Overview
New York City, the city that never sleeps, will be the epicenter of World Cup 2026 excitement as it hosts the tournament final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026. With 8 total matches including the championship game, NYC will welcome hundreds of thousands of international soccer fans to experience the world's biggest sporting event in the world's most iconic city. From the electric atmosphere of Times Square to the official FIFA Fan Festival at Liberty State Park, from world-class dining to legendary attractions, New York City offers an unparalleled World Cup experience that combines the passion of global football with the energy of the Big Apple.
Getting Around
Airport
JFK (15-20 min), LGA (8-13 min), Newark/EWR (16-30 min)
Distance to city center: 15-30 minutes
Public Transport
Subway (24/7), buses, NJ Transit, OMNY contactless payment
Metro/bus passes available
Ride-Hail
Uber, Lyft available
Convenient for stadium access
Safety & Common Scams
Safety Tips
Generally safe with standard big city precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official transport and licensed taxis
- • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep copies of important documents
Quick Facts
Essential Info
- Population: 20.1 million (metro area)
- Airport: JFK (15-20 min), LGA (8-13 min), Newark/EWR (16-30 min)
- Public Transport: Subway (24/7), buses, NJ Transit, OMNY contactless payment
- Best Time to Visit: June-July 2026 (World Cup period)
Travel Info
- Currency: USD
- Language: English (200+ languages spoken)
- Timezone: EST (UTC-5)
- Safety: Generally safe with standard big city precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night.
Must-See Attractions
MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium)
Host of World Cup 2026 Final and 7 other matches. 82,500 capacity stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, just 8 miles from Manhattan.
Liberty State Park FIFA Fan Festival
Official FIFA Fan Festival location in Jersey City, NJ. Open for all 104 World Cup matches with live broadcasts, entertainment, and fan activations.
Times Square
Central hub for World Cup celebrations, especially during the final weekend. Massive screens and fan gatherings in the heart of NYC.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Iconic American symbols and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Must-visit for international visitors with stunning harbor views.
Central Park
843-acre urban oasis perfect for pre-match relaxation. Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain, and numerous World Cup viewing areas.
Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
Historic bridge with stunning Manhattan skyline views. DUMBO offers trendy restaurants and waterfront parks perfect for post-match dining.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Powerful tribute to September 11th victims. One World Observatory offers breathtaking 360-degree city views from 1,776 feet.
High Line & Hudson Yards
Elevated park built on historic rail line. Hudson Yards features modern architecture, shopping, and the Vessel sculpture.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
World's largest art museum with collections spanning 5,000 years. Perfect for cultural enrichment between matches.
Empire State Building
Art Deco masterpiece with observation decks offering panoramic city views. Iconic NYC landmark visible from MetLife Stadium.
Broadway Shows
World-famous theater district with Tony Award-winning productions. Perfect evening entertainment after day matches.
Coney Island
Classic American amusement park with historic rides, boardwalk, and beach. Great for family fun and beach relaxation.
Little Italy & Chinatown
Authentic ethnic neighborhoods with incredible food, culture, and history. Perfect for international cuisine exploration.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Waterfront park with stunning Manhattan skyline views, food vendors, and outdoor activities. Great for pre-match gatherings.
NYC FC Stadium Tour
Visit Yankee Stadium for NYC FC matches or stadium tours. Experience American soccer culture during World Cup season.
NYC & MetLife Stadium Restaurant Guide
From stadium-area quick bites to world-class Michelin-starred dining, discover the best restaurants for your World Cup 2026 experience.
