MetLife Stadium hosts the World Cup 2026 Final on Sunday, July 19, 2026. It's also hosting 7 other matches in the tournament.
The most important thing to know: MetLife is in New Jersey, not New York City. Flying into JFK or LaGuardia and assuming you can walk to the stadium is the #1 mistake first-time MetLife visitors make.
Where MetLife Actually Is
East Rutherford, NJ — about 8 miles west of Times Square. By the numbers:
- From Times Square: 30 min by NJ Transit train, $5.25 each way
- From JFK: 1 hr 15 min by AirTrain + LIRR + NJ Transit, or $80 Uber
- From LaGuardia: 50 min, $60 Uber
- From Newark Airport: 15 min, $35 Uber (closest by far)
Pro tip: Fly into Newark (EWR), not JFK or LGA, if your trip is MetLife-focused.
Where to Stay
Manhattan — Best for combining match with NYC trip. Take NJ Transit Meadowlands line from Penn Station (45 min including transfer at Secaucus). Hotels $300–800/night during final week.
Hoboken / Jersey City — Underrated. 15 min by Uber to MetLife. Rooftop bars, Manhattan skyline views, much cheaper than NYC. $200–400/night.
Secaucus — Closest hotel cluster to MetLife. Boring area but a 5-min drive to the stadium. $300–500/night during final week.
Avoid East Rutherford itself unless you book early. Limited hotels, all booked.
Match Day Logistics
Train: NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line runs from Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Sports Complex (10 min). Trains run every 20 minutes on match days. Buy round-trip in advance.
Driving: Don't. Parking is $80–150 and traffic on match days is brutal. Lots open 5 hours pre-match and fill within 90 minutes.
Uber/Lyft: Surge pricing on final day will hit 5–8x. A $40 ride becomes $250+. Tickets to MetLife typically include transit credit — use it.
Tailgate: US-style tailgating is part of the MetLife experience. Lots open 5 hours before kickoff. Bring food, drinks, and a portable speaker.
What to Do in NY/NJ for 3 Days
Friday before final:
- Times Square FIFA Fan Fest (free, all weekend)
- Empire State Building observation deck — sunset view
- Dinner in Williamsburg or West Village
Saturday:
- Brooklyn Bridge walk + DUMBO
- Lunch at Smorgasburg
- Yankees or Mets game (if home)
- Hoboken pier sunset (Manhattan skyline)
Sunday (final day):
- Late breakfast — bagels at Russ & Daughters
- Train to Secaucus by 1pm at the latest
- Tailgate at MetLife from 2pm
- Kickoff
- Post-final celebrations: depends on which teams
Monday (recovery):
- Central Park morning walk
- Brunch in West Village
- Flight home (book a late one — Sunday night will be chaos)
Where Fans Will Watch (No Ticket Required)
Times Square FIFA Fan Fest — Official screening. Massive crowds. Free.
Bryant Park — Smaller, more chill atmosphere. Public WiFi, food vendors.
McSorley's Old Ale House — East Village. Iconic 170-year-old bar. Will be packed.
Smithfield Hall (Midtown) — Soccer-specific bar. Reservation-only on final day.
Brooklyn Bowl Williamsburg — Big screens, great vibe, food.
What a Local Friend Does for You
A New York Local Friend on Roavi can:
- Pick you up from the airport
- Show you the bars and restaurants tourists never find
- Walk you through the NJ Transit logistics on match day
- Take you to Brooklyn / Queens neighborhoods that aren't on the typical tourist map
- Help with luggage / hotel logistics if your flight times are weird
Browse New York Local Friends on Roavi. Set what you want, agree on the rate, meet up.