UNITED2026
MetLife Stadium stadium atmosphere
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธNew York / New Jersey, New Jersey๐Ÿ†5 World Cup Rounds

New York New Jersey Stadium(MetLife Stadium)

"The Meadowlands" - capacity 82,500

82,500 seats
Built 2010
Open-air
Group Stage, Round of 32, Quarter-Final, Semi-Final, Final
๐Ÿ‘ฅ
82,500
Capacity
๐Ÿ“…
2010
Year Built
๐ŸŒฟ
Natural
Surface
๐Ÿ†
5 Rounds
WC Stages

Know Before You Go

New York New Jersey Stadium is the official FIFA World Cup 2026 name for MetLife Stadium. FIFA strips commercial sponsor branding from host venues for the duration of the tournament, so on match tickets, broadcast graphics and the official fixture list the venue appears as New York New Jersey Stadium. Locals will keep calling it MetLife Stadium the rest of the year.

You can see the Manhattan skyline from the upper deck. MetLife Stadium sits in East Rutherford, New Jersey, 10 miles west of Times Square and 25 minutes from Penn Station by NJ Transit train. The 82,500-seat open-air bowl has hosted Super Bowls, WrestleMania, and Beyonce tours, but on July 19, 2026 it becomes the stage for the World Cup Final. Arrive early, walk the exterior concourse, and take in that skyline view before kickoff.

๐Ÿš† Transport

NJ Transit Rail

Buy your NJ Transit ticket in advance via the app to avoid long queues at the station.

๐Ÿšช Gates

Gates open 3 hours before kickoff for World Cup matches.

๐ŸŒค๏ธ Weather

June/July in the NYC metro area averages 27-32C (80-90F) with moderate humidity.

๐Ÿจ Nearest Hotel Area

Midtown Manhattan (30 min by train)

World Cup 2026 Rounds

Group StageRound of 32Quarter-FinalSemi-FinalFinal
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Did You Know?

MetLife Stadium will become only the second venue in history to host a World Cup Final on US soil. The 1994 Final was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Interactive Map

Plan Your Journey

Enter your hotel or starting point to see routes and transport options to New York New Jersey Stadium

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๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ Aerial View

Stadium Map & Gates

Satellite view of New York New Jersey Stadium - click gates to see entry tips and find the best entrance

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๐Ÿšช

Gate Information

Gates open 3 hours before kickoff for World Cup matches. Gates A, B, C, D correspond to the four compass directions. Check your ticket for assigned gate.

World Cup stadium atmosphere with fans

Feel the Energy of World Cup 2026

The roar of tens of thousands of fans creates an electric atmosphere you will never forget. Arrive early to soak it all in.

โฑ๏ธ Match Day Guide

Your Match Day Timeline

๐Ÿšช
3h before

Gates Open

Bring a clear bag (max 12x6x12 in). No backpacks allowed.

๐Ÿ•
2h before

Arrive and Explore

Check the stadium app for shortest food lines.

๐Ÿ’บ
45 min

Find Your Seat

Your ticket has section, row, and seat number. Ushers help everywhere.

๐ŸŽถ
15 min

Pre-Match Show

Stand for anthems. It is an incredible shared moment.

โšฝ
Kickoff!

The Match Begins

Stay hydrated. Water stations are free on every level.

๐Ÿ†
Full-time

Final Whistle

Stay for the atmosphere and post-match celebrations.

World Cup food and drinks

Fuel Your World Cup Experience

From stadium snacks to local specialties, food is part of the magic. Budget time for favorites you will not want to miss.

๐Ÿ” Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Fuel up before, during, and after the match. Here is what to eat around New York New Jersey Stadium

๐ŸŸ๏ธ

Inside the Stadium

What to eat at New York New Jersey Stadium

  • โœ“Tri-State classics: NY-style pizza, Italian sausages, and soft pretzels
  • โœ“Craft beer stations with local NJ and NYC brews
  • โœ“International food courts with Mexican, Asian, and halal options
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Near the Stadium

Restaurants and bars close by

  • โœ“Hoboken waterfront restaurants (20 min away)
  • โœ“Manhattan's endless dining scene (30 min by train)
  • โœ“Secaucus outlet dining and sports bars
๐Ÿ’ณ
Payments
Cashless Venue

Cashless venue. Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, and Google Pay accepted. Cash-to-card kiosks available inside.

๐Ÿ’ก Fan Tips

Essential Fan Tips

Everything you need to know before match day at New York New Jersey Stadium

๐Ÿ”‘
Tip 1

The stadium is in New Jersey, not NYC. Plan transport accordingly and don't rely on Manhattan taxis.

๐ŸŽฏ
Tip 2

Bring layers even in summer. Evening matches at open-air MetLife can get breezy.

๐Ÿ’ก
Tip 3

Download the NJ Transit app before you arrive. Cell coverage can be spotty at the station.

โšก
Tip 4

Tailgating is a major tradition here. Lots open 5 hours before kickoff.

๐ŸŒŸ
Tip 5

Clear bag policy is strictly enforced. Only bags 12x6x12 inches or smaller are allowed.

๐ŸŒค๏ธ

Weather

June/July in the NYC metro area averages 27-32C (80-90F) with moderate humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Sunscreen is essential for day matches.

๐ŸŽ’

What to Bring

Only clear bags allowed (max 12x6x12 inches). No backpacks or large purses at the gate.

๐Ÿจ Accommodation

Where to Stay

Best neighborhoods near New York New Jersey Stadium for international World Cup visitors

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1

Midtown Manhattan

30 min by train

Great area for World Cup fans. Use the route planner above to plan your trip to MetLife Stadium.

2

Secaucus / Meadowlands area

5 min

Great area for World Cup fans. Use the route planner above to plan your trip to MetLife Stadium.

3

Hoboken / Jersey City

20 min, great nightlife

Great area for World Cup fans. Use the route planner above to plan your trip to MetLife Stadium.

๐Ÿ’ฌ FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions