World Cup 2026 — New York / New Jersey
USA · 5 scheduled matches
MetLife's brutal June schedule
Eight matches in 25 days at MetLife Stadium means relentless turf wear. The 82,500-seat NFL venue hosts a June 14 opener, then a semifinal on July 15. Artificial surface debates will rage — NYCFC's 2023 complaints about hardness resurface. Night games avoid peak heat, but 3pm kickoffs (like June 22's Group C clash) risk 90°F+ with 70% humidity. The stadium's open bowl offers zero shade. CONCACAF tested conditions here during 2024 Copa América, where Canada's Alphonso Davies needed IV fluids after a midday match.
Pre-match: Manhattan vs Secaucus
Fans face a brutal choice: pre-game in Manhattan (Smithfield Hall's 40 taps) or Secaucus parking lots (tailgating banned for non-NFL events). PATH trains from WTC to Hoboken help, but the final 7-mile stretch to MetLife requires NJ Transit buses. Locals know the Redd's rooftop bar in Carlstadt — a 15-minute walk with AC and sightlines to stadium fireworks. Avoid post-match Uber surges: post-semi-final waits hit 4 hours in 2016 for Copa América Centenario.
Hidden football culture beyond the WC
Flushing's New World Mall food court becomes a 24-hour global fan hub during tournaments, with Peruvian ceviche stalls next to Korean fried chicken. Queensboro FC's 2025 USL launch means local pickup games at Astoria Park. For authenticity, hit Jackson Heights' Espresso 77 before matches — Ecuadorian fans claimed it during 2022 qualifiers. The Bronx's Yankee Stadium hosts NYCFC, but its 28,743 capacity ruled it out for WC matches despite better transit links.
Stadiums in New York / New Jersey
Matches in New York / New Jersey
| Match | Date | Group | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Brazil vs  MoroccoEstadio New York/New Jersey | Sat, Jun 13, 2026 · 23:00 ET | c | – | Scheduled |
 Ecuador vs  GermanyEstadio New York/New Jersey | Thu, Jun 25, 2026 · 21:00 ET | e | – | Scheduled |
 France vs  SenegalEstadio New York/New Jersey | Tue, Jun 16, 2026 · 20:00 ET | i | – | Scheduled |
 Norway vs SenegalEstadio New York/New Jersey | Tue, Jun 23, 2026 · 01:00 ET | i | – | Scheduled |
 Panama vs  EnglandEstadio New York/New Jersey | Sat, Jun 27, 2026 · 22:00 ET | l | – | Scheduled |
Travel
NJ Transit trains from Penn Station serve MetLife on game days; traffic across Hudson tunnels is heavy.
Tickets
Final-week demand will spike hotel rates across Manhattan, Jersey City, and Newark.
Ticket guide →Where to watch
Eastern Time; global media presence makes this the tournament’s spotlight city.
Broadcast guide →Related host cities
Frequently asked questions
How many World Cup 2026 matches does New York host?+
Eight matches, including a semifinal on July 15 — the most of any US host city besides Dallas.
Is MetLife Stadium grass or turf?+
Artificial turf (FieldTurf Core), unchanged since 2021 despite player complaints. FIFA will install temporary grass overlay for the tournament.
What's the best transit option to MetLife Stadium?+
From Manhattan: PATH to Hoboken, then NJ Transit 320 bus. From Newark: direct NJ Transit 76 bus. Both take ~1 hour with matchday crowds.
Where do away fans gather in NYC?+
Legends Bar near Times Square for Europeans, Flushing's New World Mall for Asian/Latin American supporters, and Jackson Heights' Diversity Plaza for CONMEBOL nations.
Which teams could play in New York?+
Likely USMNT group stage matches if drawn in East Coast pods. Argentina and Brazil also probable for knockout rounds based on FIFA's regionalization plans.
Are there any walkable hotels near MetLife?+
No. Closest is The Element in Harrison (3 miles away). Most fans stay in Manhattan or Jersey City and commute.