The best way to plan a World Cup weekend in New York Metropolis

New York Metropolis is at all times a great time, however in the course of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it would attain one other stage solely. In June and July 2026, the most important event in international sports activities is coming to North America, and the ultimate match will probably be performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, throughout the river from Manhattan. Whether or not you are fortunate sufficient to have tickets in hand or simply wish to absorb the power at one of many metropolis’s vibrant sports activities bars or watch events, here is how you can plan an unforgettable World Cup weekend within the Massive Apple. From the place to remain and what to pack to what to do whenever you’re not watching a match, this information has you coated.

Why go to New York Metropolis in the course of the World Cup?

One of many coolest issues about New York Metropolis is that no matter you’re into, you’re assured to search out it in spades. For the World Cup, this can imply dialed-up power, a lot of rowdy followers (and possibly some new buddies), bars devoted to the matches, your favourite crew’s gear noticed within the wild and loads of actions to maintain you amped between matches. The place else are you going to search out Brazilians singing within the streets, the Dutch draped in orange and followers from each nook of the world gathering to observe the identical 90 minutes?

When are the World Cup matches in New York Metropolis?

The 2026 FIFA Males’s World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19. Matches will probably be held throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico. With the ultimate match scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, New York Metropolis is primed to be middle stage in the course of the event, each for stay matches and for fan occasions.

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The place are the World Cup matches close to New York Metropolis?

MetLife Stadium, residence to each the New York Giants and New York Jets American soccer groups, is the New York Metropolis space venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Situated in East Rutherford, New Jersey, it’s a straightforward prepare or bus experience from Manhattan. Not solely will the ultimate match be performed right here however a number of earlier rounds as properly. 

How do I get tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

If you happen to’re hoping to be within the stands for the ultimate – or any match within the New York Metropolis space – you’ll should be prepared to purchase when tickets go on sale by FIFA’s official platform later this yr. As soon as tickets promote out, you’ll be able to attempt to snag a few tony seats off SeatGeek or StubHub. Take note, nevertheless, that tickets to the ultimate are going to be dear irrespective of how you purchase them.

The place ought to I keep for the World Cup?

Attending to the stadium in New Jersey is a fairly straight shot on the prepare from Manhattan, so until you’re not planning on doing something however go to MetLife Stadium, you’ll wish to select a centrally situated resort proper within the metropolis. Lodging choices in Midtown abound, with Moxy Occasions Sq. (boutique and considerably budget-friendly for New York), Refinery Lodge (mid-range) and Pendry Manhattan West (high finish) are all lower than a half a mile (1k) from Penn Station.

If you happen to don’t thoughts a brief subway experience to Penn Station to catch the prepare to New Jersey, contemplate staying in SoHo at the Dominick, a smooth spot with epic views and a chill, upscale vibe. 

What ought to I deliver to a World Cup match?

MetLife Stadium permits guests to usher in a small purse, purse, or clear bag (only one per particular person) measuring 12in x 6in x 12in (30.5cm x 15.25cm x 30.5cm). Backpacks, diaper baggage and enormous opaque tote baggage are usually not permitted. The excellent news: you’ll be able to deliver a factory-sealed water bottle (July within the New York metropolitan space will be very popular) or an empty reusable bottle.

Followers ought to deliver their crew’s gear. Sport your crew’s jersey proudly, whether or not it’s Group USA’s purple, white and blue or Brazil’s daring yellow and inexperienced. Add a vintage-style cap, wave your crew’s scarf and prepare to chant such as you imply it.

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Sunscreen and sun shades are each essential for day matches, and because the stadium is a cashless facility, be sure to’ve bought a bank card or a totally charged cellphone for tap-to-pay purchases.

What’s the easiest way to get to MetLife Stadium?

On match days NJ Transit runs direct prepare service from Penn Station to the Meadowlands Rail Station, which is correct exterior the stadium. If you happen to’re not staying close to Penn Station, you’ll be able to take any of six New York Metropolis subway strains to succeed in thirty fourth St between seventh and eighth Aves: 1, 2, 3, A, C and E.

When you can take a rideshare or yellow cab to New Jersey from Manhattan, it would price you. And it received’t essentially prevent any time due to site visitors leaving (and getting into) the town. Usually, the prepare will get you there quicker and with fewer complications.

What are the foods and drinks choices at MetLife Stadium?

