New York / New Jersey
MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium is the venue of the 2026 World Cup final. On July 19 at 3:00 PM ET, the world champions will lift the trophy in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just 8 km in a straight line from the Empire State Building. The choice is no accident: New York is the world's most recognisable brand, MetLife is one of the few stadiums on the planet able to host more than 80,000 people at Super Bowl-grade security, and the transatlantic connection from EWR/JFK is unmatched. For the travelling fan, staying in Manhattan and commuting to the stadium each match day is the most reasonable plan: the dedicated bus takes 25 minutes through the Lincoln Tunnel.
New York / New Jersey for the travelling fan
New York is the host city that closes the tournament: the final and the world's iconic city in one trip. If you can only afford one World Cup trip, point it at MetLife: the final is always the final and the city around it is New York. It is not cheap ($350-700/night in Manhattan in July) but it is one of a kind.
MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium opened in 2010, replacing the original Giants Stadium. World Cup capacity: 82,500. It hosts 8 matches: five in the group stage, one Round of 32, one quarter-final and the final on July 19. The venue is the home of two NFL franchises (Giants and Jets). FIFA has negotiated a name change during the tournament: it will officially be the "New York New Jersey Stadium" from June 11 to July 19 (MetLife branding is banned at FIFA tournaments). The pitch is freshly laid natural grass.
Full stadium profileThe city beyond the match
Times Square + Broadway
Evening neon show plus at least one musical. Hamilton, Wicked, Lion King — book 2 months ahead.
Central Park
Picnic, Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge. The best way to escape the July heat.
Brooklyn Bridge / DUMBO
Walk the bridge at sunrise. DUMBO Brooklyn for the iconic skyline shots.
High Line + Chelsea Market
Elevated 2.3 km park on an old rail line, ends on the Hudson waterfront.
Hotel areas in New York / New Jersey
Midtown Manhattan
Times Square, Empire State, Broadway
$350-700/night in July — World Cup peak.
Lower Manhattan / Financial District
Wall Street, World Trade Center
$280-500/night. Calmer and well connected.
Brooklyn (Williamsburg / DUMBO)
More authentic, hip, Manhattan skyline views
$250-400/night. 30 min by subway to the stadium.
Jersey City / Hoboken
Closer to MetLife, Manhattan skyline views
$220-380/night. The most practical option for matchdays.
Estimated June-July 2026 prices. Booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended.
EWR · Newark Liberty International
EDT · UTC−4
MetLife Stadium
NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line straight to the stadium (matchdays only), 25 minutes from Penn Station for $5 — the official option. By car: tolls and parking $50-100. Uber: $80-150 including the Lincoln Tunnel toll.
What you should know
- 01
Book musicals, restaurants and attractions 2-3 months in advance.
- 02
Buy a MetroCard on arrival and use NYC Subway + NJ Transit. It is the only sensible way to get around.
- 03
For the July 19 final, arrive at the stadium 4 hours early — security checks will be Super Bowl-grade.