Best Transportation Option
Recommendation: Use Bus (Coach USA 351, NJ Transit 353) for convenience and cost savings.
The Meadowlands
MetLife Stadium (New York/NJ) World Cup 2026 Guide
East Rutherford, New Jersey
82,500 capacity
Opened 2010
New York Giants & New York Jets
FIFA Capacity
82,500
World Cup Seating
Year Built
2010
Renovated 2023
Surface Type
FieldTurf
FIFA Standard
Climate Control
Open-air
Open Air
Matchday Logistics
- Location
- East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Timezone
- America/New_York
- Best Way to Get There
- Public transit available - See transportation section below
- Arrival Time
- 3 hours before kickoff
- Estimated Total Cost
- $83-$200 per person
- Accessibility
- Fully ADA compliant - 850 wheelchair spaces
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
MetLife Stadium hosts 8 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches including the Final with a tournament capacity of 82,500 spectators. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this open-air venue features a fieldturf playing surface and opened in 2010.
The stadium is accessible via Bus (Coach USA 351, NJ Transit 353) for $15.
Critical: Traffic during major events can cause fans to miss kickoff even arriving 2 hours early Public transit is strongly recommended for all World Cup matches.
🏆 Host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
This stadium will host 8 matches including the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 19, 2026, with an expected attendance of 82,500.
Our Recommendations``
Best Time to Arrive
For World Cup matches: Arrive 3 hours before kickoff. Gates typically open 2 hours early, but security screening can take 45+ minutes during major international events. Plan extra time for traffic and parking.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Parking | $28-$40 |
| Food & Drinks | $30-$60 |
| Souvenirs (optional) | $25-$100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $83-$200 |
Critical Warnings
- Traffic during major events can cause fans to miss kickoff even arriving 2 hours early
- Train mechanical issues during FIFA Club World Cup 2025 caused 1,000+ fans to arrive late
- Recommended arrival: 4 hours before kickoff for FIFA World Cup matches
- Post-event parking lot exits can take 1-2 hours if not strategic
- During FIFA Club World Cup semifinals, traffic was so severe parking stopped collecting fees
Nearby Airports
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
10 miles from stadium
AirTrain → NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction → Meadowlands Rail Line
Cost
$17
Time
50 min
Most convenient for direct access
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
95 miles from stadium
SEPTA Airport Line → 30th Street → SEPTA to Trenton → NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction → Meadowlands Rail Line
Cost
$34
Time
150 min
💡 Recommended Strategy
Stay overnight in Philadelphia day before match, commute to stadium on game day
Advantages:
- ✓Philadelphia hotels $150-200/night vs NYC/NJ $300-500/night
- ✓Potential savings $70-300 per person
- ✓Free parking available at many Philadelphia hotels
- ✓Explore Philadelphia attractions day before match
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
35 miles from stadium
Requires car service or complex transfers. Not recommended.
Train Stations
Secaucus Junction
PRIMARY HUBBetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line
Distance
3 mi
Cost
$4.5
Time
7 min
Frequency
Every 10-20 minutes
⏰ 4 hours before event to 3 hours after
Expect crowds during major events. Arrive early. Train delays possible during peak capacity.
