THE COMPLETE NEW YORK WORLD CUP 2026 GUIDE
New York and New Jersey will be the centrepiece of the 2026 World Cup. MetLife Stadium — home of the Final — is one of the largest and most storied venues on the planet. Here is everything you need to know to navigate the city, the stadium, and the experience.
THE STADIUM: METLIFE, EAST RUTHERFORD NJ
MetLife Stadium sits across the Hudson River in East Rutherford, New Jersey, approximately 19km from Midtown Manhattan. With a capacity of 82,500, it is one of the largest stadiums in North America and will host 8 matches including the World Cup Final on 19 July 2026.
The stadium has four entry gates: Gate A (north), Gate B (south), Gate C (east), and Gate D (west). VIP and hospitality entry is via Gate A. Arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off — security queues at major matches can be significant.
GoalPass Tips
- Take NJ Transit from Penn Station — fastest and most reliable on matchday
- Allow 30 extra minutes for post-match crowd dispersal
- The stadium is alcohol-free in certain sections — check your ticket zone
- Bags must fit within 12" x 6" x 12" or be a clear bag
GETTING TO THE STADIUM
The best way to reach MetLife from Manhattan is NJ Transit from New York Penn Station (33rd Street). The ride takes approximately 30 minutes and trains run every 15–20 minutes on matchday. A special matchday service runs directly to the Meadowlands Sports Complex station, which is a 5-minute walk from the stadium gate.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is an option but expect surge pricing of 3–5× during matchday periods. Designated drop-off zones are on the north side of the stadium. Private car services are available from GoalPass for hospitality guests.
- NJ Transit from Penn Station: ~30 min, ~$12
- Rideshare: 25–45 min depending on traffic, variable price
- GoalPass matchday shuttle: Departs from Midtown hotels
- Parking: Available on-site from $50 — book in advance via the stadium website
WHERE TO STAY
Midtown Manhattan is the optimal base. You are close to Times Square, Central Park, the best restaurants, and Penn Station for the stadium run. The West Side (Hell's Kitchen, Hudson Yards) is slightly quieter and offers excellent value for a World Cup trip.
GoalPass has negotiated rates at the Westin New York at Times Square and the St. Regis for premium travellers. Brooklyn is a great alternative base — cheaper, vibrant, and connected via subway.
GoalPass Tips
- Book as early as possible — hotel prices triple during peak match weeks
- The Final week (18–19 July) is the most expensive — book now
- Consider apartment rental for groups of 4+ for better value
- Ask GoalPass to bundle your hotel with your tickets for the best combined rate
FAN ZONES & MATCH ATMOSPHERE
FIFA will operate an official Fan Zone in Times Square capable of holding up to 15,000 fans. Giant screens will show all 48 matches live, with live entertainment, food stalls, and merchandise. Entry is free — arrive early for the big Group Stage fixtures.
The Meadowlands Fan Park opens 3 hours before each MetLife Stadium kick-off and is exclusively for ticketholders. It features food trucks, DJs, and a pre-match atmosphere unlike anything in US sports.
WHERE TO WATCH IN MANHATTAN
For early morning Group Stage matches (European kick-off times), Midtown Irish pubs open at 06:00 and fill quickly. Some of the best spots: Molly's Pub (33rd Street), The Football Factory at Legends (28th Street near Penn), and Nevada Smith's (13th Street in the East Village).
Brazilian community watch parties concentrate in Queens (Astoria and Flushing) for Brazil games. Argentine fans tend to gather in Jackson Heights. For neutral fans and a premium experience, several Manhattan rooftop bars will show matches live.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR NEW YORK
New York in June and July is hot — average temperatures of 28–34°C with high humidity. Dress light, hydrate constantly, and carry a small backpack with essentials.
- Tap water is safe and free — refill a bottle rather than buying plastic
- Subway is the fastest transport for almost everything in Manhattan
- Tipping: 18–20% in restaurants, $2–5 per bag for hotels, $1–2 per drink at bars
- Currency: USD only — exchange at airport or use a fee-free travel card
- SIM cards: Available from AT&T and T-Mobile at JFK on arrival
- Emergency: 911. Non-emergency police: 311
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