FIFA World Cup 2026™

An aerial photo of a soccer field with the title "FIFA World Cup 2026, Coming to MetLife Stadium Summer 2026"

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) partners with organizations and commuters across New York to ease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and inspire smarter travel choices. By connecting our members and partners with convenient, sustainable transportation options, we help connect communities to available travel resources, including special events.

New York/New Jersey is hosting eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches between June and July 2026 at the NY/NJ Stadium (MetLIfe). The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a premier international soccer tournament hosted across three countries and 11 cities in the United States.

The New York–New Jersey region is expected to welcome a substantial influx of visitors, with attendance at matches and watch parties potentially surpassing one million visitors throughout the region.

Expected Dates for an Increase in Visitors 

Between FIFA World Cup 2026™ soccer matches (including Fan Fest events), Mets baseball games, Knicks basketball playoffs, and concerts, there are many exciting events happening around NYC this summer! Several of these events will take place on the same day. Additionally, New York City has designated the dates outlined in red as Gridlock Alert Days.

We anticipate an increase in traffic congestion on match and event days, especially conflict days where there are multiple events occurring.

During this increase in visitors, consider working from home, taking public transportation, and avoiding non-essential travel on these days. 
A calendar titled "Events Calendar" that displays dates from June - July 2026. Each date on the calendar has one or multiple colored icons to indicate when events are occurring.
A city street with a crosswalk and a soccer ball, and with text providing four travel tips.

Know Before You Go

Be Aware of Closures

Some access points and transportation options will be limited to FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders.

Plan Your Route (and an Alternate)

Plan your trip in advance and identify a backup option in case of delays, closures, or crowding in the NYC region.

Go Early

Arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds, security delays, and last‑minute transit congestion around venues.

Follow Official Guidance

Temporary closures and special transit routes may not appear correctly in navigation apps—check official transit channels before you travel.

Be Flexible

Transportation conditions can change quickly. Stay alert to updates and follow on‑site signage and staff directions.

Know Before You Go

Be Aware of Closures 

Some access points and transportation options will be limited to FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders.

Plan Your Route (and an Alternate)

Plan your trip in advance and identify a backup option in case of delays, closures, or crowding in the NYC region.

Go Early

Arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds, security delays, and last‑minute transit congestion around venues.

Follow Official Guidance

Temporary closures and special transit routes may not appear correctly in navigation apps—check official transit channels before you travel.

Be Flexible

Transportation conditions can change quickly. Stay alert to updates and follow on‑site signage and staff directions.
 

World Cup Event Schedule

View the full match schedule hosted at NYNJ Stadium (MetLife).

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Events

In addition to matches at NYNJ Stadium (MetLife) in New Jersey, several other large-scale events are happening simultaneously around the New York City region, such as Mets games and watch parties. These events will cause travel impacts throughout the entire region, so plan ahead, adjust your travel, and stay home when feasible. Consider transit, biking, scooters, shuttles, and other options. 
An aerial view of the UTSA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Queens Group Stage HQ

UTSA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
June 11 – June 27, 2026
 

How to Get There

An aerial view of the Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Fan Zone

Brooklyn Bridge Park
June 13 – July 19, 2026 (select dates)
 

How to Get There

An aerial view of the Rockefeller Center

Fan Village Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center
July 6 – 19, 2026
 

How to Get There

An aerial view of the Siuh Community Park

Staten Island Fan Zone

Siuh Community Park
June 29 – July 2, 2026
 

How to Get There

An aerial view of the Sports Illustrated Stadium

Jersey Fan Hub

Sports Illustrated Stadium
June 11 – July 19, 2026 (select dates)
 

How to Get There

  • Harrison Street PATH Station

Additional Watch Parties

Commuting During World Cup Weeks

It is an exciting time to welcome so many visitors to our region. With an increase in visitors in the region, your regular travel route will be different than normal. Plan ahead and consider avoiding traveling on high visitor dates.

Commute Alternatives

Expect to see a significant increase in traffic and congestion surrounding matches and events. There are matches occurring across the Hudson River in New Jersey that will impact transit in New York City. Additionally, other sporting events and concerts will increase traffic congestion and impact your regular route. 
Consider the following alternatives: 
  • Work remotely
  • Adjust your schedule
  • Avoid busy areas
  • Delay travel to avoid the transit impacts

Anticipated Travel Disruptions & Alternative Options

  • Penn Station will be closed to non-World Cup ticket holders starting four hours before kickoff. NJ Transit trains (between Penn Station and Secaucus Junction) will be running for World Cup ticket holders only.
    • Alternate option: During those four hours, commuters will be able to use Amtrak, PATH trains and NJ Transit buses.
  • There may be reduced accessible seats, paths, signage, and Access-A-Ride services.
  • Transportation services to and from NYNJ Stadium (MetLife) will require a FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket.
    • Alternate option: If your regular route uses public transit to and from stops at NYNJ Stadium (MetLife), use a different form of transportation on match days.
  • Two weekday matches (June 22 and 30, 2026) are expected to significantly disrupt the normal commute.
    • Alternate option: Ask your employer about work from home options or adjusting your work schedule to avoid peak travel times.
  • Traffic congestion is expected on the Lincoln Tunnel, Route 495, Route 3, and the New Jersey Turnpike.
    • Alternate option: Avoid unnecessary trips, reroute your travel, or adjust your departure time.
  • Several transit operators will have changes in service, including diversions, reroutes, skipped stops, and operating on different schedules than normal.
    • Alternate option: Use real-time service updates and trip planning

Traveling to World Cup Events

Are you planning to attend a match, a watch party, or one of the other sporting events or concerts happening during FIFA World Cup 2026™? Travel around the NYC region will be different than normal and there are designated travel routes for matches and events.

Transportation Options to Events

There are several transportation options to access the fan experiences and matches, including rail, bus, subway, and ferry. Note that FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets are required to purchase and access official transportation services to NYNJ Stadium (MetLife).
Park & Ride
Avoid the traffic by parking your car and riding public transit. View the maps below and select a location to see services available.
Bike & Scooter
A bike or scooter is a great option for traveling short distances, such as from your home to a subway station. 
Rideshare & Driving
All rideshare will use a designated drop-off and pick-up location at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. There will be no personal vehicle access to NYNJ Stadium (MetLife).

Traveling from Upstate

If you are planning to travel from upstate to downstate to attend World Cup events, there are several transportation options available, including 511ny.org, Amtrak, and intercity buses.
 

Single Trip Carpool Matching

Register here 511NYRideshare.org (Registration is Quick, Easy, and FREE). You will receive a welcome email, click the Log In link to confirm your password. Then select Find a Carpool from the menu then A blue and white sign with a white cross and an orange circleDescription automatically generated to create a One-Time Trip from origin to destination. Once you have saved your trip, you’ll see a new blue button appear “Find Ridematches”. You can contact any matches through the site.

Transportation Travel Resources