If you happen to’re hankering for some normal American sports activities venue fare, MetLife Stadium received’t disappoint. Scorching canines, rooster tenders, fries, nachos, chilly beer – all are abundantly out there. There are additionally vegetarian and gluten-free choices like veggie burritos and burgers on gluten-free buns. 

Along with craft beers, you’ll find exhausting seltzer, wine, nonalcoholic sips and blended drinks. 

Specialty stands like Towards the Grain (brisket sandwiches) and Fortunate’s (dumplings and noodles) are a pleasant different when you’re not within the temper for a scorching Italian sausage or slice of pizza.

The place ought to I eat in New York Metropolis once I’m not at a match?

Breakfast: One phrase – bagels. OK, there are literally many extra phrases we will add about this meal expertise; schmear, smoked salmon, bacon, egg and cheese are the headliners however nearly each filling mixture you’ll be able to give you is out there. Nevertheless you are taking your bagel, getting one to start out the day in New York is solely obligatory. Barney Greengrass is famous and for good motive; the basic Jewish deli on the Higher West Facet does smoked fish like no different. 

Lunch: The sandwiches at Lil’ Frankie’s Grocery within the East Village are actually one thing to write down residence about. My private favourite is the Massive Cheech, made with roast beef, lettuce, tomato and additional virgin olive oil mayo served on a superbly crusty semolina roll. Quite a few vegetarian choices will attraction to even the staunchest carnivores.

Dinner: Korean meals is having an actual second in New York Metropolis, and the just lately opened Howoo, a Korean barbecue spot in Midtown, is a most scrumptious expertise. Select from one of many packages to take the guesswork out of ordering the assorted cuts of meat, pair it with a highball when you imbibe, and benefit from the banchan (small facet dishes) that include each meal.

Espresso: I found Abraço once I first moved to the town in 2007, and the comfy East Village espresso store continues to be my favourite place to refuel. The olive oil cake and cured olive cookies (they sound slightly odd, however simply do it) pair superbly along with your drink of selection.

Are there enjoyable sports activities bars to maintain the get together going?

You wager there are! From Brooklyn to Manhattan to Queens, New York Metropolis’s sports activities bars get the get together began after which hold it going. My favourite spot is in Williamsburg, Brooklyn; Berry Park has a rooftop and big screens inside. It’s excessive power throughout and an excellent place to observe a sport. The Chelsea sports activities bar Smithfield Corridor is so devoted to the game that there’s a soccer part on its web site itemizing the entire video games it might be displaying. It tends to get crowded however can skinny out a bit after the ultimate whistle. In Queens, Bar 43 in Sunnyside calls itself the Dwelling of Soccer in Queens, so you already know there’s loads of cheering occurring.

What different occasions are taking place in New York Metropolis to rejoice the World Cup?

No tickets? No downside. The viewing events on the World Commerce Middle’s Oculus usually pack loads of motion. You should buy meals and drinks from distributors earlier than settling in to fixate your eyes on the large outside display screen. 

In New Jersey, Liberty State Park, simply throughout the Hudson, is the official FIFA Fan Pageant website within the space. Programming on the scenic park will run all through the event, with matches on an enormous display screen and stay leisure.

Extra pop-ups are anticipated throughout New York Metropolis’s parks, plazas and rooftop bars, so regulate this web page; we’ll be updating it with extra listings because the event grows nearer.

What ought to I do once I’m not at a match?

New York Metropolis has no scarcity of distractions between matches, however when you’re searching for a second of calm, head to one of many unbelievable remark decks.

Edge at Hudson Yards presents sweeping views and a glass ground when you can handle it. Prime of the Rock has unbeatable skyline picture ops, particularly round sundown. And for one thing extra immersive, Summit One Vanderbilt blends mirrored rooms, sky-high views and artwork installations right into a trippy, solely in New York expertise.

After all, you’re additionally within the best buying, consuming and consuming, and museum-hopping metropolis on Earth, so when you’re not on the stadium, that is the time to wander, snack, store, repeat.

Anything I have to know?

If you happen to’re heading to MetLife Stadium, remember to give your self loads of time. Whereas we suggest public transportation over rideshares or taxis, it’s nonetheless sensible to construct in a buffer – prepare platforms and stadium gates can get hectic on sport days. And whether or not you’re stadium-bound or catching a match at a bar close to your resort, pack gentle. You don’t need something weighing you down, particularly in that brutal New York Metropolis summer season warmth.