New York New Jersey
The city that never sleeps. The skyline that defines ambition. Where Brazil meets Morocco on June 13, 2026 — and where 8 World Cup matches light up MetLife Stadium before the greatest city on Earth.
Brazil vs Morocco. June 13, 2026.
On June 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM ET, MetLife Stadium hosts its first FIFA World Cup 2026 match — Brazil vs Morocco in Group C. It is one of the most anticipated group stage matchups of the entire tournament. Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, face Morocco, the African nation that reached the semi-finals in 2022 and stunned the world. New York gets the blockbuster. The city is ready.
New York — technically New Jersey, but the world will call it New York — is one of the most extraordinary World Cup host cities of 2026. MetLife Stadium hosts 8 matches in total, opening with Brazil vs Morocco on June 13 and carrying through the Round of 32 and Round of 16. The Manhattan skyline is the most recognisable urban image in human history — and it forms the backdrop for every match day journey from the city to the stadium.
For World Cup visitors, New York offers an experience that no other host city can match in sheer density and variety. Eight million people in the five boroughs, 800 languages spoken, the greatest concentration of museums, restaurants, theatre and street life in the Western Hemisphere — and a soccer culture that, in 2026, will be at a fever pitch unlike anything this city has experienced in a generation.
"Brazil. Morocco. June 13, 2026. MetLife Stadium. New York. This is not just a group stage match — this is a statement of intent from two of the world's great soccer nations, played in the world's most famous city. Be there."
Why New York Is the Perfect Final City
New York City does not need to try to be significant. It simply is. These are the four dimensions of New York that World Cup visitors will carry with them forever.
The Statue of Liberty has welcomed the world to America for 140 years. On World Cup match days, she will look out at the most international gathering New York has seen in decades. Take the ferry from Battery Park. Stand on Liberty Island. The view of Manhattan from the water is one of the great sights in the world.
The Empire State Building. The Chrysler Building. One World Trade Center. The Brooklyn Bridge. New York's skyline is not a backdrop — it is the protagonist. See it from the Top of the Rock. See it from the Brooklyn Bridge walkway at dawn. See it from the Staten Island Ferry for free. See it from every angle.
Broadway, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MoMA, Central Park, the High Line, the Meatpacking District, Harlem, the Lower East Side — New York packs more cultural density per square mile than any city on Earth. Whatever you are looking for, it exists somewhere in these five boroughs, probably on multiple corners.
New York and New Jersey together host one of the most diverse football communities in America. NYCFC, the New York Red Bulls, enormous immigrant communities from every football nation — Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia — all represented in this city. The First Match here will be a genuine home match for the world.
Arriving in New York
New York's three airports handle over 130 million passengers per year between them. JFK is the primary international hub — direct flights from virtually every major city on Earth. Newark (EWR) is actually closer to MetLife Stadium and handles significant international traffic. Book flights and accommodation early — World Cup match weeks in New York will sell out fast with fans from every nation converging on the city.
Airports
| Airport | Code | To Manhattan | To MetLife Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy International | JFK | ~50 min AirTrain + subway | ~60 min via Penn Station |
| Newark Liberty International | EWR | ~30 min NJ Transit | ~20 min NJ Transit — CLOSEST |
| LaGuardia Airport | LGA | ~40 min by car | ~45 min via Penn Station |
Getting to MetLife Stadium
The NJ Transit train from Penn Station (34th Street, Manhattan) to Meadowlands Station is the definitive route — 30 minutes, direct, no transfers, runs every 20 minutes on event days. This is the most reliable transport option for every match day. Book your NJ Transit ticket in advance — they sell out for big matches. Do not attempt to drive to MetLife Stadium on match days.
Getting Around New York
The NYC Subway runs 24 hours, 7 days a week and connects every borough. Buy a OMNY card (tap-to-pay) on arrival and use it everywhere. Cabs and Uber work throughout the city. Walking is often the fastest option in Manhattan — the grid makes it easy. For New Jersey, NJ Transit trains from Penn Station are the standard.
Best Areas for World Cup Fans
New York has accommodation at every price point across five boroughs. These four areas give World Cup visitors the best combination of access to MetLife Stadium, Manhattan attractions and the authentic New York experience.
Penn Station for MetLife Stadium, Times Square, the Empire State Building and the highest hotel concentration in the city all within walking distance. The most practical base for World Cup visitors — central to everything, directly connected to the stadium by NJ Transit.
The best-value neighbourhood in central Manhattan. One block from Penn Station and Times Square, with excellent restaurants, bars and a lively pre-match atmosphere. Mid-range hotels and excellent Airbnb options. The locals' choice for Midtown living.
