/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F05%2Fimago1008513618.jpg)
East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium – known as New York New Jersey Stadium during the 2026 World Cup – will host eight matches throughout this summer's tournament, including England's Group L showdown against Panama and the final itself.
The venue opened in 2010 after three years of construction costing a reported $1.6bn, and is best known as the home of the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets.
However, fans from around the world will pack the ground for the football World Cup, bringing the culture and passion of the sport to East Rutherford.
Here, Football Ground Guide covers all you need to know about visiting East Rutherford, whether you're heading to watch England or the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
2026 World Cup fixtures at MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium will host five group‑stage matches and three knockout games, including the 2026 World Cup final.
MetLife Stadium Group Stage fixtures
- Brazil vs Morocco: Saturday, 13 June – Group C
- France vs Senegal: Tuesday, 16 June – Group I
- Norway vs Senegal: Monday, 22 June – Group I
- Ecuador vs Germany: Thursday, 25 June – Group E
- Panama vs England: Saturday, 27 June – Group L
MetLife Stadium Knockout fixtures
- Group I winners v Group C/D/F/G/H third place – Tuesday, 30 June
- Round of 16 (Winner match 76 vs Winner match 78) – Sunday, 5 July
- World Cup Final (Winner match 101 vs Winner match 102) – Sunday, 19 July
FIFA Fan Festival and Fan Zones in New York/New Jersey
FIFA had grand plans to host an official fan zone in New York's Liberty Square, but the idea never came to fruition and was left on the cutting room floor.
However, while there are no official FIFA Fan Festival zones in New York or New Jersey, there are plenty of unofficial spots that have been dedicated to the tournament, most notably ‘The NYNJ World Cup 26 Jersey Fan Hub at Sports Illustrated Stadium' and ‘Dream Fan Fest'.
The NYNJ Fan Hub combines a celebration of football with match screenings on a 60′ screen on the pitch at Sports Illustrated Stadium, while Dream Fan Fest is a series of events (including watch parties) held inside the famous American Dream mall, situated close to MetLife Stadium.
There are also a variety of places around the city with World Cup 2026 installations, including:
- Hudson Yards (screenings, public art, immersive programming, official merch store)
- Intrepid Museum (50+ screenings live from Pier 86, food, drink, merch)
- LEGOLAND New York Resort: FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience (meet Lego versions of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Vini Jr.)
What else is there to do in East Rutherford?
There is much more to East Rutherford than just MetLife Stadium, and visitors will find a whole host of attractions around the ground. Some standouts include:
American Dream – This retail and entertainment complex is the second largest mall in the United States, and has enough in store for the entire family to enjoy a day out. It is difficult to grasp the enormity of the complex, which features huge theme and water parks alongside indoor skiing and hundreds of stores.
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park (American Dream) – Perfect for adults and kids alike, this indoor theme park – located within the American Dream mall – claims to be the largest in the western hemisphere.
DreamWorks Water Park (American Dream) – In a similar fashion, the complex also boasts North America's largest indoor water park, fitted with ‘record-breaking' attractions and the ‘largest selection of water rides worldwide'.
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment – Known as the ‘Big M' this track hosts regular horse races as well as featuring a number of bars and restaurants that are worth a visit for football fans.
New Meadowlands Market – Situated within a few hundred yards of MetLife Stadium, this popular flea market is sure to have something that catches your eye, from vinyl records and books to clothes and jewellery.
Where to eat and drink near MetLife Stadium?
East Rutherford is chock full of places to eat and drink, and matchdays will see fans flocking to the bars and restaurants neat MetLife Stadium.
Redd's Bar and Restaurant – 317 Washington Ave, Carlstadt, NJ 07072-2805
Redd's is within walking distance of MetLife Stadium, offers a shuttle service to the ground, and is sure to build a fantastic atmosphere on matchdays. This local bar features a beer garden as well as 35 TVs to catch the action on, not to mention their range of local craft brews as well as imported favourites from around the world.
Yard House – 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Located in the American Dream mall (a 12-minute walk from MetLife Stadium), Yard House offers a variety of dishes from burgers and sandwiches to soups and pizzas. This spot also boasts more than 20 TVs and 130 taps at the bar.
Little Sheep Hot Pot & Bar – 1 American Dream Way, Unit 320, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Another of the seemingly infinite options within the American Dream mall, Little Sheep Hot Pot & Bar serves Mongolian cuisine in a setting that blends fine dining with a more social, shared experience. The eatery features a full bar and is running a number of special offers until the end of July.
How to get to MetLife Stadium (NYNJ Stadium)
New Jersey Transit – Rail
The officially designated route for the World Cup: Starting at Penn Station, take New Jersey Transit to Secaucus Junction, from where you can follow the Meadowlands event service to NYNJ Stadium.
From Midtown, this journey takes around 45 to 60 minutes, with World Cup special tickets costing $98 for a round trip. Keep in mind that these tickets are limited to 40,000 per match and must be booked in advance from njtransit.com. For more information, check out the official information page, here.
Official New York New Jersey Stadium Shuttle – Bus
Alternatively, fans can make use of the shuttle busses running from designated pickup points in Manhattan and New Jersey. These are much more reasonably priced and will set you back $20 – the booking platform for this service can be found here.
Uber and Lyft – Ridesharing
For visitors new to the New York/New Jersey transport system, ridesharing will be the simplest option. Some Uber Shuttle tickets will be available, but these are limited in number.
Surge pricing will be in effect around kick-off and full-time on matchdays, and due to access restrictions, people will need to be dropped off at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment (a short walk from MetLife Stadium).
Driving and Parking
Vehicle access to MetLife Stadium is limited to permitted vehicles only, though some parking spaces are available at the American Dream mall.
Accessible parking is found in the stadium's J Lot – bookable here – but prices can be exorbitant. For example, accessible parking for England's game against Panama currently costs $225.
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1063117747.jpg "East Rutherford, New Jersey city guide: Everything England and 2026 World Cup fans need to know 1")
Where to stay near MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford has a broad selection of accommodation options accustomed to welcoming sports fans, from luxury hotels to more budget friendly choices. Staying close to the ground can help you to avoid most of the chaos of matchday travel in New Jersey.
Best hotels near MetLife Stadium
SpringHill Suites by Marriott East Rutherford Meadowlands/Carlstadt – 192 Paterson Plank Road, Carlstadt, NJ 07072-2301
This hotel features an indoor pool and a fitness centre with a gym, as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi and free breakfast. The rooms are also air-conditioned, which will be vital this summer.
Hampton Inn Carlstadt-At The Meadowlands – 304 Paterson Plank Rd, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
This Hampton Inn is ideally located close to both the MetLife Stadium and American Dream mall, all while being just two miles from Teterboro Airport and ten miles from Newark International Airport.
Fairfield Inn East Rutherford Meadowlands – 850 Paterson Plank Road, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
As a more budget-friendly option, this hotel is a little further away from the stadium, but still sits close enough to all of the major attractions in the area. Spacious rooms, free breakfast and TVs with Netflix are available to guests.