Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani is excited to welcome the FIFA World Cup to the U.S.
Mamdani seemed excited to share information about the event, he posted: “The World Cup is coming to our backyard, and we’re making sure every New Yorker can be a part of it. This summer, FIFA fan events will be free in all five boroughs. Thank you to the NYNJ Host Committee and Governor Hochul for joining our mission to make this summer of soccer affordable for everyone.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is set to make the New York-New Jersey (NYNJ) region one of the tournament’s most prominent global stages, with MetLife Stadium confirmed as a key venue hosting several major matches, including the final.
READ: FIFA faces heat over Trump peace prize, issues visa warning (
The expanded 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup will feature 48 national teams for the first time, divided into 12 groups of four. Following the completion of qualification matches on March 31, all participating nations will be confirmed. During the group stage, the NYNJ region is scheduled to host matches involving some of the world’s most prominent football teams, including Brazil, England, France, Germany, Morocco, Senegal, Ecuador, Panama, and Norway. Additional teams will continue to compete across the knockout stages as the tournament progresses.
In total, the NYNJ region will host eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches at MetLife Stadium, officially referred to as New York New Jersey Stadium. The schedule includes five group-stage matches, one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match, and the tournament final. Group-stage fixtures are set to begin on June 13, with Match 7 in Group C, followed by additional matches on June 16, June 22, June 25, and June 27.
Knockout stage action in the region will begin with a Round of 32 match on June 30, followed by a Round of 16 fixture on July 5. The tournament will culminate in the FIFA World Cup Final on July 19.
The NYNJ Host Committee, the official organizing body for the region, is working alongside FIFA to manage preparations. The committee is a partnership of civic leaders, public agencies, sports organizations, and community representatives from both New York and New Jersey. Its stated mission is to deliver a world-class tournament experience while promoting inclusion, innovation, and long-term community impact.
Transportation planning has been identified as a major component of the event’s operations. Fans attending matches are strongly encouraged to use official public transportation systems, particularly NJ TRANSIT rail services or designated stadium shuttle options. On matchdays, NJ TRANSIT will operate special rail service from Secaucus Junction directly to the Sports Complex Station near the stadium. Shuttle services will also operate from key locations, including the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Midtown East in New York City, as well as park-and-ride facilities in New Jersey.
Authorities have confirmed that general public parking will not be available at MetLife Stadium during matchdays. A limited number of premium parking spaces will be offered at nearby locations, such as American Dream, but must be reserved in advance. Rideshare services will also be restricted, with drop-off and pick-up points located away from the stadium, requiring additional walking time for fans.
Ticket sales for FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches are expected to open to the general public in the third quarter of 2025 through FIFA’s official ticketing platform. Hospitality packages will also be available, offering premium seating, private lounges, exclusive access experiences, and curated event services.
International visitors planning to attend matches in the NYNJ region may require a visa depending on their nationality. Travelers are advised to check requirements early and apply well in advance due to expected high demand. The U.S. State Department visa system and ESTA program for eligible countries under the Visa Waiver Program will be key entry routes.
With large-scale planning across transport, security, and fan services, the NYNJ region is positioning itself as a central global destination for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.