At a Glance
- Location
- New York / New Jersey
- Country
- USA
- Metro Population
- 20 million
- Total Matches
- 8 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- MetLife Stadium
- Recommended Stay
- 4-5 days (5-7 with extensive sightseeing)
- Daily Budget
- $100-150 USD (excluding accommodation)
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
4-5 days (5-7 with extensive sightseeing)
Daily Budget
$100-150 USD (excluding accommodation)
Walkability
10/10 - Very walkable, 5-10 miles/day typical
Transit
10/10 - Best US transit (24/7 subway + NJ Transit)
Safety
8/10 - Safe in tourist areas, use common sense
About New York
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will host 8 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches including THE FINAL on July 19, 2026 - the ultimate match crowning the world champions. Located 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan with 82,500 capacity, the open-air stadium is accessible via NJ Transit's Meadowlands Rail Line. The NY/NJ metro (20 million people) offers 1,500+ hotels (140,000+ rooms) from Queens budget ($120-250/night) to Manhattan luxury ($300-600/night, 2-3x for Final). CRITICAL: During 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, transportation issues caused thousands to arrive late - arrive 4+ hours early for World Cup matches.
City Character
New York City is the global capital of culture, finance, and entertainment. From Times Square's neon lights to Central Park's serenity, from Broadway's stages to Brooklyn's hipster culture, NYC offers unmatched diversity. The 24/7 subway (472 stations) provides unparalleled US public transit access. Walk 5-10 miles/day typical. Peak tourist season (June-July) = massive crowds + long lines. Most expensive World Cup city ($300-600/night Manhattan). Budget strategies critical: Jersey City ($150-200/night), Queens ($120-250/night), or Philadelphia commute strategy (save $70-300).
Critical Info
THE FINAL July 19 = 2-3x hotel surge - book 3-6 months early. ARRIVE 4+ HOURS EARLY (2025 FIFA CWC lessons - fans missed kickoff due to transit issues...
MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey
FIFA: New York New Jersey Stadium
82,500
Capacity
8
Matches
8mi
From Downtown
2010
Opened
Transport
Subway to Penn Station + NJ Transit + Meadowlands Rail ($16-22 RT, 45-60 min)
Open-air stadium (NO roof) - weather can impact experience
Get Involved
3,500 volunteers volunteers needed!
NY/NJ 2026 World Cup Host Committee & FIFA
Host of THE WORLD CUP FINAL at MetLife Stadium + world-class NYC attractions
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Watch THE WORLD CUP FINAL (July 19) - ultimate match crowning world champions at
- ★Walk Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise - empty pedestrian walkway, golden Manhattan sky
- ★Times Square at midnight - neon lights, Broadway theaters, sensory overload (fre
- ★Joe's Pizza slice fold-and-eat on sidewalk - the quintessential NYC moment ($4-5
- ★Russ & Daughters bagel with lox - 100+ year Lower East Side institution ($12)
Perfect For
World Cup Final attendees (July 19 - THE ultimate match!)
First-time NYC visitors (bucket-list attractions)
Public transit enthusiasts (24/7 subway + NJ Transit)
Culture seekers (Broadway, museums, diverse neighborhoods)
Match Schedule
8 matches • Group Stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, Final
🏆 Hosts the World Cup Final!
🇧🇷 Brazil vs 🇲🇦 Morocco
Saturday, June 13, 2026
6:00 PM ET
🇫🇷 France vs 🇸🇳 Senegal
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
3:00 PM ET
🇳🇴 Norway vs 🇸🇳 Senegal
Monday, June 22, 2026
8:00 PM ET
🇪🇨 Ecuador vs 🇩🇪 Germany
Thursday, June 25, 2026
4:00 PM ET
🇵🇦 Panama vs 🏴☠️ England
Saturday, June 27, 2026
5:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
5:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Sunday, July 5, 2026
4:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Sunday, July 19, 2026
3:00 PM ET
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Hot and humid NYC summer •
Average High
82°F
(28°C)
Average Low
68°F
(20°C)
Rainy Days
8-10 days/month (frequent afternoon thunderstorms)
per month
Humidity
60-70%
What to Expect
NYC June-July is hot and humid at 75-85°F (24-29°C) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms (8-10 rainy days/month). MetLife Stadium is OPEN-AIR (no roof) so weather impacts experience. Pack sunscreen SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses, rain jacket. Buildings blast AC to 65-70°F creating 20° temperature swings. Walk 5-10 miles/day typical. Peak tourist season = long lines everywhere.
Packing Essentials
- Light breathable clothing (cotton, moisture-wicking)
- Comfortable walking shoes (5-10 miles/day typical)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ and sunglasses
- Rain jacket or poncho (thunderstorms common)
- Reusable water bottle
- Light sweater (AC buildings 20° cooler)
- Clear bag (12x6x12 max)
- Power bank
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Getting Around
Transport options
NJ Transit from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, transfer to Meadowlands Line
$20-35 round-trip per person (depends on which NJ Transit line you use from Penn Station)
Uber / Lyft
$50-80 normal, $100-200 surge each way on match days
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stadiums in NYC for World Cup?
Only one: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, 8 miles from Manhattan. Marketed as 'New York/New Jersey Stadium' but physically in New Jersey. Hosts 8 matches including THE FINAL July 19, 2026 - cr...
Is MetLife in NY or NJ?
East Rutherford, NEW JERSEY, 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Address: 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. Home to NY Giants and NY Jets (causes confusion). Marketed as 'NY/NJ Stadium' ...
How to get to MetLife from Manhattan?
Subway to Penn Station ($3, any line to 34th St) + NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction ($8, 12 min) + Meadowlands Rail to MetLife ($4.50 RT, 7 min). Total: 45-60 min, $16-22 RT. Trains every 10-20 min dur...
Need car in NYC?
NO. 24/7 subway (472 stations) + NJ Transit for stadium. Car = expensive parking ($30-50/day Manhattan, $40-70 stadium), heavy traffic, unnecessary stress. Use subway for city, NJ Transit for stadium....
Best area to stay?
Jersey City near PATH ($150-200/night, 20-30min drive or 45-50min transit to stadium). Queens ($120-250/night, 40-60min to stadium, best NYC value). Brooklyn ($150-300/night, 60-80min, authentic NYC)....
Is NYC safe?
Yes, generally safe in tourist areas (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens). Crime rates down since 1990s. Use common sense: stay aware, don't flash valuables, avoid empty subway cars late (10PM+), stick to we...
How expensive is NYC?
Very expensive. Budget $100-150/day food+attractions, $250-500/night hotels during WC (100-150% surge, 2-3x for Final), $35-36 for 7-day unlimited transit. Total $150-250/day per person excluding acco...
When arrive at MetLife?
4+ HOURS before kickoff minimum. During 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, severe traffic + train mechanical issues caused thousands to miss kickoff despite arriving 2hrs early. For World Cup Final, transporta...
Visit Manhattan + match same day?
Yes but plan carefully. For 5PM kickoff: Morning sightseeing (8AM-12PM) → lunch (12-1PM) → depart stadium 1PM (arrive 3-3:30PM) → match 5PM → return Manhattan 10:30-11:30PM. Half-day sightseeing + ful...
Hotels walking distance MetLife?
Only 3 hotels within 1 mile, all Meadowlands area $200-350/night (2-3x for Final). Near American Dream mall. Expensive for location, no nearby attractions, still need transit to NYC for dining/sightse...