World Cup 2026 NYC: Your Questions Answered
Eight World Cup matches are coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford between June 13 and July 19, including the Final. Here's what you need to know if you're planning around the tournament.
Where are the World Cup matches being played near New York City?
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — about eight miles from Midtown Manhattan, accessible by NJ Transit from Penn Station. Eight matches in total, including the Final on July 19.
How do you get to MetLife Stadium for World Cup matches?
NJ Transit runs dedicated match-day trains from Penn Station to Meadowlands station. Ticketholders must present their match ticket before boarding at the 32nd and 33rd Street entrances on Seventh Avenue. The outbound restriction for non-ticketholders starts four hours before kickoff. PATH trains and buses remain available as alternatives. Rideshare drop-off is not available at the stadium on match days.
What time should I arrive at Penn Station for a World Cup match?
At least 90 minutes before kickoff, earlier for high-demand fixtures. The four-hour ticketholder window means trains fill and the 7th Avenue entrances get busy well before departure.
For evening kickoffs — Brazil vs Morocco on June 13 at 6pm, Norway vs Senegal on June 22 at 8pm — arriving in Midtown by 4pm gives you time to eat and drink before the rush. Tara Mór at 150 West 30th Street is a two-minute walk from the ticketholder entrances.
Where can I eat near Penn Station before a World Cup match?
Tara Mór at 150 West 30th Street serves a full food menu from noon daily, kitchen open until midnight. The menu runs from the spice bag — an Irish street food that's become one of the most talked-about dishes in Midtown — through to full meals.Private spaces are available for groups with no room hire fee.
Where should I watch the World Cup in NYC if I don't have a ticket?
Find a bar with sound on, a screen you can see from your seat, and a reservation so you're not turned away at the door.
For Midtown, Tara Mór on 30th Street has 16 HD screens across two floors, full sound, and the full food menu throughout the day. Two minutes from Penn Station, it works as a pre-match stop for ticketholders and a watch party venue for everyone else. Every match is live here, group stage through the Final.
For the east side and Murray Hill, Tara Rose on 384 Third Avenue has full coverage with private watch party spaces. For Greenwich Village, The Red Lion on 151 Bleecker Street is showing every match.
Which World Cup matches are at MetLife Stadium?
June 13 — Brazil vs Morocco, 6pm ET
June 16 — France vs Senegal, 3pm ET
June 22 — Norway vs Senegal, 8pm ET
June 25 — Ecuador vs Germany, 4pm ET
June 27 — Panama vs England, 5pm ET
June 30 — Round of 32, 5pm ET
July 5 — Round of 16, 4pm ET
July 19 — World Cup Final, 3pm ET
What is the best area in Manhattan to watch the World Cup?
Midtown. It has the highest concentration of large-screen sports bars, the most direct Penn Station access for anyone combining a watch party with a MetLife matchday, and the most foot traffic across the tournament window. The corridor between 28th and 35th Street on 7th and 8th Avenue is where demand concentrates on match days.
For atmosphere tied to a specific national team, the outer boroughs have strong community pockets — Jackson Heights for South American support, Astoria for North African and Greek fans. But for the MetLife fixtures and the knockout stages, Midtown is the practical base.
Is Penn Station closing during the World Cup?
Partially, on match days. NJ Transit boarding areas are reserved for ticketholders for four hours before each MetLife kickoff, with ticket checks at the 32nd and 33rd Street entrances on Seventh Avenue. Regular commuters need to use PATH trains or buses. The restrictions apply across all eight MetLife match days, including four weekday fixtures.
Can I watch the World Cup Final in NYC?
At MetLife with a ticket, yes — July 19 at 3pm ET. Tickets through FIFA's official channels or secondary platforms; demand is high and prices reflect it.
For a bar, Tara Mór will have the Final live on all 16 screens. Reservations will go quickly — book at your world cup table here or email info@taramornyc.com for groups.
Is there parking near MetLife Stadium for World Cup matches?
No. Parking at MetLife Stadium is not available during World Cup matches. The train from Penn Station is the designated route for the majority of Manhattan-based fans.
For the full matchday experience near Penn Station, read the guide on where to drink before and after a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium.
Next time you're on the hunt for the best Irish bar in NYC, you know where to find us in Midtown.