A Summer of Football in New York and New Jersey
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, New York and New Jersey are set to become the epicenter of global football. National teams from Brazil, France, Germany, and England will all be heading to the region, alongside the final match of the tournament itself. The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford’s Meadowlands Sports Complex is preparing to host eight matches during the event, making it a key location for fans and spectators alike.
The stadium, which has previously hosted major events such as the NFL Super Bowl and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, will once again be the focal point of the sporting world. With its 80,000-seat capacity, it will play host to group-stage matches like Brazil vs Morocco, France vs Senegal, and England vs Panama, as well as knockout fixtures and the final on 19 July.
World Cup Fixtures in New York and New Jersey
Here is a breakdown of the key matches taking place in the region:
- 14 June – Group C: Brazil vs Morocco
- 16 June – Group I: France vs Senegal
- 23 June – Group I: Norway vs Senegal
- 25 June – Group E: Ecuador vs Germany
- 27 June – Group L: Panama vs England
- 1 July – Round of 32: Winner Group I vs best third-placed team
- 6 July – Round of 16: Winner Match 76 vs Winner Match 78
- 19 July: 2026 FIFA World Cup final
Exploring the Region Beyond the Stadium
New York City offers a wealth of iconic landmarks and attractions that visitors can enjoy during their stay. From the vibrant lights of Times Square to the panoramic views from the Empire State Building, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Visitors can also take ferry rides past the Statue of Liberty or unwind in Central Park, explore the beachfront amusements of Coney Island, or enjoy Broadway and off-Broadway shows.
For those looking to experience the city beyond the football, museums, rooftop bars, and neighborhood food tours provide countless opportunities to discover the local culture. Meanwhile, New Jersey offers a mix of waterfront views, shopping, and entertainment hubs. The American Dream complex, located just minutes from the stadium, features indoor skiing, a water park, restaurants, and retail outlets.
Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers some of the best skyline views of Manhattan, while the Jersey Shore remains a classic summer escape with beach towns, boardwalks, and Atlantic City’s famous casinos.
A Sporting Landscape Like No Other
New York and New Jersey are home to one of the most renowned sporting landscapes in the world. The region is home to teams across almost every major US league, including the NFL’s Giants and Jets, who share the MetLife Stadium. Baseball fans can watch the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and the Mets at Citi Field in Queens.
Madison Square Garden hosts the NBA’s Knicks and NHL’s Rangers, while the Brooklyn Nets play at Barclays Center. In addition, football has a growing presence through two MLS sides: New York City FC, who primarily play at Yankee Stadium, and the New York Red Bulls, based across the Hudson River at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.
Experience the Food Scene
New York City is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, with over 72 Michelin-starred restaurants in the area. From steakhouses and Italian restaurants in Manhattan to the excellent Asian cuisine found in Flushing, Queens, there is something for every palate.
Fan Zones Across the Region
There will be free fan zones in each of New York City’s five boroughs, including locations such as Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, and Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn. A fan zone will also be held in Harrison, New Jersey, at Sports Illustrated Stadium, with tickets available for $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
Transportation Options
For those planning to attend the matches, several transportation options are available. A round-trip train ticket from Penn Station in Manhattan to East Rutherford on NJ Transit costs $98, though this is still significantly more than the $12.90 for other events. Fans must purchase tickets in advance for specific time slots and may need to transfer at Secaucus Junction.
NJ Transit also operates from Secaucus or Hoboken Terminal, and FIFA’s official shuttle bus offers a $20 ride from Grand Central Station, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, or a park-and-ride site in Clifton, New Jersey.
Despite the large parking lots surrounding the stadium, only premium and limited availability will be available at the American Dream mall. Ride-share pickup and drop-off points will be located at the Meadowlands harness racing track.
Tips for Attending the Matches
Visitors should allow plenty of time to get into the stadium and be prepared for potential delays when leaving. Regular-season American football games often lead to long lines and traffic jams, and the logistical challenges of no parking or tailgating, combined with the influx of unfamiliar fans, could result in lengthy delays.
