FIFA World Cup: Frequently Asked Questions
The World Cup is coming to NYC—here's what you need to know.
The World Cup is coming to New York City, and we’re here to help you plan every step of your experience. See below for ticket guidance, match details and more essential information. We'll be updating this page with more intel as it arrives, so consider this your go-to guide for making the most of the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions about FIFA World Cup 26
The most watched sporting event on Earth, the World Cup puts soccer (or “football,” depending on the country) on a grand stage every four years. Nations from across the globe compete in a monthlong multistage tournament to crown a champion.
The New York New Jersey area will feature eight matches overall, including the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026. The times and dates are as follows in Eastern Time:
Group Stage Matches:
June 13 at 6pm: Brazil v. Morocco
June 16 at 3pm: France v. Senegal
June 22 at 8pm: Norway v. Senegal
June 25 at 4pm: Ecuador v. Germany
June 27 at 5pm: Panama v. England
Round of 32: June 30
Round of 16: July 5
Final Match: July 19
All of our area matches will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
You have the opportunity to purchase tickets during during various sales phases that you can access by registering your interest at fifa.com/tickets.
For much more information about the ticket sales process, read the FIFA World Cup 26 general ticketing info.
The 2026 edition, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will include 48 qualifying countries, up from 32—which was the number in the past seven World Cups. That means a longer tournament (June 11–July 19) and more matches (104 in total). The host countries automatically qualify; Argentina, the defending champs, have to requalify to retain the title.
Teams will be separated into 12 groups of four and will play a three-game round-robin. From the group stage, 32 sides (the top two in each group plus the eight teams with the next-best records) will move on to the knockout rounds.
Matches will be played in 16 host cities. New York New Jersey is one of those locations—the one that will host the biggest match of all, the final on July 19, 2026.
Fans traveling to NYC for the World Cup can find trusted hotels near official match locations through Crewfare. Enjoy exclusive discounted fan rates, convenient locations across the city and a seamless booking experience.
Transportation is being led by the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee and NJ Transit, with support from PANYNJ, MTA, NJDOT, NJTA and Amtrak.
Fans must use official transportation options, including:
Official stadium shuttle buses
NJ Transit rail service
Rideshare (limited)
Pre-purchased premium parking at American Dream
Note: there is no general parking at the stadium.
For all the official up-to-date information about stadium transportation options, visit nynjfwc26.com.
PLAN YOUR NYC TRIP
Planning feels like playtime when mapping out a trip to the greatest city in the world.
SOCCER CULTURE IN NYC
Well in advance of the World Cup's impending arrival, the global sport has found a home—actually, many homes—in the City, a place where scores of international communities thrive.