FIFA World Cup 2026: What you need to know ahead of the big event
Thousands of soccer fans are expected to come to the Garden State to see the matches.
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Several games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at MetLife Stadium (temporarily named NYNJ Stadium during the World Cup) in East Rutherford over the course of several weeks beginning in June.
The games will run from June 13 through July 19.
Thousands of soccer fans are expected to come to the Garden State to see the matches. The event is expected to cause some disruptions to everyday life but is also expected to greatly benefit the state through tourism revenue.
Here’s what you should know ahead of the event.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Click here to see complete News 12 coverage
MATCH SCHEDULE
The first round of matches will take place between June 13-27
Brazil vs. Morocco – June 13 at 6 p.m.
France vs. Senegal – June 16 at 3 p.m.
Norway vs. Senegal – June 22 at 8 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany – June 25 at 4 p.m.
Panama vs. England – June 27 at 5 p.m.
Additional rounds will take place on June 30 and July 5. The FIFA World Cup finals will take place on July 19.
Stay tuned for additional match schedule information.
FAN HUB
The New Jersey Fan Hub events will take place at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison. Events will take place throughout the duration of the tournament.
According to the official NYNJ FIFA World Cup website, “The site will feature live match viewings, immersive fan experiences, cultural programming, musical performances, and community-driven events designed to welcome residents and fans from around the world.”
More information can be found on the Sports Illustrated Stadium website.
TRAVELING TO MATCHES
There is no parking or tailgating at MetLife Stadium for the games. Spectators are urged to take New Jersey Transit or the official NYNJ Stadium Shuttle from select park-and-rides.
NJ TRANSIT
All trains to MetLife Stadium will run through Secaucus Junction. Fans must travel to Secaucus and then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line to get to the stadium.
Only FIFA World Cup ticket holders will be permitted on the Meadowlands Rail, according to NJ Transit.
As News 12 has previously reported, New York Penn Station will close to NJ Transit's non-World Cup ticketholders for four hours before each game.
RELATED: NJT CEO confirms FIFA-related Penn Station closures of NJ Transit
OFFICIAL NYNJ STADIUM SHUTTLE
Shuttle service will run from select park-and-ride locations in New Jersey and from major transit hubs in both New York and New Jersey.
Pick-up locations and ticket information will be coming soon.
LODGING
Hotels in towns across New Jersey are preparing for an influx of guests who will be attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
Some municipalities in the Garden State have even changed local ordinances to allow additional lodging via Airbnb.
Those looking for hotel accommodations can do so HERE.
RELATED: Guttenberg passes new ordinance to allow Airbnb rentals ahead of World Cup
RELATED: World of Blue Hotel prepares for FIFA World Cup with luxury upgrades
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets still remain for some World Cup matches. Get more ticket information HERE.
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