The most creative and energetic neighbourhood in New York — the skyline views from the Williamsburg waterfront are extraordinary. L train to Union Square, A/C/E to Penn Station. Excellent restaurants and bars. A genuine New York neighbourhood experience beyond the tourist bubble.
Directly across the Hudson from Manhattan with ferry and PATH train connections. Much better value than Manhattan hotels, incredible skyline views from the waterfront, and closer to MetLife Stadium. An underrated base that smart World Cup visitors will consider seriously.
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New York Must-Sees
New York is the only city in the world where limiting yourself to a list of must-sees is actually an injustice to the city. But for World Cup visitors with limited time between matches, these are the non-negotiables.
The Brooklyn Bridge Walk
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn at sunrise or sunset. The 1.3km pedestrian walkway above the traffic offers views of the East River, the Manhattan skyline, the harbour and the Statue of Liberty that no observation deck can match. Free, available 24 hours, unforgettable. Cross to DUMBO on the Brooklyn side for the most photographed street in New York — Washington Street with the Manhattan Bridge framed between the buildings.
Central Park
340 hectares of engineered nature in the middle of Manhattan — Bethesda Fountain, the Ramble, Strawberry Fields (John Lennon memorial), the Great Lawn, the Reservoir. During World Cup month, Central Park will be alive with fan zones, outdoor screens and the most multicultural picnicking in America. Rent a bike and do the full 10km loop road. Free, always open, essential.
The High Line
An elevated linear park built on a disused freight railway line running through the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and Hudson Yards. 2.3km of art installations, gardens, food vendors and extraordinary views of the Hudson River and west Manhattan skyline. One of the great urban regeneration projects of the 21st century. Join the crowds at sunset for the best light over New Jersey.
Top of the Rock
The observation deck of 30 Rockefeller Plaza gives the best view of the Empire State Building from above — something the Empire State Building itself cannot offer. The 360-degree panorama of Manhattan, Central Park, the Hudson and East Rivers and the boroughs beyond is the finest skyline view in the city. Book ahead for sunset slots — these sell out during World Cup period.
A New York Slice at 2am
This is mandatory. At some point between a match and sleep, you will fold a large, greasy, perfect New York pizza slice in half and eat it standing on the street. Joe's Pizza in the West Village, Di Fara in Brooklyn, or any of the $1 slice places in Midtown. New York pizza is not like other pizza. It is a system of values. Accept it completely.
Times Square — Once
Times Square is not for living in — it is for experiencing once, deliberately. Go at night. Stand in the middle of 7th Avenue and look in every direction. The density of light, movement and noise is genuinely overwhelming in a way no photograph has ever captured. During World Cup match weeks, Times Square will have giant screens, fan zones and a collective energy unlike anything in its 125-year history. Worth every minute of the twenty you spend there.
What Every Fan Needs to Know
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | US Dollar (USD). Cards and contactless accepted everywhere. NYC is moving toward cashless — keep a card handy. Tipping is non-negotiable: 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $5+ for taxis on short trips. This is how people earn their living here. |
| Language | English — fast, direct and frequently New York blunt. New York also speaks 800 other languages. Whatever your language, someone near you on the subway speaks it. The city is genuinely the most linguistically diverse urban area on Earth. |
| Transport | NYC Subway runs 24/7 — use it. OMNY tap-to-pay card works on subway and buses. NJ Transit from Penn Station to MetLife Stadium is the only sensible choice for match days. Never drive in Manhattan. Ever. Uber works but surges badly on event nights. |
| Weather in July | Hot and humid — 28–35°C / 82–95°F. New York in July is genuinely hot with high humidity. MetLife Stadium is open-air — dress light, hydrate heavily. Central Park and waterfront areas provide relief. Thunderstorms possible in the afternoons. |
| Visa / ESTA | Most international visitors require an ESTA — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, costs $21, takes minutes. Some nationalities require a full US visa — apply months in advance as appointments are limited. Check requirements for your passport immediately. |
| Safety | New York is far safer than its reputation suggests — overall crime is at historic lows. Manhattan, Brooklyn and the tourist areas are safe. Stay aware on the subway at night, keep valuables secure and use rideshare apps after midnight. Use common sense and you will be fine. |
| Emergency | Emergency: 911. NYU Langone, Bellevue Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian are major hospitals near Midtown. US medical costs are extraordinarily high — comprehensive travel and medical insurance is absolutely essential for all World Cup visitors. |