FINAL HOST CITY

New York / New Jersey

United States

The city that never sleeps welcomes the world for FIFA World Cup 2026. New York/New Jersey will host the Final at MetLife Stadium - the biggest match in football!

World Cup 2026 Final Host

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on July 19, 2026. Located just 8 miles from Manhattan, it offers easy access from New York City while providing 82,500 seats for the biggest match in football.

Getting There

By Air

Three major airports serve the area:

  • • JFK (JFK) - International hub, Queens
  • • Newark (EWR) - Closest to MetLife Stadium
  • • LaGuardia (LGA) - Domestic flights, Queens

From Airport to City

  • • AirTrain + Subway - $10.75 from JFK
  • • NJ Transit - $13 from Newark to Penn Station
  • • Taxi/Uber - $50-80 depending on traffic

Getting to MetLife Stadium

NJ Transit Rail (Recommended)

Take NJ Transit from Penn Station NYC or Hoboken to Meadowlands Station. Direct trains run on match days. Journey time: 30-40 minutes.

Bus Services

NJ Transit buses from Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd St). Route 351 direct to stadium.

By Car

Located off Route 3 and NJ Turnpike. Parking available but expect heavy traffic. Leave early!

Where to Stay

Budget

Brooklyn & Queens

More affordable options with good subway connections. Areas like Williamsburg, Astoria offer value.

From $150/night

Mid-Range

Midtown Manhattan

Central location near Penn Station for easy MetLife access. Times Square, Herald Square area.

From $300/night

Luxury

Lower Manhattan

World-class hotels near Financial District, SoHo, Tribeca. Premium experience.

From $500/night

Stadium Adjacent

Secaucus / Jersey City

Stay in NJ near the stadium. Easier match day logistics, great Manhattan access via PATH train.

From $200/night

Must-See Attractions

Statue of Liberty

Iconic symbol of freedom. Book ferry tickets in advance.

Times Square

The crossroads of the world. Bright lights and Broadway shows.

Central Park

843 acres of green space in Manhattan's heart.

Empire State Building

Iconic skyscraper with observation deck views.

Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across this historic landmark for amazing views.

9/11 Memorial

Moving tribute at the World Trade Center site.

Food & Drink

NYC Classics

  • • Pizza (Joe's Pizza, Di Fara, Prince Street)
  • • Bagels (Russ & Daughters, Ess-a-Bagel)
  • • Pastrami (Katz's Delicatessen)
  • • Hot Dogs (Gray's Papaya, Nathan's)
  • • Cheesecake (Junior's Brooklyn)

Global Cuisine

  • • Chinatown (Dim Sum, Noodles)
  • • Little Italy (Pasta, Cannoli)
  • • Jackson Heights (Indian, Nepali)
  • • Koreatown (BBQ, Late-night)
  • • East Village (Japanese, Ramen)

Match Day Tips

  • • Arrive 3+ hours early for the Final - expect massive crowds
  • • Use NJ Transit - driving will be extremely difficult
  • • Book accommodation early - NYC hotels will sell out for the Final
  • • Download NJ Transit app for real-time train schedules
  • • Bring layers - July evenings can be humid but stadiums are air-conditioned
  • • Stay hydrated - summer in NYC can be hot and humid

Cost Guide

Budget meal$15-25
Restaurant dinner$50-100
Subway ride$2.90
Beer at bar$8-12
Daily budget$200-400

Quick Facts

Language: English

Currency: USD ($)

Time Zone: EDT (UTC-4)

Tipping: 18-20% expected

Tap Water: Safe to drink

Voltage: 120V (Type A/B plugs)

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