NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

MetLife Stadium will host matches in the following tournament stages:

FIFA Fan Fest locations for NYC have not been finalized, but Times Square and Hudson Yards/Javits Center area are expected gathering points. Lower Manhattan near the World Trade Center Oculus and Brooklyn's waterfront parks are also likely locations for official watch parties.

Fan zone locations are based on historical precedent. Official FIFA Fan Fest details will be confirmed closer to the tournament.

Late June through mid-July in New York is hot and humid, with average highs around 84°F (29°C) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a compact umbrella. Stadium seats at MetLife are fully exposed — there is no roof — so prepare for direct sun during afternoon matches and bring a hat. Evening matches are more comfortable but mosquitoes can be an issue in the Meadowlands area.

The New York metro area is arguably the best food city on the planet. For pre-match fuel near MetLife, the Meadowlands complex has concession options, but the real action is across the river. In Manhattan, hit Prince Street Pizza in NoLita for square pepperoni slices, Xi'an Famous Foods for hand-pulled noodles, or Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market. For a sit-down experience, try Carbone in Greenwich Village for Italian-American classics or Atomix for Korean fine dining. In Jersey City near the PATH, Razza serves some of the best pizza in the state. Post-match, the bars along Hoboken's Washington Street are a short train ride from the stadium.

Hotels in Midtown Manhattan are the most convenient for transit to MetLife but also the most expensive — expect $300-500/night during the tournament. Jersey City and Hoboken offer better value with easy PATH train access to both Manhattan and NJ Transit to the stadium. For budget options, look at hotels near Newark Airport (EWR) or along the NJ Transit rail corridor. Book early — New York hotels during a World Cup will sell out fast. Airbnb in Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Park Slope) offers a more local experience with good subway connections.

Plan to arrive at MetLife Stadium at least 2-3 hours before kickoff. NJ Transit runs special Meadowlands Rail service from Penn Station NYC on match days — the ride takes about 30 minutes but trains will be packed. Gates typically open 2 hours before kickoff with security screening. MetLife's open-air design means the atmosphere builds as the bowl fills, and with 78,000+ fans the noise will be incredible. After the match, expect a 45-60 minute wait for return trains. Many fans prefer to walk to nearby bars and let the initial rush pass before heading back.

New York City needs no introduction — world-class dining from dollar pizza to Michelin stars, iconic neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Williamsburg, and Harlem, plus museums like the Met and MoMA. Take the PATH train to Hoboken for Manhattan skyline views across the Hudson.

New York is generally safe for tourists, especially in Manhattan and popular areas. Use common sense on public transit late at night — stick to well-lit subway cars and busy stations. The Meadowlands area around MetLife Stadium is suburban and safe. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas like Times Square. NJ Transit trains on match days will have heavy police and security presence. Keep your phone secure in crowds, and be aware that ticket scams are common outside major events — only buy from official FIFA channels or verified resellers.