Penn Station New York
Distance
10 mi
Newark Penn Station
Distance
9 mi
Public Transportation
Bus
Direct service from Port Authority Bus Terminal NYC
Routes:
Coach USA 351NJ Transit 353
30 min
$15
Train
Event-day service from Secaucus Junction
Routes:
Meadowlands Rail Line
7 min
$4.5
Driving Directions
NJ Turnpike Exit 16W, follow signs for MetLife Stadium and American Dream
Parking Options & Strategies
🅿️ Official Stadium Parking
Regular
$40
Event Day
$70
Opens
5 hours before kickoff
Exit Time
30 minutes to 2+ hours depending on lot location
⚡ Best Lots:
- Lot J - near Route 3 exit for fastest vehicle exit
💡 Pro Tip
Leave before final whistle or sprint to car immediately after to avoid 1-2 hour wait
📍 American Dream Mall
Cost
$60
Walk Time
12 min
💰 Budget Hack
Park in Deck A or D, stay 3+ hours at mall after game = only $5 parking (saves $35-65)
📍 Secaucus Park and Ride
Cost Range
$30-50
✨ Stress-free exit, avoid stadium traffic entirely
📍 Private Driveways
Cost Range
$30-50
Money-Saving Tips
- 💰Park at American Dream Mall Decks A/D, arrive 4+ hours early, stay 3+ hours after = $5 total parking (saves $35-65)
- 💰Use Secaucus Junction park and ride + train for stress-free exit ($30-50 parking + $4.50 train vs $70 stadium parking)
- 💰Book private driveway parking via apps like Prked in East Rutherford ($30-50 range)
- 💰For international visitors: Consider flying into PHL instead of EWR - cheaper hotels in Philadelphia can offset longer commute
- 💰Philadelphia Center City hotels with free parking start at $150/night vs $300-500 in NJ/NYC
- 💰Stay in Philadelphia day before, enjoy attractions, then commute to MetLife - saves $70-300 per person
Time-Saving Tips
- ⚡Arrive minimum 4 hours before major events (based on FIFA Club World Cup 2025 experience)
- ⚡Take Meadowlands Rail Line from Secaucus to avoid parking lot exit wait
- ⚡Park in Lot J near Route 3 exit for fastest vehicle exit (5 minutes vs 1-2 hours)
- ⚡If staying for full event, be first to parking lot at final whistle
- ⚡Book train tickets via NJ Transit mobile app in advance to avoid $5 surcharge
Budget Travel Strategies
Philadelphia Stay & Commute
Stay in Philadelphia the night before, take train to MetLife Stadium on game day
Total Cost
220-270 per person (hotel + transport)
Savings
70-300 per person vs staying in NYC/NJ
Time
2-2.5 hours each way
Benefits:
- ✓Explore Philadelphia attractions (Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc.)
- ✓Lower cost dining and entertainment options
- ✓Free parking at many Philadelphia hotels
- ✓Less crowded than NYC metro area during World Cup
Best for: Visitors attending 1-2 matches with flexible schedules
Important Warnings
- ⚠️Traffic during major events can cause fans to miss kickoff even arriving 2 hours early
- ⚠️Train mechanical issues during FIFA Club World Cup 2025 caused 1,000+ fans to arrive late
- ⚠️Recommended arrival: 4 hours before kickoff for FIFA World Cup matches
- ⚠️Post-event parking lot exits can take 1-2 hours if not strategic
- ⚠️During FIFA Club World Cup semifinals, traffic was so severe parking stopped collecting fees
Parking Information
Total Spaces
28,000
Average Cost
$40
per vehicle
Accessible Spaces
350
Reservations
✅ Available
Pro Tip: Book parking in advance during major events to guarantee a spot and save money.
Parking Options & Strategies
Official Stadium Parking
Cost
$40
Total Spaces
28,000
Opens
5 hours before kickoff
💡 Pro Tip: Leave before final whistle or sprint to car immediately after to avoid 1-2 hour wait
Alternative Parking Options
American Dream Mall
$60Secaucus Park and Ride
$30-50Private Driveways
$30-50Book in advance for East Rutherford residential areas
Money-Saving Tips
- Park at American Dream Mall Decks A/D, arrive 4+ hours early, stay 3+ hours after = $5 total parking (saves $35-65)
- Use Secaucus Junction park and ride + train for stress-free exit ($30-50 parking + $4.50 train vs $70 stadium parking)
- Book private driveway parking via apps like Prked in East Rutherford ($30-50 range)
- For international visitors: Consider flying into PHL instead of EWR - cheaper hotels in Philadelphia can offset longer commute
- Philadelphia Center City hotels with free parking start at $150/night vs $300-500 in NJ/NYC
- Stay in Philadelphia day before, enjoy attractions, then commute to MetLife - saves $70-300 per person
Time-Saving Tips
- Arrive minimum 4 hours before major events (based on FIFA Club World Cup 2025 experience)
- Take Meadowlands Rail Line from Secaucus to avoid parking lot exit wait
- Park in Lot J near Route 3 exit for fastest vehicle exit (5 minutes vs 1-2 hours)
- If staying for full event, be first to parking lot at final whistle
- Book train tickets via NJ Transit mobile app in advance to avoid $5 surcharge
Budget Travel Strategies
Philadelphia Stay & Commute
Stay in Philadelphia the night before, take train to MetLife Stadium on game day
Total Cost
220-270 per person (hotel + transport)
Savings
70-300 per person vs staying in NYC/NJ
Time
2-2.5 hours each way
✅ Benefits:
- • Explore Philadelphia attractions (Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc.)
