After extensive preparations, the World Cup is finally arriving in New York City. Over the next month, MetLife Stadium will host some of the top soccer teams, with the final match set for July 19 in East Rutherford.
During the tournament, while MetLife Stadium, also referred to as New York-New Jersey Stadium, will host eight matches, the surrounding New York metropolitan area will be alive with various events.
Here’s what you need to know about the World Cup happenings.
Fan Fest & Official Watch Party
NYNJ World Cup 26 Jersey Fan Hub: Sports Illustrated Stadium, home to Red Bull New York, will become a venue for World Cup match viewings. It will be open for eight days during both the group and knockout stages, from June 13-27 and July 1-15, respectively. Expect live match screenings, fan activities, and entertainment. Admission is free, but registration is required.
NYNJ World Cup 26 Queens Group Stage Headquarters: The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will host a fan experience from June 11-27. In addition to match screenings, it will feature performances from artists like Nas, Busta Rhymes, and Wyclef Jean. New York City FC will also create a unique fan experience with games and prizes.
NYNJ World Cup 26 and Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center: From July 6-19, Rockefeller Center will transform into a World Cup Fan Village, offering giant screens for match viewings and a soccer pitch set on the iconic ice rink.
Brooklyn Fun Zone: From June 13 to July 19, Brooklyn Bridge Park will serve as a gathering point for soccer fans to enjoy matches alongside the Manhattan skyline. It will host daily watch parties, live music, and a 3-on-3 adiCup tournament featuring acts like The Pink Panthers and Larry June.
NYNJ World Cup 26 Staten Island Fan Zone: Staten Island will hold viewing parties at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park from June 29 to July 2, creating a family-friendly environment with a newly installed LED scoreboard.
NYNJ World Cup 26 Bronx Fan Zone: The Bronx Terminal Market will be a hub for World Cup activities on June 13 and June 14, with games streamed, arts and crafts, and live DJs.
World Cup Final Watch Party: Central Park will host one of the largest viewing parties for the final on July 19. About 40,000 tickets will be available through a lottery for the event on the Great Lawn. Registration opens online on June 11 and continues until July 16.
MetLife Schedule
June 13 — Brazil vs. Morocco: The first World Cup match at MetLife Stadium will feature these two teams trying to make their mark.
June 16 — France vs. Senegal: This matchup in the group stage is highly anticipated, with France, the 2022 runners-up, facing a strong Senegal team.
June 22 — Norway vs. Senegal: Norway, often seen as underdogs, will compete in this matchup, which could be decisive for their progress.
June 25 — Ecuador vs. Germany: Expect a strong turnout from both the Ecuadorian community and German fans, as Germany aims to rebound from past disappointments.
June 27 — England vs. Panama: England, amidst discussions regarding their selection, will play against Panama, who is making their second World Cup appearance.
June 30th — Round 32: The winner of Group I will face a third-place finisher from various groups.
July 5th — Round 16: This match will feature high stakes and quality soccer.
July 19th — FIFA World Cup Final: The month-long tournament will culminate in the final match at MetLife Stadium.
What to Know About MetLife Before You Go
How to Participate
By Train: NJ Transit offers services from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium, with tickets costing $98, which need to be booked in advance.
By Bus: A round-trip shuttle runs from several transit hubs in Manhattan and a local park-and-ride in New Jersey, priced at $20.
By Car: Limited parking is available near American Dream Mall at $225. Note that parking for the final on July 19 is already sold out.
Prohibitions
Items not allowed include weapons, explosives, and animals (except for service animals).
Name Change
Under FIFA regulations, MetLife Stadium will be referred to as New York-New Jersey Stadium during the tournament. This name change is meant to protect FIFA’s branding and sponsors, with signage around the stadium reflecting this temporary alteration.
