In this guide
The New York New Jersey Stadium name, East Rutherford location and what it means for visitorsThe New York New Jersey Stadium match scheduleMatchday at the New York New Jersey Stadium: no parking, no tailgatingTransport: getting to the stadium from Manhattan, Newark, Jersey City and BrooklynFan experiences across New York and New JerseyWhere to stay for the New York/New Jersey fixturesTickets for World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey matches: where things stand in late April 2026Stadium rules, bag policy, weather and the 19 July FinalFrequently Asked QuestionsNew York/New Jersey is hosting eight matches at the 2026 men's World Cup, with the showpiece Final on Sunday, 19 July, kick-off 3:00 pm ET. The venue is MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which operates under the name New York New Jersey Stadium throughout the competition because MetLife is not among the tournament's commercial partners. The stadium sits in the Meadowlands Sports Complex, roughly 8 miles west of Midtown Manhattan. Although the stadium is close to Midtown by distance, matchday travel is more complex because the tournament has banned on-site parking. Private vehicle access around the stadium is heavily restricted, so most spectators will need to arrive via designated transport routes.
For buyers planning World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey fixtures, the key decisions are match date, seat category, transport route and delivery timing. This page brings together the full match schedule, how the venue has been reconfigured for the tournament, how to reach the stadium without a private vehicle from Manhattan, Newark, Jersey City or Brooklyn, where the host committee's fan events sit across Queens, Rockefeller Center, the Jersey Fan Hub, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island, where to stay and the current ticket availability and resale position now that the Last-Minute Sales Phase is live. Live listings for every MetLife Stadium fixture sit in the full World Cup 2026 ticket catalogue for fans comparing seats and prices, and the wider tournament inventory runs through 1BoxOffice.
The New York New Jersey Stadium name, East Rutherford location and what it means for visitors
The venue, known as MetLife Stadium for the rest of the year, operates under the name New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. Tournament rules restrict venue naming to non-sponsor names, and MetLife Insurance is not a commercial partner. Signage, digital branding and match-day announcements all use the tournament-time name. The address and layout do not change.
The stadium is not in New York City. It is in East Rutherford, New Jersey, inside the Meadowlands Sports Complex, 8 to 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Match-day travel time by rail runs 60 to 90 minutes end-to-end after queues, transfers and security. The stadium is being reconfigured for the tournament. The playing surface is expected to use a temporary natural-grass system for tournament football. The stadium operators have planned the removal of 1,740 corner seats to widen the field for association football. The standard NFL configuration seats around 82,500. Tournament capacity is reduced from that of the NFL layout to accommodate the wider pitch, with the confirmed tournament capacity to be published by the host committee closer to kick-off.
The New York New Jersey Stadium match schedule
The eight fixtures allocated to the venue cover five group-stage matches, one Round of 32 tie, one Round of 16 match and the Final itself. Kick-off times are shown in Eastern Time. UK fans should add five hours for British Summer Time, which pushes most Eastern kick-offs into UK prime time and late evening.
| Date | Stage | Fixture | Kick-off (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 June 2026 | Group stage | Brazil v Morocco | 6:00 pm |
| 16 June 2026 | Group stage | France v Senegal | 3:00 pm |
| 22 June 2026 | Group stage | Norway v Senegal | 8:00 pm |
| 25 June 2026 | Group stage | Ecuador v Germany | 4:00 pm |
| 27 June 2026 | Group stage | Panama v England | 5:00 pm |
| 30 June 2026 | Round of 32 | TBD | 5:00 pm |
| 5 July 2026 | Round of 16 | TBD | 4:00 pm |
| 19 July 2026 | Final | TBD | 3:00 pm |
The five group stage fixtures open with Brazil v Morocco on 13 June, follow with France v Senegal on 16 June and Norway v Senegal on 22 June, then close with Ecuador v Germany on 25 June. For UK visitors, Panama v England on 27 June at 5:00 pm ET is the headline group-stage date, 10:00 pm BST kick-off, likely to draw strong England supporter travel demand. The knockout fixtures cover one Round of 32 tie on 30 June and one Round of 16 match on 5 July, before the venue closes the tournament with the Final on 19 July, the showpiece fixture of the competition.
Matchday at the New York New Jersey Stadium: no parking, no tailgating
This is the most important practical difference between a World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey matchday and a normal NFL matchday at MetLife. On-site parking has been eliminated for every tournament fixture, and tailgating on the stadium lots is prohibited. Private vehicle access around the stadium is heavily restricted. The only parking available to ticket holders is a limited paid allocation at American Dream Mall at $225 per match, plus an accessible-needs lot for fans with mobility passes. Rideshare drops are routed to designated zones outside the stadium footprint.
