New York is the biggest stage of them all for WC 2026. the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (officially "NY NJ Stadium" during the tournament) will host 8 matches, including the WC 2026 Final on July 19. With an 82,500 capacity, it is the largest venue in the tournament. The stadium sits just 10 miles west of Manhattan, giving fans access to the world's most famous city as their base camp.

Did you know? the New York New Jersey Stadium will host WC Final for the first time in US history. The last time the US hosted a WC Final was in 1994, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

For full match odds, seating map and stadium capacity details, see our the New York New Jersey Stadium: WC 2026 Matches & Info.

WC 2026 matches in New York

The New York New Jersey Stadium will host 8 matches between June 13 and July 19.

Group stage matches

Knockout stage matches

Note for European fans: Some matches kick off late locally, which means they fall in the early morning hours of the next calendar day in Belgium, Poland, Romania, Greece and Serbia. Check the (+1) markers in the table and set your alarms accordingly.

Follow every match live on the live centre or via the Napoleon Sports app.

Match schedule data from the the New York New Jersey Stadium official website.

Travelling to New York 

Flying to New York

The New York area has three major airports. Newark Liberty International (EWR) is the closest to the New York New Jersey Stadium at just 10 miles and is the recommended choice. JFK International and LaGuardia serve Manhattan but require longer transfers to the stadium. From most European capitals, direct flights take 7 to 9 hours. Newark has direct connections from London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Warsaw and many other European cities.

From Newark Airport, take the AirTrain to Newark Penn Station, then NJ Transit to Meadowlands. Total journey time is about 45 minutes. Uber/Lyft from Newark to Manhattan costs $40-$60.

Getting around New York

Manhattan's subway system is the backbone of getting around the city. A single ride costs $2.90. Use an OMNY contactless card or simply tap your phone/bank card at any turnstile. The subway runs 24 hours. For NJ Transit services to the stadium, download the NJ Transit app or buy tickets at Penn Station.

Taxis and rideshare (Uber, Lyft) are everywhere but expect heavy traffic, especially during match days. Walking is the best way to explore Manhattan. The city is compact and flat.

Getting to the New York New Jersey Stadium on match day

NJ Transit runs special event trains from NYC Penn Station (Midtown Manhattan) directly to Meadowlands Station, a short walk from the New York New Jersey Stadium. The journey takes about 30 minutes and is by far the easiest option.

Pro tip: Avoid driving. Traffic around the Meadowlands on match days will be extreme, especially for the Final. The NJ Transit train is fast, affordable and drops you right at the stadium.

Transport information from New York City official tourism.

Where to stay in New York during WC 2026

Best neighbourhoods for football fans

Midtown Manhattan is the most convenient base. You are within walking distance of Penn Station (for trains to the stadium), surrounded by restaurants, bars and iconic sights like Times Square and Central Park. Hotels are plentiful but expect the tournament premium pricing.

Hoboken and Jersey City (on the New Jersey side of the Hudson) offer lower hotel prices and faster access to the New York New Jersey Stadium. Both have excellent restaurants and waterfront bars with Manhattan skyline views. The PATH train connects them to Manhattan in 10 minutes.

Lower Manhattan / Lower East Side has more budget-friendly hostels and boutique hotels, with easy subway access to Penn Station.

Accommodation tips

New York in summer is peak tourist season even without the tournament. Book as early as possible. Mid-range hotels run $200-$400 per night; budget hostels in Manhattan or Brooklyn start around $50-$80 per night. Airbnb apartments in Brooklyn or Queens can be good value, but check transit connections to Penn Station.

Fan zones and atmosphere in New York

New York will be the epicentre of WC 2026 energy. Official Fan Fest locations will be announced closer to the tournament, but expect major activations at Times Square (public viewing screens are tradition here for major sporting events), Hudson Yards, and Rockefeller Plaza.

On the New Jersey side, the Meadowlands complex area around the New York New Jersey Stadium will have pre-match fan zones and activations. For the Final on July 19, expect New York to be the centre of the footballing world.

For pre-match and post-match drinking, Hell's Kitchen and Murray Hill in Midtown have the highest concentration of sports bars. Football-specific pubs include The Football Factory at Legends (Midtown) and Banter (Williamsburg, Brooklyn).

