MetLife Stadium

New York / New Jersey, USA Capacity: 82,500

Host of the 2026 World Cup Final. East Rutherford, NJ, 8 miles from Manhattan. Open-air with the NYC skyline as the backdrop.

Getting There

Meadowlands Rail (event service from Secaucus Junction)

Parking

30,000+ spots, $40-60 per game

Bag Policy

Clear bags only, 12"x6"x12" max

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What the official site won't say

Bag policy (what gets denied vs what the rules say)

Published bag policies and what actually clears the gate are not the same document. The published WC2026 rule allows clear bags up to roughly 30cm x 23cm x 15cm, plus a small clutch. In practice, individual venue security at the larger stadiums (I watched it at Lusail in 2022 and at MetLife on a non-WC event in 2024) rejects anything opaque, anything with a metal frame, and any "clear" bag with internal pockets dense enough that the screener can't see through. Drawstring bags get waved through more often than backpack-shape clear bags of the same volume. Bring nothing you can't fit in a pocket or a single transparent zip pouch, and assume a 10 to 15 percent chance the line in front of you loses something the rulebook said was fine.

Editor's note from Sam Halloway. Not affiliated with FIFA. More about this guide .

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Matches at MetLife Stadium

Group Stage - Matchday 1Group C

Brazil

Morocco

Jun 13 · 22:00 UTCMetLife StadiumNew York / New Jersey

Group Stage - Matchday 3Group E

Ecuador

Germany

Jun 25 · 20:00 UTCMetLife StadiumNew York / New Jersey

Group Stage - Matchday 1Group I

France

Senegal

Jun 16 · 19:00 UTCMetLife StadiumNew York / New Jersey

Group Stage - Matchday 3Group L

Panama

England

Jun 27 · 21:00 UTCMetLife StadiumNew York / New Jersey

Round of 32

WINWinner Group I

3RD3rd Place

Jun 30 · 21:00 UTCMetLife StadiumNew York / New Jersey

Round of 16

WINWinner Match 76

WINWinner Match 78

Jul 5 · 20:00 UTCMetLife StadiumNew York / New Jersey

Final

WINWinner Match 101

WINWinner Match 102

Jul 19 · 19:00 UTCMetLife StadiumNew York / New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to MetLife Stadium on match day?

The best way to reach MetLife Stadium is via Meadowlands Rail (event service from Secaucus Junction). Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before kickoff for security screening.

What can I bring to MetLife Stadium?

Clear bags only, 12"x6"x12" max. No outside food or drinks. Sealed water bottles may be permitted — check the latest FIFA guidelines.

How early should I arrive at MetLife Stadium?

Gates typically open 2-3 hours before kickoff for World Cup matches. Arrive early to enjoy the fan zone activities outside the stadium.

Is there parking at MetLife Stadium?

30,000+ spots, $40-60 per game. Public transit is strongly recommended for World Cup matches due to heavy traffic.

Where should I stay near MetLife Stadium?

Look for hotels in New York / New Jersey near the transit lines that serve the stadium. Book early — World Cup accommodation fills up months in advance.

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Hotels in New York / New Jersey

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Flights to New York / New Jersey

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eSIM for arrival

No roaming fees in USA. Saily plans run $4 to $25 for tournament-window data.

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Travel insurance

Match cancellation, missed connections, medical. SafetyWing tournament-window cover from $42.

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