New York / New Jersey
Your Complete 2026 World Cup Guide
At a Glance
- Location
- New York, New York, USA
- Population
- 8.3 million
- Time Zone
- EST (UTC-5)
- Stadiums
- 1 venue
- Matches Hosted
- 8 matches
- Best Way to Get Around
- Subway + NJ Transit
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will host 8 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches including the Final on July 19, 2026. Located 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan with a capacity of 82,500, the stadium is accessible via NJ Transit's Meadowlands Rail Line (event-day service only). The New York/New Jersey metro area offers 1,500+ hotels (140,000+ rooms) ranging from budget options in Queens ($120-250/night) to luxury Manhattan properties ($300-600/night, expect 2-3x surge for Final).
Getting to MetLife Stadium requires taking public transit from Manhattan (45-60 minutes total) or driving with parking costs of $40-70. The most budget-friendly option is using the subway to Penn Station ($3.00 as of 2026), transferring to NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction, then boarding the Meadowlands Rail Line ($16-22 round trip total). Critical note: Based on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup experience at MetLife Stadium, arrive 4+ hours before kickoff to avoid traffic delays and transit overcrowding.
New York City is one of the most expensive World Cup host regions, with average costs of $150-250/day per person excluding accommodation. Strategic planning can save $70-300 per person—consider staying in Queens or Jersey City for 40% lower hotel rates, or use the Philadelphia commute strategy (detailed in budget sections). The city offers world-class attractions including Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Empire State Building, making it perfect for multi-day trips combining matches with sightseeing.
⚽World Cup Stadium
Getting Around
The NYC subway operates 24/7 with 472 stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Single ride costs $3.00 (2026 fare, increased from $2.90 in 2025), or purchase an unlimited 7-day pass for $35-36 (pays for itself after 12 rides). Download the MTA app for real-time train tracking and service alerts.
To MetLife Stadium from Manhattan:
1. Take any subway line to Penn Station (Midtown Manhattan)
2. Board NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction ($8, 12 minutes, frequent service)
3. Transfer to Meadowlands Rail Line ($4.50 round trip, event-day only)
4. Arrive at MetLife Stadium (7 minutes from Secaucus)
Total time: 45-60 minutes | Total cost: $16-22 round trip | Frequency: Trains every 10-20 minutes during events
Important warnings:
- Trains get extremely crowded 2-3 hours before kickoff
- Mechanical issues during 2025 FIFA Club World Cup caused 1,000+ fans to arrive late
- Recommended arrival: 4+ hours before kickoff for World Cup matches
- Download offline maps in case cell service is slow near packed stadium
Alternative: Rideshare/Taxi
Uber/Lyft available but surge pricing on match days can reach $100-150 from Manhattan. Only recommended for groups of 3-4 people splitting costs. Post-match wait times often exceed 30 minutes.
Driving NOT Recommended
Stadium parking costs $40-70 (may reach $75-175 for World Cup) with 1-2 hour exit waits. Manhattan parking adds $30-50/day. Traffic delays common.
Where to Stay
New York has 1,500+ hotels (140,000+ rooms), but prices spike 100-150% during World Cup matches, with 2-3x surges expected for the Final. Book 3-6 months in advance for best rates and availability.
Budget Strategy Comparison:
- Manhattan (Midtown): $300-600/night (expect 2-3x surge for Final) | Best for first-time visitors | 45-60 min to stadium
- Brooklyn: $150-300/night | Best for budget + NYC vibe | 60-80 min to stadium
- Queens: $120-250/night | Best value in NYC proper | 40-60 min to stadium
- Jersey City: $150-200/night | Best for stadium access + savings | 20-30 min (car) or 45-50 min (transit)
- Meadowlands area: $200-350/night (2-3x surge for Final) | Walking distance to stadium | Nothing else nearby
Money-Saving Tips:
1. Stay in Jersey City near PATH train stations—fastest MetLife access at lowest cost ($150-200/night vs $300-500 in Manhattan)
2. Queens (Long Island City) offers reasonable commute from NYC boroughs (40-60 min) at affordable rates
3. Philadelphia commute strategy: Stay in Philly ($150-200/night), take train on match day (2.5 hours, $34 one-way). Saves $70-300 on accommodation
4. Brooklyn delivers authentic NYC experience for 40% less than Manhattan
5. Book directly with hotels rather than third-party sites for better cancellation policies
Avoid: Meadowlands area hotels unless you have a car and aren't planning to explore NYC—expensive for what you get and isolated location.
