MetLife Stadium World Cup 2026: Schedule, History, Facts, Travel Tips
The 2026 FIFA World Cup brings soccer history to North America for the first time in 32 years. Three countries will share hosting duties across 16 cities. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey takes center stage as the venue for the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026.
This guide gives you everything you need to plan your trip. You’ll find match schedules, stadium facts, ticket information and practical travel advice to make your World Cup experience smooth.
MetLife Stadium: Overview and History
MetLife Stadium opened in 2010 as the home for both the New York Giants and New York Jets. The venue replaced the older Giants Stadium at the same Meadowlands Sports Complex location. Construction cost reached $1.6 billion, making it the most expensive stadium in the United States at that time.
The stadium holds 82,500 fans for regular events. FIFA regulations require wider fields for World Cup matches, so the venue is removing 1,740 corner seats. This brings capacity down to approximately 75,000 for soccer games. The renovation started in January 2024 and completed in two phases by May 2025.
MetLife has proven it can handle major events. Super Bowl XLVIII took place here in 2014, becoming the first outdoor cold-weather Super Bowl. The stadium hosted WrestleMania twice (2013 and 2019) and the 2016 Copa America final where Chile beat Argentina on penalties. More than 82,000 fans watched that match. The venue also served as the site for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final.
FIFA will call the stadium “New York New Jersey Stadium” during the tournament. World soccer rules don’t allow corporate sponsor names at World Cup venues. The MetLife name returns after the final whistle blows on July 19.
The location gives fans easy access to New York City attractions. Manhattan sits just 10 miles east of the stadium. Three major airports serve the area: Newark Liberty International, JFK, and LaGuardia.
World Cup 2026 Schedule at MetLife Stadium
The stadium hosts eight total matches during the tournament. Games start on June 13 and run through the final on July 19.
Group Stage Matches
| Date | Group | Teams | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jun. 13 | C | Brazil vs Morocco | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Tue, Jun. 16 | I | France vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Mon, Jun. 22 | I | Norway vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Thu, Jun. 25 | E | Ecuador vs Germany | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Sat, Jun. 27 | L | Panama vs England | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
Knockout and Final Matches
| Stage | Date | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | Tue, Jun. 30 | Match 77 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Round of 16 | Sun, Jul. 5 | Match 91 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Final | Sun, Jul. 19 | World Cup Final | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
This marks the first time the United States hosts a World Cup final. The 1994 tournament held its championship match at the Rose Bowl in California. That tournament helped launch Major League Soccer. The 2026 event could bring another major boost to American soccer.
The World Cup expands to 48 teams for the first time. The tournament includes 104 total matches across the three host countries. All matches from the quarterfinals onward take place in United States venues.
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Interesting Facts and Stadium Highlights
Capacity and Comfort: MetLife Stadium holds 82,500 seats for regular events. The World Cup configuration reduces this to approximately 75,000 after corner seat removal. The venue covers 2.1 million square feet and includes over 200 luxury suites.
Dual NFL Home: The stadium serves as home for two NFL teams. The New York Giants and New York Jets both play here. This makes MetLife one of only two shared NFL stadiums in the country.
First U.S. World Cup Final: July 19, 2026 will be historic. No World Cup final has ever been played on United States soil. The 1994 tournament held its championship at the Rose Bowl in California.
Prime Location: The stadium sits just 10 miles west of Manhattan. Fans can easily visit Times Square, Central Park and other New York attractions. Three major airports serve the region.
Technology Leader: Four massive HD video boards measure 30 feet by 118 feet each. Ten giant LED pylons stand at the main entrances. The stadium earned recognition as Pollstar’s #1 U.S. stadium for ticket sales in 2024.
Safety First: MetLife became the first NFL stadium to receive SAFETY Act certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2013. Security magazine has ranked it #1 for safety for nine straight years.
Travel Tips for Visiting Fans
Getting to the Stadium
NJ Transit Train (Recommended)
Take any NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction. Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line for a 10-minute ride directly to the stadium. Service from Penn Station in Manhattan to Secaucus takes about 12 minutes.
Special event service starts 3.5 hours before matches. Trains run every 10 to 20 minutes before games and hourly during matches. After the final whistle, trains depart every 10 minutes for one hour.
One-way tickets from Penn Station cost $5.50 for adults. Round-trip fares cost $11. Only fans with match tickets can board the Meadowlands Rail service during World Cup games.
Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express Bus
Direct bus service runs from Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost $18.
Service begins 2.5 to 3 hours before kickoff and continues until 30 minutes after the match starts. Return buses operate for about two hours after games end. Buses drop off and pick up at Lot K near the stadium.
MetLife Transitway (New Service)
A new bus rapid transit system opens in spring 2026. The route connects Secaucus Junction to the stadium. This system can move an additional 10,000 passengers per hour using 100 large articulated buses. Each bus holds 100 passengers.
The Federal Transit Administration provided a $100 million grant for construction. The system completes before the World Cup starts.
Driving and Parking
Official stadium parking starts at $40 per game. Lots G, J, and F sit within walking distance of the stadium. American Dream Mall offers additional parking with shuttle service to the venue.
Arrive early on match days. Traffic on Route 3 and the New Jersey Turnpike gets heavy during major events. Real-time traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps help you find the fastest routes.