Restaurants Near MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
Redd's Restaurant & Biergarten
German-American cuisine with 35+ TVs, outdoor biergarten
0.3 miles from stadium • Shuttle service available
$15-30 per person
Yard House
American gastropub with 100+ beers on tap
American Dream Mall • 1 mile from stadium
$20-35 per person
The Roosevelt Restaurant & Speakeasy
Upscale American dining with speakeasy bar
356 Paterson Ave, East Rutherford
$35-50 per person
Candlewyck Diner
Classic NJ diner, family-owned 50+ years
24/7 service • Perfect for late-night post-match
$12-20 per person
Iconic NYC Foods & Where to Get Them
Katz's Delicatessen
Pastrami sandwich since 1888 • Lower East Side institution
205 E Houston Street • (212) 254-2246
$25-30 per sandwich
Joe's Pizza
Classic NY-style slice • Multiple locations
Times Square, Greenwich Village
$3-6 per slice
Russ & Daughters
Smoked fish & bagels • 100+ year institution
Lower East Side
$15-25 per sandwich
Prince Street Pizza
Famous pepperoni squares
Nolita, Penn Station
$4-8 per slice
Michelin-Starred Restaurants (Special Occasion Dining)
Le Bernardin
Seafood • 17 consecutive years with 3 Michelin stars
Midtown West • Chef Eric Ripert
$200+ per person
Eleven Madison Park
Plant-based tasting menu
Flatiron District
$300+ per person
Peter Luger
Classic steakhouse since 1887
Williamsburg, Brooklyn • Must-order: Porterhouse for two
$80-120 per person
Gramercy Tavern
Seasonal American cuisine
Gramercy
$65-95 per person
Neighborhood Dining Highlights
Little Italy
Lombardi's Pizza
America's first pizzeria (1905)
$20-30 per pie
Chinatown
Joe's Shanghai
Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao)
$15-25 per person
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Oldest dim sum parlor in NYC
$20-35 per person
Koreatown
Her Name is Han
Modern Korean cuisine
$25-40 per person
Madangsui
Korean BBQ (24 hours)
$30-50 per person
Quick & Budget-Friendly Options
Halal Guys
Chicken and rice platters • Multiple food carts
$8-12 per platter
Xi'an Famous Foods
Chinese hand-pulled noodles • Multiple locations
$10-18 per person
Dining Tips for World Cup Visitors
Reservation Strategy
- • Fine dining: Book 1-3 months ahead
- • Popular spots: Use Resy, OpenTable apps
- • Walk-ins: Try off-peak hours (2-5 PM)
Match Day Dining
- • Pre-game: Eat 2-3 hours before kickoff
- • Stadium area: Book reservations well ahead
- • Post-game: NYC restaurants stay open late
Itineraries
24-Hour Itinerary
- • Morning: City tour and local breakfast
- • Afternoon: Stadium visit and fan zone
- • Evening: Match or local nightlife
48-Hour Itinerary
- • Day 1: Full city exploration and attractions
- • Day 2: Stadium experience and local culture
- • Extended time for relaxation and dining
Matches in this City
8 World Cup Matches
View the complete schedule for New York City
Fan Zones & Watch Parties
Official Fan Zone
Main gathering area for World Cup fans with giant screens and entertainment.
- • Location: City center
- • Hours: Match days + extended hours
- • Features: Food vendors, merchandise, live music
Watch Parties
Local bars and venues showing matches with fan-friendly atmosphere.
- • Sports bars in downtown area
- • Beachfront venues for outdoor viewing
- • Family-friendly options available
World Cup Stadiums
MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium)
Capacity
82,500
Distance from Downtown
8 miles from Manhattan (East Rutherford, NJ)
Transportation
NJ Transit from Penn Station (30-45 min), Uber/Lyft (20-30 min), Bus services available
Map
Where to Stay
The Plaza Hotel
Historic luxury hotel overlooking Central Park. Iconic NYC landmark with world-class service and amenities.
Four Seasons Hotel New York
Ultra-luxury hotel in Midtown with exceptional service, spa, and dining. Perfect for VIP World Cup experience.
Ace Hotel New York
Trendy boutique hotel in NoMad with modern design, rooftop bar, and vibrant atmosphere.
The Standard High Line
Modern hotel with stunning High Line and Hudson River views. Rooftop bar and contemporary design.
Pod Hotel Times Square
Efficient, modern hotel in Times Square with compact rooms and great location for World Cup activities.
HI NYC Hostel
Budget-friendly hostel on Upper West Side with shared and private rooms. Great for backpackers and budget travelers.
Brooklyn Hotels
More affordable options in Brooklyn with easy subway access to Manhattan and MetLife Stadium.
Travel Tips
Getting Around
Subway (24/7), buses, NJ Transit, OMNY contactless payment is the best way to explore the city. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited rides.
Weather
65-85°F (18-29°C) - Pack accordingly and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
Safety
Generally safe with standard big city precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night. - Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Plan Your Trip
Get detailed travel guides, match schedules, and exclusive fan tips.