New York / New Jersey & MetLife Stadium
The centerpiece of World Cup 2026 — MetLife hosts the World Cup Final and multiple knockout rounds.
New York / New Jersey at a Glance
MetLife Stadium Matchday Experience
MetLife Stadium is the largest venue in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will host the tournament’s most prestigious matches — including the Final. Demand for this host city is expected to be among the highest of the entire tournament.
- World-class venue capacity and infrastructure for global-scale matchdays.
- Strong premium seating and suite-style inventory depending on match stage.
- Event-day traffic and security are significant — timing and transport planning matter.
- Official transit and stadium shuttles may be used depending on tournament operations.
- Plan to arrive 90–120 minutes before kickoff for major matches.
- Expect enhanced bag policies — pack light and follow event guidelines.
- Post-match departures can be slow — private pickup coordination helps.
- NYC hotel corridors are strong, but stadium access is New Jersey-based.
Best Areas for World Cup Visitors
Best for first-time visitors who want the full NYC experience: top hotels, dining, nightlife, and a central base. Match-day transport to MetLife is longer, but the city experience is unmatched.
Great restaurants and neighborhoods with a more relaxed pace than Midtown. Strong option for travelers who prefer boutique hotels and a premium city vibe.
Excellent skyline views and often better value than Manhattan. Convenient positioning for stadium access and easy transport into NYC for sightseeing.
Popular with groups who want a neighborhood feel and solid transit options. Great for daytime exploring and lower-key nights.
Best for guests prioritizing proximity and early arrivals. Limited “NYC feel,” but the simplest match-day logistics.
Where We Typically Place Guests
We match hotels to your match schedule, preferred neighborhoods, and budget. Below are examples of the kinds of properties we typically use. Final selection depends on dates, demand, and match assignment.
Luxury & 5-Star
- Top Manhattan luxury properties
- Premium boutique options
- High-demand skyline-view hotels
- Curated 5-star corridors
4-Star Favorites
- Midtown and Downtown favorites
- Jersey City waterfront options
- Reliable full-service brands
- Strong group-friendly properties
Upper-Midrange Options
- Select-service brands
- Value-forward NJ corridors
- Clean transit-access hotels
- Curated options by match cluster
Your package will specify confirmed hotel options and neighborhoods before you commit.
Getting Around NYC/NJ & to MetLife Stadium
NYC/NJ is transit-rich, but match days are a different game. We recommend a coordinated plan for airport arrivals, hotel check-in, and MetLife stadium transport — especially for high-demand matches like the Final.
- JFK — major international gateway.
- Newark (EWR) — often the most convenient for MetLife access.
- LaGuardia (LGA) — strong domestic routing, Manhattan convenience.
- Private SUV or Sprinter (best for groups and timing control).
- Transit options may be available depending on event routing and tournament operations.
- Rideshare can be slow after big matches — pickup strategy matters.
- Pre-arranged departure plans reduce post-match delays.
MetLife Stadium World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
Matches hosted at MetLife Stadium. Team placeholders (e.g., “W76”) reflect bracket positions and will resolve after group results. Kickoff times may be adjusted by organizers.
Want a simple plan? We can build packages around any match above — hotels, transport, and ticket options tailored to your group.
Things to Do in New York City
- Central Park — iconic and easy to fit into any itinerary.
- Times Square & Broadway — classic NYC nights out.
- Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island — popular half-day experience.
- Top of the Rock or One World Observatory — skyline views.
- Museums (MoMA, The Met) and neighborhood exploring.
- World-class dining across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
- Rooftop bars and cocktail lounges (reservations recommended).
- Neighborhood nightlife in Lower Manhattan and beyond.
- Pre-match dinners curated around your hotel location.
- American Museum of Natural History.
- High Line + Hudson Yards.
- NYC ferry rides and waterfront areas.
If you’d like, we can fold sightseeing, dining reservations, and family-friendly activities directly into your World Cup itinerary so everything is confirmed before you land.
Safety & Practical Advice
General Safety
- Stick to well-traveled streets at night and use rideshare when needed.
- Be aware of pickpocket risk in crowded tourist zones.
- Match weeks will have strong security presence around fan zones and stadium access corridors.
Matchday
- Arrive early: transportation bottlenecks are common for major MetLife events.
- Confirm the official entry and routing rules for your match day.
- Plan a defined post-match meetup point if traveling as a group.
Movement
- NYC is walkable, but match days require an organized transit plan.
- Use official queues and avoid unmarked vehicles.
- Your Xenia advisor can advise on neighborhoods and routing once you book.
NY/NJ World Cup Packages with Xenia
We design fully managed NY/NJ itineraries that connect match tickets, premium hotel placement, and coordinated transportation into one streamlined trip. Every package is customized around your dates, match priorities, and service level.
- Final-focused packages (by request).
- Group stage packages built around 1–2 matches at MetLife Stadium.
- Multi-city routes combining NY/NJ with other U.S. host cities.
- Premium hotel corridors with match-day transportation included.
- Private SUVs or Sprinters for your group with match-day coordination.
NY/NJ World Cup FAQ
Ready to Plan New York / New Jersey World Cup 2026?
From group stage matches to the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, we’ll send tailored options with tickets, hotel placement, and match-day transportation.