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Supporters that travelled to the New York New Jersey Stadium watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup game between Brazil and Norway, were handed a major boost after officials confirmed Hoboken Terminal will remain operational despite suffering significant damage during powerful storms that swept across the region.
Severe thunderstorms battered parts of New Jersey on Friday evening, bringing wind gusts of up to 70mph, widespread power outages and disruption to public transport.
Hoboken Terminal, one of the key transport hubs serving World Cup supporters travelling to MetLife Stadium – temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament – was among the worst-affected locations.
However, after emergency repair work continued throughout Saturday, NJ Transit confirmed the terminal would continue operating World Cup services for Brazil's last-16 clash against Norway on Sunday.
Reports from the terminal also indicated that trains were continuing to run on schedule despite the storm damage.
What damage did Hoboken Terminal suffer?
Speaking during a media briefing led by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri described the extent of the destruction caused by Friday night's storm.
“Hoboken Terminal got hit very hard,” Kolluri said.
“Not only was there construction debris from a neighboring construction site, but a lot of signal and catenary systems were also ripped apart.”
The catenary system, which supplies overhead electrical power to trains, is essential for the operation of several rail services.
Crews worked throughout Saturday to repair damaged infrastructure, remove debris and prepare the network for both regular commuters and thousands of football supporters expected to travel on matchday.
While several NJ Transit lines, including the Morris and Essex, Gladstone Branch, Montclair-Boonton and North Jersey Coast lines, experienced temporary suspensions during the clean-up operation, officials confirmed the North Jersey Coast Line would resume normal weekend service on Sunday.
The rapid recovery means Hoboken Terminal remains capable of serving its crucial role in FIFA's transport plan for the tournament.
What does it mean for World Cup supporters?
Hoboken Terminal, alongside Secaucus Junction, has become one of the primary gateways for supporters attending matches at New York New Jersey Stadium throughout the World Cup.
Dedicated shuttle trains begin operating approximately four hours before kickoff, transporting thousands of fans directly to the stadium in East Rutherford.
Kolluri stressed that ensuring World Cup transport remained unaffected had become one of NJ Transit's highest priorities.
“The crews are not only cleaning up the system for regular commuters for Monday, but were also preparing the necessary equipment to make sure we are providing the full service” for Sunday's World Cup fixture between Brazil and Norway.
“We expect to move a very large crowd and we will work through the night to make sure we get that done.”
The update provides reassurance for supporters travelling to one of the tournament's busiest venues, which has already hosted several high-profile matches and is scheduled to stage the World Cup final later this month.
Although some passengers travelling from other parts of New Jersey may still encounter service alterations, officials expect the dedicated stadium transport network to operate as planned.
FGG says: A timely recovery for one of the World Cup's busiest transport hubs
Modern World Cups rely as much on transport infrastructure as they do on world-class stadiums, and Hoboken Terminal has become a vital part of the fan experience in New Jersey.
Given the scale of the storm damage, restoring services in time for another major match represents an impressive effort by NJ Transit.
With the New Jersey Stadium set to host the 2026 World Cup final, supporters will hope the worst of the weather has now passed and the focus can return to football.