The matchday transport model is built around rail, shuttle buses, rideshare zones and limited paid parking, rather than the car-first pattern used for normal MetLife Stadium events. Expect full security screening at every entry. Target arrival 90 to 120 minutes before kick-off, with a longer buffer for the 19 July Final.
For seat area detail, turnstile routing and bag rules, the MetLife Stadium fixture hub carries fixture-by-fixture inventory plus stand-by-stand access and concourse information for every New York/New Jersey tie.
WhatsApp channel
Sports news straight to your phone
Match updates, on-sale dates and ticket news from 1BoxOffice.
Transport: getting to the stadium from Manhattan, Newark, Jersey City and Brooklyn
NJ Transit is the main rail route for the World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey matchdays. Fans take NJ Transit rail to Secaucus Junction Station, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line, a short spur that delivers passengers directly to the stadium. Special service runs before and after each match. The round-trip fare has been set at $150 for the tournament window, up from the normal $12.90 Meadowlands train fare, which has drawn public criticism from New York Senator Chuck Schumer, among others. Rail tickets are due to go on sale to match ticket holders from 13 May 2026 through the NJ Transit mobile app, priced at $150 round trip, non-transferable and non-refundable. Only 40,000 rail round-trip tickets are sold per matchday. Starting four hours before kick-off, NJ Transit rail service between Penn Station New York and Secaucus Junction is restricted to tournament ticket holders.
From Manhattan without the rail option, a direct bus runs from Port Authority Bus Terminal to the stadium, with a second pick-up at the Midtown East Shuttle stop. Round-trip bus tickets are $80. A park-and-ride operates from the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine on the New Jersey side. From Newark Liberty, use NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction, then the Meadowlands transfer. From JFK or LaGuardia, take the AirTrain plus LIRR or subway into Penn Station and switch to the NJ Transit route. Rideshare runs to designated drop-off zones outside the stadium footprint.
Fan experiences across New York and New Jersey
The host committee's fan-event plan for New York/New Jersey changed in February 2026. The original Fan Festival at Liberty State Park in Jersey City was cancelled. The replacement plan spreads fan events across multiple sites in New York and New Jersey, anchored by a Group Stage HQ in Queens and a Rockefeller Center programme for the knockout window, with smaller activations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Harrison.
The Queens Group Stage HQ runs at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing from 11 June to 27 June 2026 across the group-stage window. It is the main group-stage fan destination on the New York side, reached most easily by the 7 Train to Mets-Willets Point from Times Square and Grand Central. Programming covers live broadcasts, food, music and family activities, and entry is free.
The Rockefeller Center programme takes over the campus in Midtown Manhattan from 6 July to 19 July 2026 and covers the knockout-stage and Final-week period. It sits on the B, D, F and M subway lines at 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center. Programming includes live broadcasts, concerts and cultural events, and entry is free.
The Jersey Fan Hub is hosted at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on selected dates from 11 June to 19 July 2026, according to the host committee, with the stadium's own current public schedule running from 13 June to 15 July. This is the main New Jersey-side fan venue. Most non-concert event days are listed at $10 plus fees, with concert-series tickets sold separately and fans aged 12 and under admitted free with a ticket. The stadium sits on the PATH line at Harrison station, around 25 minutes from Manhattan.
The host committee has also published smaller fan activations across the other New York boroughs, with watch-party programming in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island on selected matchdays. Detailed schedules vary by site and run shorter windows than the Queens and Rockefeller anchors. There is no fan experience at MetLife Stadium itself because tailgating and parking are banned.
Where to stay for the New York/New Jersey fixtures
Three accommodation hubs make practical sense for World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey fans.
East Rutherford and Carlstadt put the stadium within a 2-mile radius, which gives the shortest match-day commute by a wide margin. Inventory is likely to be thin, and rates will move with market demand. This is the best option for fans prioritising stadium proximity over dining range or tourism.
Manhattan and Jersey City give the widest hotel range, the strongest dining scene, full subway and PATH access for non-match days and access to both the Rockefeller Center and Queens fan hubs. Manhattan rates are likely to move with match demand, so compare nightly rates across East Rutherford, Manhattan, Jersey City and Newark before booking. Jersey City and Hoboken, sitting on the PATH line, typically run at a discount to Manhattan while keeping easy access via Hoboken Terminal onto the NJ Transit network.