- • Lower cost dining and entertainment options
- • Free parking at many Philadelphia hotels
- • Less crowded than NYC metro area during World Cup
⚠️ Considerations:
- • Requires early departure on game day (5+ hours before kickoff recommended)
- • Multiple train transfers (3 connections)
- • Must purchase tickets in advance to lock in fares
Amenities & Services
Food Vendors
Available
Bars
Available
Retail Shops
Available
WiFi
Available
Charging Stations
Available
Dietary Options
VegetarianHalalKosherVeganGluten-Free
Outside Food Policy
Outside food not permitted
Match Schedule
8 Matches
This stadium will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final! 🏆
MetLife Stadium will host 8 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches including the Final. Matches span from to .
Group Stage
5 matchesMatch #5Group C
🇧🇷
Brazil
FIFA Rank: #5VS
🇲🇦
Morocco
FIFA Rank: #136:00 PM EDT(Stadium)
MetLife StadiumNew York/New Jersey, USA
Match #21Group I
🇫🇷
France
FIFA Rank: #2VS
🇸🇳
Senegal
FIFA Rank: #193:00 PM EDT(Stadium)
MetLife StadiumNew York/New Jersey, USA
Match #42Group I
🇳🇴
Norway
FIFA Rank: #46VS
🇸🇳
Senegal
FIFA Rank: #198:00 PM EDT(Stadium)
MetLife StadiumNew York/New Jersey, USA
Match #55Group E
🇪🇨
Ecuador
FIFA Rank: #34VS
🇩🇪
Germany
FIFA Rank: #124:00 PM EDT(Stadium)
MetLife StadiumNew York/New Jersey, USA
Match #57Group L
🇵🇦
Panama
FIFA Rank: #56VS
🏴☠️
England
FIFA Rank: #85:00 PM EDT(Stadium)
MetLife StadiumNew York/New Jersey, USA
Round of 32
1 matchRound of 16
1 matchFinal
1 matchPlan Your Trip
Get ready for the biggest sporting event! Official FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets will be available through FIFA's official ticketing platform.
Unique Features
- ✨LED color-changing exterior facade
- ✨Retractable seating for soccer configuration
- ✨Solar ring with 1,350 solar panels
- ✨Four 30-by-118-foot HD video displays
- ✨Most expensive stadium ever built ($1.6 billion)
Photo Gallery
Photo Credits:
Frequently Asked Questions
Stadium Information
Address
1 MetLife Stadium DriveEast Rutherford, New Jersey NJ 07073
Phone
+1-201-559-1300
Official Website
Visit Website →2026 World Cup
Matches Scheduled
8
🏆 Including the Final
Stages
Group StageRound of 16QuarterfinalsFinal
Expected Attendance
82,500
Stadium Tours
Cost
$25
per person
Duration
90 minutes
Tour Includes
- ✓Press box access
- ✓Luxury suite viewing
- ✓Field access (seasonal)
- ✓Locker room visit
Nearby Hotels
Within 1 mile3
Within 5 miles18
Within 10 miles50