MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on July 19, 2026, plus 7 other matches. Capacity: 82,500 — the largest US venue. Here's everything you need to know as a fan.
- Address
- 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ
- Capacity
- 82,500 (largest US WC venue)
- Total WC matches
- 8 (including FINAL)
- Opened
- 2010
- Other tenants
- NY Giants + NY Jets (NFL)
How to get there
From Manhattan (best option for most fans)
NJ Transit:
From Penn Station NYC, take the Meadowlands Rail Line directly to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station. 15 minutes, $5.25.
Trains run every 15 mins on event days.
Station is at the stadium gates.
From Newark Liberty Airport (EWR)
30-min NJ Transit ride from Newark Airport. Or 25-min Uber/Lyft ($35-60).
From JFK Airport
1h15 by train (AirTrain + LIRR + transfer) or 1h drive ($70-120 Uber/Lyft).
Driving
From NYC: I-95 N to Exit 17. Stadium parking $50+/day on match days.
Hotels nearby
Closest (East Rutherford / Carlstadt) — walking/short drive
- Sheraton Lincoln Harbor — Weehawken, 10 mins drive
- Hampton Inn East Rutherford — 1 mile from stadium
- Embassy Suites Secaucus — 2 miles, NJ Transit access
- Price range during WC: $350-$800/night
NYC (best vibe, cheaper than stadium hotels)
- Times Square hotels — walk to Penn Station then 15-min train
- Price range during WC: $250-$1,200/night depending on hotel
Food at the stadium
- Standard NFL food: hot dogs, pretzels, beer
- Premium options: Shake Shack, Carl's Cuban, gourmet pizza
- Plant-based options available
- Beer/wine standard. Hard liquor in club levels only
Best seats
For WC matches, FIFA categorizes seats 1-4:
- Cat 1: 100-200 level, near field. $300+ group, $5K+ Final
- Cat 2: Lower bowl corners. $200+ group, $3K+ Final
- Cat 3: Upper bowl. $100+ group, $2K+ Final
- Cat 4 (host residents only): Discount tier. Available only with US/Canada/Mexico address
Security & policies
- Clear bag policy (12" x 12" or smaller, clear)
- No outside food or drink
- Arrive 60-90 mins before kickoff (security + queues)
- Vibrant cashless: card only, no cash accepted
Learn the host states by playing
Statedoku uses "Hosts the Final" as a constraint.
Play today's puzzle →Frequently asked questions
How do I get to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan?
NJ Transit from Penn Station — Meadowlands Rail Line, direct to Meadowlands Sports Complex Station. 15 minutes, $5.25.
Where should I stay for the World Cup Final?
NYC offers the best vibe + value. Stay near Penn Station, ride NJ Transit 15 min. Stadium-area hotels (Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites) are pricier but walking distance.
Is parking available at MetLife?
Yes. ~$50+/day on WC days. Pre-purchase recommended via stadium website.
Can I bring my own food/drink?
No. Stadium is fully cashless and prohibits outside food/drink. Bottled water is provided free at certain stations.