Insider tip: The bars around Penn Station fill up with fans heading to the stadium 2-3 hours before kickoff. If you want to soak in the atmosphere without rush, head to a Hoboken waterfront bar instead, then catch a later train.

What to see and do in New York beyond football

Madison Square Garden, just above Penn Station, often has events on non-match nights (concerts, NBA games if the Knicks are in season). It is one of the most famous arenas in the world.

Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg offers tastings and tours. The whole Williamsburg neighbourhood is excellent for craft beer and street food. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge for skyline views, then explore DUMBO.

The Staten Island Ferry is free and gives you close-up views of the Statue of Liberty without paying for tickets. It runs 24/7 from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.

Central Park is perfect for a morning run or relaxed walk before an afternoon match. The High Line, an elevated park built on former railway tracks, runs through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District.

Day trip: If you have a rest day, take the train to Coney Island (1 hour from Midtown by subway) for the beach, boardwalk and Luna Park amusement rides.

Nearby the tournament host cities: also check our fan guides for WC 2026 in Philadelphia, WC 2026 in Boston.

Food and drink guide for fans in New York

New York is arguably the world's best food city. Here is where to start:

Dollar slice pizza is the quintessential New York experience. Walk into any corner pizzeria and grab a massive cheese slice for $1.50-$2. It is fast, filling and delicious. For something fancier, Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village or Prince Street Pizza (pepperoni squares) are legendary.

Bagels are a New York religion. Try them with lox (smoked salmon) and cream cheese from Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side, or grab one fresh from any neighbourhood bagel shop.

Pastrami on rye at Katz's Delicatessen (Lower East Side, since 1888) is a must. Be prepared to queue, but it is worth it.

For watching other the tournament matches, sports bars with big screens cluster around Murray Hill, Hell's Kitchen and the East Village. Smithfield Hall (near Madison Square Park) and The Football Factory (Midtown) specifically cater to football fans with multiple screens and international match coverage.

Tipping: 18-22% is standard at restaurants and bars. Tipping is not optional in the US. Most places accept cards; carrying some cash for food carts is useful.

Practical information for visiting New York

Safety tips

New York is generally safe in all major tourist areas. The subway is safe during the day and well-patrolled at night on main lines. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas like Times Square and on the subway. Avoid flashing expensive items. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is essential for visitors from outside the US.

Mobile and connectivity

eSIMs from providers like Airalo or Holafly work well and can be set up before you travel. Free Wi-Fi is available at airports, most coffee shops, hotels and public libraries.

Download the Napoleon Sports app before you travel to follow live scores, odds, and match updates on the go.

City information from the Borough of East Rutherford website.

Bet on WC 2026 matches in New York

8 matches at the New York New Jersey Stadium means 8 opportunities to get involved. Follow every group stage battle and knockout drama with live odds and in-play betting via the live centre.

Use BetBuilder to combine multiple selections within a single match. New to Napoleon Sports? Create your account and get access to all WC 2026 markets.

With 2UP early payout, your bet is settled as a winner if your team goes ahead by 2 goals at any point during the match, regardless of the final score.

FAQ: WC 2026 in New York

How many WC 2026 matches will be played in New York?

8 matches, up to the Final.

What is the closest airport to the New York New Jersey Stadium?

EWR (Newark Liberty), approximately 10 miles from the stadium.

Is public transport available to the New York New Jersey Stadium on match days?

Yes. The nearest station is Meadowlands Station (NJ Transit rail from NYC Penn Station). Use the NJ Transit App / OMNY.

What is the weather like in New York in June and July?

Warm & Humid (28C). Stay hydrated and plan accordingly.

Do I need a visa to travel to New York for WC 2026?

Most European visitors can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Brazilian visitors typically need a B1/B2 tourist visa. Apply well in advance. For full details, see our WC 2026 Visa & Travel Guide.

Can I watch the tournament matches live on my phone?

Yes. Download the Napoleon Sports app to follow live scores and place bets via the live centre.

Stadium facts: the New York New Jersey Stadium venue info (Wikipedia).

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