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If you are planning to attend matches at MetLife Stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2026, here’s everything you need to know about tickets, fixtures, accommodation, and travel.

MetLife Stadium will be one of the main venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The iconic arena will host a total of eight matches, including the grand World Cup Final on July 19, 2026.

Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the massive stadium stands as a landmark for both New York and New Jersey. On matchdays, the electric atmosphere and passionate football fans turn the area into a vibrant sea of colours and sounds.

This guide provides detailed information on everything you need to know about MetLife Stadium – from ticket details and nearby hotels to transport options and stadium history.

Which World Cup 2026 matches are being played at MetLife Stadium?

MetLife Stadium will host eight matches during the 2026 tournament. Five of these will be group stage fixtures, followed by one round-of-32 tie, one round-of-16 game, and the World Cup Final.

How to buy World Cup 2026 tickets for MetLife Stadium?

At present, the main official ticket lotteries – including the Visa Presale, Early Ticket Draw, and Random Selection Draw – have concluded. More than 500 million ticket requests were processed during these phases, leading to very limited availability in the primary market.

MetLife Stadium Overview

Capacity: 82,500
Year Opened: 2010
Surface: Field Turf (Artificial)
Tenants: New York Giants (NFL), New York Jets (NFL)
Address: 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, United States

History of MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadium ranks among the largest sports arenas in the United States, featuring advanced facilities and seating for 82,500 spectators. Constructed between 2008 and 2010 at a cost of $1.6 billion, it replaced the old Giants Stadium and now serves as the shared home ground for the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL.

The open-air design of the stadium was inspired by the previous Giants Stadium, built on the same site to preserve the traditional matchday culture of both teams’ supporters. One distinctive feature of MetLife is its exterior lighting system – blue illumination for Giants games and green for Jets fixtures – reminiscent of the Allianz Arena in Munich.

The stadium has hosted major events such as the Big City Classic (2010), Super Bowl XLVIII (2013), and WrestleMania twice. It has also been a key venue for football, hosting matches from the Copa America Centenario 2016, the 2024 Copa America, and numerous international friendlies.

Its connection with global football deepened further when it was chosen as one of 12 venues for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, including the final match. MetLife Stadium will also host the 2026 World Cup Final, along with five group games and two knockout matches. Although its surface is artificial, a natural grass pitch will be installed for the Club World Cup and World Cup tournaments.

Teams that play at MetLife Stadium

The stadium serves as the home for the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets. It has also hosted several United States Men’s National Team matches against countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.

How to get to MetLife Stadium

By Public Transport: The stadium is accessible through various public transport options. The Meadowlands Rail Line connects directly to Meadowlands Station, located beside the venue. NJ Transit Bus 353 and Coach USA’s 351 route also provide service to the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Fans can plan their routes through NJ Transit’s official website using the ‘Plan Your Trip’ feature.

By Car: Visitors driving can reach the stadium via Exit 16W on the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95). Due to heavy traffic, especially on event days, drivers are advised to plan routes in advance. Parking is typically pre-paid, so checking the official MetLife Stadium site or local parking providers beforehand is recommended. Rideshare services such as Uber also operate in the area, with designated pick-up and drop-off zones.

Where to stay near MetLife Stadium

There are numerous accommodation options around East Rutherford and the greater New York area for fans attending matches. Visitors can explore hotels via popular booking platforms to find locations close to the venue for convenience.

Guided Tours of MetLife Stadium

MetLife offers both public and private tours. Public tours are available on select weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster, though timings may vary depending on scheduled events. Private tours are held Monday through Friday at the same times and must be booked at least two weeks in advance, with a minimum fee of $210.

Food and Drink Options near MetLife Stadium

Inside and around MetLife Stadium, fans can find a wide array of food and beverage outlets. Beyond the grounds, East Rutherford features several restaurants and bars worth visiting. Popular nearby options include The Yard House and Jarana on American Dream Way, while Carnegie Diner and Cafe in Secaucus is accessible via a direct train line. For those staying in the city, Fleming’s Steakhouse in Edgewater offers a scenic dining experience by the Hudson River.

As with any major event, it’s best to make dining reservations in advance and plan travel accordingly to ensure timely arrival for matches.