Newark sits on the NJ Transit corridor with direct access to Secaucus Junction and typically 25 to 40 minute train times to the stadium hub. Newark hotel rates typically sit below Manhattan's and may also climb during the tournament window. Visitors who prioritise lower hotel costs over central nightlife and visitor convenience can use Newark as a budget base.
Tickets for World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey matches: where things stand in late April 2026
As of this update, the tournament is in the Last-Minute Sales Phase, which opened on 1 April 2026 and runs first-come, first-served through to 19 July. The tournament organisers' resale platform reopened on 2 April 2026 as the verified secondary channel, with sellers setting prices and no resale cap.
For every MetLife Stadium match, the practical position as of this update is:
- Remaining inventory on the tournament organisers' primary platform is limited and sells in near real time when restocks happen. Prices are dynamic, rising with demand.
- The tournament organisers' resale platform lists tickets from original buyers who can no longer attend. The platform takes a 15 per cent fee from the buyer and a 15 per cent fee from the seller. Inventory is thin for marquee fixtures such as Brazil v Morocco on 13 June, Panama v England on 27 June and the 19 July Final, with some Final listings running into five, six and seven figures.
- Regulated third-party marketplaces, including 1BoxOffice, carry inventory for every New York/New Jersey fixture with seat-level detail and a 150% money-back guarantee if the ticket fails to grant entry on matchday. Non-members and international fans without federation access often find this the fastest route to a confirmed seat.
To buy via 1BoxOffice, create an account from the register screen, pick the New York/New Jersey fixture, filter by stand and budget, then complete the order. Seat location and delivery method appear before checkout, and orders can be followed through track order.
Supporter interest at this venue is likely to vary sharply by fixture. Panama v England will matter most to travelling England fans, while Brazil v Morocco, France v Senegal and Ecuador v Germany each bring different international supporter bases into the same stadium window. Buyers planning a wider US trip can compare options in the tournament-wide host cities guide; Philadelphia in particular sits closest to New York/New Jersey and works well as a second-leg stop, while fans heading further afield often pair the trip with the Dallas host city guide for the South-Central matches.
For reference on Final-ticket pricing, the tournament organisers' primary platform set Category 1 at $10,990, Category 2 at $7,380 and Category 3 at $5,785 for the 19 July match at the April release. Resale activity through April 2026 has cleared well above primary-platform pricing, with the lowest resale listings reported around $10,924 and individual listings reaching seven-figure levels for premium seats. Avoid anonymous or unverified sellers, as tickets bought outside authorised or regulated channels may not grant entry.
Stadium rules, bag policy, weather and the 19 July Final
Expect strict bag rules at every entry, including size-limited clear-bag policies and no backpacks. Water bottles are restricted. Cameras are generally allowed for personal use, but professional rigs and removable lenses above a set length are not. Security screening typically includes metal detection at all entries. Prohibited items mirror standard major-event rules: no outside food or alcohol, no noisemakers, no flags larger than a stated size and no poles. Check the fixture's entry page 48 hours before the match for the final confirmed list.
On weather, New Jersey from mid-June to mid-July typically sits at 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, which is 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity often above 60 per cent. MetLife Stadium is open-air, so all weather exposure is real. The 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm ET kick-offs are the hottest. Evening kick-offs like Norway v Senegal at 8:00 pm fall into cooler windows. Pack a disposable poncho, sunscreen and an hour of buffer for queues.
For the 19 July Final at 3:00 pm ET, expect an enhanced security perimeter, wider road closures and longer bag screens. Build in a three-hour pre-kickoff buffer and confirm your mobile rail ticket and assigned departure window the day before. Final-day transport and ticket availability should be checked well in advance, as both are expected to be under the tightest pressure of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup 2026 matches are being played in New York/New Jersey?
Eight matches are scheduled at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, operating as New York-New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. The schedule is five group-stage fixtures (13 June, 16 June, 22 June, 25 June and 27 June), one Round of 32 match on 30 June, one Round of 16 match on 5 July and the Final on 19 July at 3:00 pm ET. That makes New York/New Jersey the host of the tournament's showpiece fixture and keeps the venue active from the first week of the group stage through to the last day of the tournament.
Why is MetLife Stadium called New York New Jersey Stadium at the World Cup?