Neighborhood Breakdown
Midtown Manhattan
Best For
First-time visitors, luxury travelers, business travelers
Distance to Stadium
8 miles
Travel Time
45-60 minutes via subway + NJ Transit
Pros
- •Central location near all major attractions
- •Excellent 24/7 subway access
- •Walking distance to Times Square, Broadway, Central Park
- •Thousands of restaurant options
- •Direct subway to Penn Station for stadium access
Cons
- •Most expensive neighborhood in NYC
- •Extremely crowded, especially during summer
- •Longer commute to MetLife Stadium (45-60 minutes)
- •Noise and traffic congestion
Brooklyn (Williamsburg/DUMBO)
Best For
Budget-conscious travelers, families, hipsters, foodies
Distance to Stadium
13 miles
Travel Time
60-80 minutes via subway + NJ Transit
Pros
- •40% cheaper than Manhattan
- •Trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and nightlife
- •Authentic NYC neighborhood vibe
- •Excellent subway connections to Manhattan
- •Great views of Manhattan skyline from DUMBO
Cons
- •Longer commute to MetLife Stadium (60-80 minutes)
- •Requires subway transfer to reach Penn Station
- •Fewer traditional tourist attractions
- •Can feel far from Midtown Manhattan action
Queens (Long Island City)
Best For
Value seekers, families with cars, budget travelers
Distance to Stadium
10 miles
Travel Time
40-60 minutes via subway + NJ Transit
Pros
- •Shortest commute to MetLife Stadium from NYC boroughs
- •Most affordable NYC option with good amenities
- •Less crowded than Manhattan or Brooklyn
- •Good mix of hotels and Airbnbs
- •Easy access to both Manhattan and airports
Cons
- •Fewer tourist attractions in immediate area
- •Less nightlife compared to Manhattan/Brooklyn
- •Requires public transit for most sightseeing
- •Not the "classic NYC" experience
Jersey City, NJ
Best For
Stadium access priority, budget travelers, families
Distance to Stadium
8 miles
Travel Time
20-30 min (car/rideshare) or 45-50 min (PATH + NJ Transit)
Pros
- •Closest city to MetLife Stadium (20 min drive)
- •Affordable compared to Manhattan
- •PATH train to Manhattan ($5.50, 15 minutes)
- •Great Manhattan skyline views
- •Good hotel availability
Cons
- •Limited nightlife and dining compared to NYC
- •Fewer tourist attractions
- •May feel suburban rather than urban
- •Requires transit to reach NYC attractions
Meadowlands Area, NJ
Best For
Car travelers, families wanting maximum convenience
Distance to Stadium
0.5-1 mile
Travel Time
5-15 minutes walk or short drive
Pros
- •Walking distance to MetLife Stadium (3 hotels within 1 mile)
- •No commute stress on match days
- •Adjacent to American Dream mega-mall
- •Free parking at some hotels
- •Quickest access for early arrivals
Cons
- •Expensive for what you get (suburban area pricing)
- •Nothing else in immediate area besides stadium and mall
- •Requires car or expensive rideshare to reach NYC (30+ minutes)
- •Limited dining options nearby
- •Not a "destination" area
Top Things to Do
New York City offers world-class attractions, dining, and entertainment. Plan 2-3 full days minimum to experience highlights beyond match days.
Must-See Attractions:
- Statue of Liberty - Book ferry 2-3 weeks ahead ($24-44), allow 4-5 hours
- Central Park - 849 acres free to explore, rent bikes ($15/hr) or walk
- Times Square - Free, best at night, expect massive crowds
- Brooklyn Bridge - Free walk with stunning views, sunrise/sunset ideal
- Empire State Building - $44-79, book online to skip lines, sunset optimal
Food Scene:
- Pizza: Joe's Pizza ($4-5/slice), Prince Street Pizza ($5+/slice), Di Fara ($6/slice)
- Bagels: Russ & Daughters ($12), Ess-a-Bagel ($8), Murray's ($7)
- Fine Dining: Le Bernardin ($215+ Prix Fixe / $325+ Tasting), Eleven Madison Park ($350+)
- Street Food: Halal Guys ($10), Xi'an Famous Foods ($8)
Nightlife:
- Rooftop Bars: 230 Fifth, The Press Lounge, Westlight Brooklyn
- Live Music: Blue Note Jazz Club, Mercury Lounge, Apollo Theater
- Craft Beer: Other Half Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, Threes Brewing
- Broadway Shows: Book tickets 1-2 weeks ahead, expect $80-300/seat
Budget Tip: Many museums offer free or discounted hours—Brooklyn Museum, Bronx Museum, and others. Note: The Met's "pay what you wish" policy is for NY/NJ/CT residents only; international tourists pay full admission (~$30). Walking tours of neighborhoods like Greenwich Village or Chinatown are free and excellent for authentic NYC experience.