Where to Stay
New Jersey Options
Jersey City and Newark offer hotels closer to the stadium. Prices run lower than Manhattan options. Both cities connect easily to MetLife via NJ Transit.
New York City
Manhattan hotels put you in the heart of the action. You’ll pay premium prices during the World Cup. Book rooms several months in advance. Hotels near Penn Station give you quickest access to trains heading to the stadium.
Weather Tips
Late June and July in New Jersey means warm and humid conditions. Temperatures typically range from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C).
Bring sunscreen for daytime matches. The summer sun can be intense. A hat provides extra protection. Evening games might need a light jacket as temperatures drop after sunset.
Stay hydrated throughout the day. The stadium allows factory-sealed water bottles of 20 ounces or less.
After the Match
Crowds get heavy when 75,000 fans leave at once. Public transportation handles the volume better than trying to drive out. Plan for at least 30 to 45 minutes to clear security and reach your train or bus.
American Dream Mall sits next to the stadium. The massive entertainment and shopping complex offers dining and activities. You can wait for crowds to thin out while enjoying post-match entertainment.
New York City nightlife beckons just a short train ride away. Times Square, Greenwich Village and countless restaurants stay open late.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
- Phone: (201) 559-1500
- Official Website: www.metlifestadium.com
- Email: info@metlifestadium.com
- Seating Charts: Visit Here
What to Expect on Match Day
Pre-Match Atmosphere
Arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before kickoff. Security checks take time with thousands of fans entering at once. Early arrival lets you enjoy the pre-match atmosphere and grab food before the game starts.
Fan zones around the stadium offer live music, food trucks and games. The energy builds as kickoff approaches. The crowd will be diverse with supporters from around the world.
In-Stadium Experience
Food options inside the stadium range from traditional ballpark fare to international choices. Premium seating areas include access to exclusive clubs with enhanced dining.
The crowd creates an electric atmosphere throughout the match. Four massive video boards ensure you can follow the action from any seat. The sound system delivers crystal-clear announcements in English and Spanish.
Security and Entry
Be prepared for bag checks and strict security measures. Only small clear bags are allowed inside the stadium. Clear bags must measure 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or smaller. Small clutch purses measuring 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches work too. You can bring one bag per person.
Leave prohibited items at home. The security process moves faster when everyone follows the rules.
Weather Considerations
Stay hydrated throughout your visit. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather. Sunscreen is essential for daytime matches to stay protected under the summer sun.
Check the weather forecast before you leave. Pack accordingly for any chance of rain or cooler evening temperatures.
FIFA Fan Festival at Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park in Jersey City hosts the official FIFA Fan Festival for the New York-New Jersey region. The festival runs for all 39 tournament days from June 11 through July 19, 2026.
The park can hold 45,000 spectators. More than 20 giant screens broadcast all 104 World Cup matches. You don’t need a match ticket to attend the Fan Festival. Admission is free.
Live Nation New York produces concerts and entertainment throughout the tournament. The festival includes food options, soccer activities and cultural showcases. Special programming fills rest days during knockout rounds when no matches are scheduled.
Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park station. Additional bus and shuttle service runs during tournament hours. The park sits just minutes from Manhattan and Newark.
How to Buy Tickets for MetLife Stadium Matches
Tickets go on sale through FIFA.com/tickets. You need to create a FIFA ID to enter the ticket lottery system.
The current sales phase is the Random Selection Draw. This phase opened on December 11, 2025 and runs through January 13, 2026. Nearly 2 million tickets sold to fans from more than 200 countries in earlier phases.
Group stage match tickets start around $60 for the cheapest seats. Premium locations cost more. Final match tickets begin around $2,000 for lower categories. Top-tier seats for the championship reach $6,700 or higher.
FIFA uses fixed pricing instead of dynamic pricing. Prices stay the same regardless of when you buy tickets during a sales phase.
Register early for your FIFA ID. Complete your profile information. Watch for announcements about future ticket sales phases. The competition for tickets will be fierce.
Economic Impact and Regional Benefits
The World Cup brings major economic benefits to the region. Projections show over $2 billion in economic impact for New York and New Jersey. The tournament supports an estimated 14,000 jobs.
More than 1 million visitors are expected in the region. About half of these visitors won’t have match tickets but will come for the atmosphere and fan festivals.
Local businesses, hotels and restaurants should see a major boost during the 39-day tournament. The infrastructure improvements made for the World Cup will benefit the region long after the final whistle.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium gives American fans a rare chance to witness soccer history on home soil. The final on July 19, 2026 will draw billions of viewers worldwide. Getting tickets requires planning and some luck in the lottery system.
The New York-New Jersey region offers the perfect backdrop for the World Cup. World-class hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues surround the stadium. Easy airport access brings international fans from every continent.
Start planning now. Register for your FIFA ID. Research hotels and transportation options. Book accommodations as soon as possible. The summer of 2026 will bring an unforgettable celebration of the world’s game to the meadowlands of New Jersey.
Whether you’re watching a group stage game or witnessing the World Cup final, MetLife Stadium offers a perfect mix of sports and entertainment. The venue’s proximity to New York City attractions and modern amenities create an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