Tournament rules restrict venue naming to non-sponsor names during the competition because MetLife Insurance is not one of the tournament's commercial partners. The renamed New York New Jersey Stadium applies only to the tournament window. Signage, digital branding and match-day announcements all use the tournament-time name. MetLife Stadium branding is expected to return immediately after the Final on 19 July. The address, the layout and the in-bowl experience do not change. The stadium operators have planned the removal of 1,740 corner seats to widen the field. The playing surface is expected to use a temporary natural-grass system for tournament football.
Is there parking at the stadium for World Cup matches?
No. On-site parking has been eliminated for every tournament fixture, and tailgating on the stadium lots is prohibited. The only parking available to ticket holders is a limited paid allocation at American Dream Mall at $225 per match, plus a dedicated accessible-needs lot for fans with mobility passes. Rideshare is only allowed in designated zones outside the stadium perimeter. Private vehicle drop-off at the stadium itself is not permitted. This is a significant change from how MetLife Stadium normally runs event-day traffic and is central to why the host committee has priced the NJ Transit round-trip at $150.
What is the fastest way to get to the stadium from Manhattan?
NJ Transit is the primary route. Take an NJ Transit train from Penn Station, New York, to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line spur that delivers passengers directly to the stadium. Round-trip rail tickets are due to go on sale to match ticket holders from 13 May 2026 through the NJ Transit mobile app, priced at $150 round trip, non-transferable and non-refundable and capped at 40,000 per matchday. Starting four hours before kick-off, Penn Station to Secaucus service is restricted to tournament ticket holders. The alternative is a direct bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal at $80 round trip, which is slower in traffic but needs no transfers. Allow 60 to 90 minutes end-to-end for the rail route.
Where are the fan events and how do I get there?
The original Liberty State Park Fan Festival was cancelled in February 2026 and replaced with a wider plan. The Queens Group Stage HQ runs at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from 11 to 27 June 2026, reached by the 7 Train to Mets-Willets Point. The Rockefeller Center programme runs from 6 to 19 July 2026 in Midtown Manhattan on the B, D, F and M subway lines. The Jersey Fan Hub is at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on selected dates from 11 June to 19 July according to the host committee, with the stadium's own current public schedule running from 13 June to 15 July; most non-concert event days are listed at $10 plus fees, with concert-series tickets sold separately and fans aged 12 and under admitted free with a ticket. Smaller activations run in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island on selected matchdays.
Are World Cup 2026 Final tickets still available?
Yes, in limited supply. The Last-Minute Sales Phase on the tournament organisers' primary platform opened on 1 April 2026 and runs through to 19 July on a first-come, first-served basis. The tournament organisers' resale platform reopened on 2 April 2026 for resale from original buyers, with no price cap. Regulated third-party marketplaces also carry inventory. Final pricing on the primary platform was set at $10,990 for Category 1, $7,380 for Category 2 and $5,785 for Category 3 at the April release. Resale through April 2026 has cleared well above primary-platform pricing, with the lowest resale listings reported around $10,924 and premium listings reaching seven-figure levels.
Where should I stay for a New York/New Jersey fixture?
Three hubs are practical. East Rutherford and Carlstadt sit within 2 miles of the stadium with the shortest match-day commute, though inventory is likely to be thin and rates will move with match demand. Manhattan and Jersey City give the widest hotel range, PATH and subway access and proximity to both the Queens and Rockefeller Center fan venues. Manhattan rates are likely to move with match demand, so compare East Rutherford, Manhattan, Jersey City and Newark before booking. Newark offers a budget option on the NJ Transit corridor with 25 to 40 minute train times to the stadium hub.
Are New York/New Jersey tickets at risk if bought from the wrong place?
Yes. Tickets sold outside the tournament organisers' channels and regulated marketplaces can be voided at the gate, with buyers refused entry. Tournament rules set out where resale is permitted and which platforms are verified. Anonymous social media posts, fan forums and unverified classified sellers carry the highest risk, particularly for the 19 July Final, where listings have been reported well above primary-platform pricing on unregulated channels. On 1BoxOffice, the 150% money-back guarantee covers tickets that fail to grant entry on matchday.
New York/New Jersey carries the heaviest workload of the tournament, closing with the 19 July Final at 3:00 pm ET. 1BoxOffice lists seat-level inventory for every MetLife Stadium fixture with a 150% money-back guarantee if the ticket fails to grant entry on matchday.
Sources: NYNJ FWC26 host committee, NJ Transit Regional Stadium Mobility Plan, MetLife Stadium World Cup 2026 page, NBC New York, CBS New York, Reuters, Associated Press, Front Office Sports and The Guardian. 1BoxOffice is not the official ticket agent of any federation or tournament organiser. Prices may differ from face value.