Must-See Attractions
Times Square
The iconic neon-lit crossroads of the world, featuring Broadway theaters, massive digital billboards, and constant crowds. Best experienced at night when the lights are most dazzling. Free to visit but expect heavy foot traffic year-round.
Cost
Free
Time Needed
1-2 hours
Best Time
Evening (after 7 PM) for best lighting
How to Get There
Subway: N/Q/R/W/S/1/2/3/7 to Times Sq-42 St
Central Park
849 acres of green space in the heart of Manhattan. Explore by foot, rent bikes ($15/hour), or join a guided walking tour. Must-see spots include Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and Belvedere Castle. Perfect for escaping city crowds.
Cost
Free (bike rental $15/hr)
Time Needed
2-4 hours
Best Time
Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM)
How to Get There
Subway: Multiple entrances via A/B/C/D at 59th St-Columbus Circle
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
One of the world's most iconic landmarks. Book ferry tickets 2-3 weeks in advance ($24 adult for ferry + pedestal access, $44 for crown access). Allow 4-5 hours for full visit including Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
Cost
$24-44 per person
Time Needed
4-5 hours (half day)
Best Time
Early morning (9 AM first ferry) to avoid crowds
How to Get There
Subway: 1 to South Ferry or 4/5 to Bowling Green, then Statue Cruises ferry
Brooklyn Bridge
Historic 1883 suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walk or bike across for stunning skyline views. The pedestrian walkway is elevated above traffic. Sunrise and sunset offer the best photo opportunities.
Cost
Free
Time Needed
1-1.5 hours (including walk across)
Best Time
Early morning (6-8 AM) or sunset (6-8 PM depending on season)
How to Get There
Manhattan side: Subway 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall. Brooklyn side: A/C to High St-Brooklyn Bridge
Empire State Building
Iconic 102-story Art Deco skyscraper with observation decks on 86th and 102nd floors. Book timed tickets online to skip lines. Sunset visits offer both daylight and nighttime city views. Clear day visibility up to 80 miles.
Cost
$44-79 per person (depending on deck level)
Time Needed
2-3 hours (including wait times)
Best Time
Sunset (1 hour before sunset) or late evening (after 10 PM for shorter lines)
How to Get There
Subway: B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W to 34th St-Herald Square
Weather & When to Visit
High
82°F
(28°C)
Low
68°F
(20°C)
Rain
8-10 days/month
Humidity
60-70%
World Cup Season (June-July 2026)
- Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C) daily averages
- Rainfall: 8-10 days/month, frequent afternoon thunderstorms
- Humidity: 60-70%, can feel oppressive during midday
- Crowds: Peak tourist season, expect long lines at attractions
What to Pack:
- Light, breathable clothing (cotton, moisture-wicking fabrics)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk 5-10 miles/day easily)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ and sunglasses
- Rain jacket or poncho (thunderstorms common!)
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
- Light sweater for over-air-conditioned buildings
Tip: NYC buildings blast AC to 65-70°F while it's 85°F outside—the 20° temperature swing can be shocking. Layer clothing.
Money-Saving Tips
- Stay in Jersey City near PATH stations for fastest MetLife access at 40% lower cost than Manhattan ($150-200/night vs $300-500, but expect 2-3x surge for Final)
- Use the Philadelphia commute strategy: stay in Philly ($150-200/night), train to MetLife on match day (2.5 hours, $34 one-way) to save $70-300 per person
- Buy 7-day unlimited MetroCard ($35-36, 2026 fare) if staying 3+ days—pays for itself after 12 rides ($3.00 each)
- Book stadium train tickets via NJ Transit mobile app to avoid $5 paper ticket surcharge
- Eat at food trucks and delis ($8-15) instead of sit-down restaurants ($25-40 per person)
- Visit Brooklyn Museum, Bronx Museum, or other smaller museums during free hours. Note: The Met's 'pay what you wish' is for NY/NJ/CT residents only; international tourists pay full admission (~$30)
- Pack snacks and refillable water bottle—NYC prices are inflated at tourist areas
- Take free Staten Island Ferry for Statue of Liberty views instead of paid cruises (saves $24/person)
- Stay in Queens (Long Island City) for reasonable NYC borough commute to stadium (40-60 min) at lowest rates ($120-250/night)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Population
20 million (metro)
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5)
Currency
USD ($)
Language
English
Emergency
911
Major Airports
EWR - 16 mi
JFK - 20 mi
LGA - 12 mi