suites East Rutherford Meadowlands/Carlstadt — directly adjacent to stadium, hot breakfast included
- Fairfield Inn East Rutherford Meadowlands — 2 miles from stadium, Marriott rewards eligible
- Homewood Suites by Hilton East Rutherford Meadowlands — Route 17-South, extended stay suites available
- Hampton Inn Carlstadt-At The Meadowlands — closest premium option, very high World Cup demand
- Midtown Manhattan hotels (Hudson Yards / Times Square area) — 20–25 min by NJ Transit, wider dining options
Explore New York City World Cup Experiences
MetLife is 8 miles from Manhattan. Make the most of your match days with stadium tours, FIFA Fan Fest visits, and guided New York experiences booked in advance.
Bag Policy — What You Can and Cannot Bring In
MetLife Stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy for all World Cup matches. You may bring one clear plastic bag no larger than 12x6x12 inches, or one small clutch bag no larger than 4.5x6.5 inches. No backpacks, camera bags, or non-transparent tote bags will pass security. Leave all oversized bags at your hotel — there is no bag storage at the stadium and re-entry is not permitted once you have passed the turnstile.
MetLife Stadium World Cup 2026 — Match Day Checklist
Check every item before you leave your hotel on match day.
Plan Your Full New York World Cup Trip
Use our World Cup 2026 Trip Calculator to build a complete budget — flights, hotel, tickets, transport, and daily spend for the New York metro area.
Calculate My Trip CostMetLife Stadium World Cup 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
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