MetLife Stadium

Venue Information

MetLife Stadium: Your Ultimate Guide to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Venue

MetLife Stadium, officially known as New York New Jersey Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026, stands as a premier host venue for the tournament, culminating in the highly anticipated Final. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just five miles west of Midtown Manhattan, this state-of-the-art stadium is set to be a focal point of global football excitement.

Venue Overview

MetLife Stadium opened on April 10, 2010, replacing the legendary Giants Stadium. It serves as the shared home of the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, making it one of only two NFL stadiums shared by two franchises. The stadium has a rich history of hosting major sporting events, including Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 and the Copa América Centenario final in 2016, along with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. Its selection as the venue for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final solidifies its significance on the global stage, showcasing its capacity and infrastructure to host the world's biggest sporting event.

For the FIFA World Cup 2026, MetLife Stadium will host a total of eight matches. This includes five group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match, and the monumental FIFA World Cup Final on July 19, 2026.

Match Schedule & Events

MetLife Stadium is set to deliver a thrilling lineup of matches throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, culminating in the championship decider.

Confirmed Matches at MetLife Stadium:

• Saturday, June 13: Brazil vs. Morocco (Group Stage) – 6:00 PM ET
• Tuesday, June 16: France vs. Senegal (Group Stage) – 3:00 PM ET
• Monday, June 22: Norway vs. Senegal (Group Stage) – 8:00 PM ET
• Thursday, June 25: Ecuador vs. Germany (Group Stage) – 4:00 PM ET
• Saturday, June 27: Panama vs. England (Group Stage) – 5:00 PM ET
• Tuesday, June 30: Round of 32 – 5:00 PM ET (teams to be determined)
• Sunday, July 5: Round of 16 – 4:00 PM ET (teams to be determined)
• Sunday, July 19: FIFA World Cup Final – 3:00 PM ET

The Final, contested between European champions Spain and South American and defending world champions Argentina, will also feature an extended halftime show.

Getting There — Transport & Access

MetLife Stadium is well-connected to the wider New York and New Jersey metropolitan area, though fans are strongly encouraged to utilize public transportation due to restricted parking on match days.

Nearest Airports:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Approximately 15 minutes away from the stadium.
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) & John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Located in Queens, NYC, these airports are further but well-connected to Manhattan for onward public transport.
• Teterboro Airport (TEB): A private aviation airport located just five minutes from the stadium.

Public Transit Options:

• NJ Transit Rail Service: This is highly recommended and specifically designed for match days. Take an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line, which provides direct service to the Sports Complex Station, just steps from the stadium.
• Round-trip tickets should be purchased in advance, ideally through the NJ Transit Mobile App.
• A valid FIFA match ticket is required to purchase and use NJ Transit services to the stadium.
• Official NYNJ Stadium Shuttle: Shuttle services will operate from multiple locations in New York City, including the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Midtown North, and Midtown East, offering a direct ride to the stadium.
• Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express Bus: This bus service runs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to the MetLife Sports Complex for major events.
• Rideshare/Taxis: Designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones are located near the pedestrian bridge (Lot D and Lot E). Follow event signage and staff directions. Uber/rideshare drop-offs and pick-ups outside designated areas are not permitted.

Parking:

• No General Spectator Parking: There will be no general spectator parking available at MetLife Stadium on FIFA World Cup matchdays.
• Pre-booked Parking: Limited official parking is available but in very high demand and must be reserved in advance.
• Satellite Lots: Consider using satellite lots with shuttle service to avoid congestion.
• Walking to the stadium is prohibited.

Fan Experience & Atmosphere

Fans attending matches at MetLife Stadium can expect an electric atmosphere, amplified by the diverse global support that the World Cup brings. The stadium's design ensures excellent sightlines from every level, with fans along the 50-yard line being among the closest to the action.

Inside the Stadium:

• Seating and Views: The stadium features four seating levels that fully enclose the field, including approximately 9,200 club seats and 117 luxury suites. Over 2,000 HD monitors are placed throughout the concourses, bars, and suites, ensuring fans don't miss any action.
• Food & Drink: The Meadowlands region boasts a wide array of culinary options, from traditional American fare to diverse international cuisines. Inside the stadium, expect typical stadium concessions, with food and beverages available for purchase. Alcohol is also sold at the fan zones within the stadium perimeter.
• Fan Zones: Official fan zones will be set up inside the stadium perimeter, after security and ticket scanning. These zones offer a festive atmosphere with DJs, sponsor activations, food, and merchandise.

Nearby Attractions & Fan Zones:

The New York/New Jersey area offers a plethora of attractions for visiting fans:

• FIFA Fan Festivals: Official Fan Festivals are planned in iconic locations such as Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, which will become a vibrant Fan Village. In New Jersey, Liberty State Park in Jersey City will host a large fan hub with views of the Statue of Liberty. Other fan zones will be spread across Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, and various locations in New Jersey.
• American Dream Mall: Located very close to the stadium, this massive complex offers shopping, an indoor ski slope, waterpark, and theme park.
• New York City Attractions: Fans can easily explore Manhattan's famous sights, including Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and numerous museums.

Stadium Features & Specifications

MetLife Stadium is a modern marvel designed for large-scale events.

• Capacity: The official capacity for NFL games is 82,500. For the FIFA World Cup, the configuration may be slightly adjusted. It has 10,005 club seats and approximately 218 luxury suites.
• Surface Type: For the FIFA World Cup, a natural grass surface has been installed, replacing the usual FieldTurf.
• Roof: The stadium does not have a retractable roof, being an open-air venue.
• Year Opened: April 10, 2010.
• Cost: The stadium cost $1.6 billion to build.
• Architectural Features: Designed by EwingCole in collaboration with 360 Architecture, the exterior is clad in aluminum louvers that subtly reflect the team colors (green for Jets, blue for Giants) on game days. The design focuses on symmetry, clear sightlines, and functionality. Four giant 9x35-meter video boards are positioned at each corner of the stadium.

Tips for Visiting Fans

To make your FIFA World Cup 2026 experience at MetLife Stadium as smooth and enjoyable as possible, consider these practical tips:

• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 3 hours before kickoff to navigate security, ticket scanning, and entry, and to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere at the fan zones. Getting to your seat 20+ minutes before kickoff is recommended to avoid concourse congestion and catch player intros.
• Utilize Public Transportation: This is the most recommended way to get to the stadium. Purchase round-trip NJ Transit tickets in advance via the mobile app and ensure you have your valid match ticket, as both are required to receive a mandatory matchday wristband for travel.
• Weather Considerations: July in New York/New Jersey can be warm and humid, with "feels-like" temperatures potentially in the high 90s Fahrenheit.
• Pack light, breathable clothing.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen.
• A light jacket for cooler evenings may be useful.
• Stay hydrated, especially during afternoon matches.
• Stadium Bag Policy: Familiarize yourself with MetLife Stadium's guest policies regarding permitted and prohibited items, and the stadium's bag policy, available on their website.
• Stay Connected: Consider a global eSIM for easier access to tickets, maps, and real-time updates.
• Explore the Region: Take advantage of the diverse attractions in the Meadowlands and New York City. The American Dream Mall is nearby, and Manhattan offers endless sightseeing opportunities.