Stadium Guide
The Complete Fan Guide to MetLife Stadium for World Cup 2026
On July 19, 2026, MetLife Stadium — known during the tournament as New York New Jersey Stadium — will host the FIFA World Cup Final. By the time the trophy is lifted, the venue will have staged eight matches across the full arc of the tournament, from group stage fixtures to the knockout rounds and the biggest match in the sport.
For traveling fans, MetLife Stadium is the organizing principle of the entire trip. Where to stay, how to get to the stadium, when to buy tickets, and where to watch matches in NYC all revolve around the match calendar in the New York / New Jersey region.
Stadium Facts
East Rutherford, NJ
New York New Jersey Stadium
Approx. 82,500
8 total
Brazil vs Morocco — June 13
July 19, 2026
MetLife Stadium at the 2026 World Cup
MetLife Stadium will host eight matches across the tournament, including five group-stage games, a Round of 32, a Round of 16, and the Final. That makes it one of the most important venues in the entire 2026 World Cup.
| Date | Match | Stage | Kickoff (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, June 13 | Brazil vs Morocco | Group C | 6:00 PM |
| Tue, June 16 | France vs Senegal | Group I | 3:00 PM |
| Mon, June 22 | Norway vs Senegal | Group I | 8:00 PM |
| Thu, June 25 | Ecuador vs Germany | Group E | 4:00 PM |
| Sat, June 27 | Panama vs England | Group L | 5:00 PM |
| Tue, June 30 | TBD vs TBD | Round of 32 | 5:00 PM |
| Sun, July 5 | TBD vs TBD | Round of 16 | 4:00 PM |
| Sun, July 19 | TBD vs TBD | World Cup Final | 3:00 PM |
Where Is MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, roughly eight miles west of Midtown Manhattan. It sits within the Meadowlands Sports Complex and functions as the New York region's principal mega-event venue.
One MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Approx. 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan
Nearest airport: Newark Liberty International (EWR)
How Fans Will Travel to the Stadium
For most visitors, the simplest advice is also the best: take the train. The standard route runs from Penn Station in Manhattan to Secaucus Junction, then onward via the Meadowlands Rail shuttle on event days.
NJ Transit
NJ Transit is the most reliable route for most match-going fans. For a dedicated transit breakdown, read the NJ Transit match-day guide and the guide on how to get to MetLife Stadium from NYC.
Bus, rideshare, and driving
Direct bus service from Port Authority can make sense for some fans staying on the West Side. Rideshare is possible but much less reliable on match days due to congestion and surge pricing. Driving is best treated as a backup plan rather than a primary strategy.
What Match Day Will Feel Like
The atmosphere around MetLife Stadium during the World Cup will be unlike a typical NFL game or concert. The crowd will be more international, the buildup will begin earlier, and the scale of supporter culture will be far broader than most U.S. sporting events.
"When the final whistle sounds on July 19, New York New Jersey Stadium will have hosted the most-watched 90 minutes of sport in 2026."
Hotels Near MetLife Stadium
Hotel strategy in this market comes down to a basic tradeoff: stay in Manhattan for the full NYC experience, or stay closer to the stadium to reduce transit friction.
Continue with the dedicated hotel guide: Best hotels near MetLife Stadium for World Cup 2026.
Tickets for Matches at MetLife Stadium
The safest starting point is the dedicated ticket guide: How to get World Cup 2026 tickets.
Where to Watch Matches in NYC
Even supporters without stadium tickets will still be part of the tournament in a meaningful way. Start with the citywide guide on where to watch the World Cup in NYC, then browse venues and neighborhoods.
