MetLife Stadium sits across the Hudson in East Rutherford, New Jersey—an easy rail hop from Midtown Manhattan—and turns into a full-scale international stage for World Cup 26™. Expect an open-air venue with steep sightlines, huge end-zone video boards, and a big-game buzz that spills from the plaza into the bowl. The suburban Meadowlands setting means space for tailgates and efficient crowd flows, while New York/New Jersey brings the global energy: flags, songs, and late-night city celebrations after the final whistle. With the FIFA World Cup™ Final set here, stakes and sound will build all month.
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Walk in from the plaza and the bowl opens quickly—three tiers rising tight to the pitch. You feel the volume bounce off concrete as supporters fill the lower and mezzanine levels; TVs and ribbon boards keep replays running while you move. Concessions ring the concourses, so lines spread out; you’ll find everything from quick-grab classics to specialty stands, with gluten-free and vegetarian options clearly marked. Sightlines are clean across the 100/200/300 levels, and moving between gates, ramps, and escalators is intuitive with wayfinding at each corner. Premium club lobbies look slick behind glass; the general concourses stay wide and keep fans flowing back to their seats before kickoffs.
Two tips that help: arrive early if you’re using rail (service is added for major events and crowds surge right before kickoff), and bring a light rain shell—this is an open-air stadium and umbrellas aren’t permitted under FIFA match rules.
Jason Paha – Senior Editor, Sports Planning Guide
MetLife Stadium is an open-air venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York City metro). Standard capacity is listed at 82,500 for football and soccer. Any tournament-specific seating configuration will be directed by FIFA and the local organizers.
Three seating levels (100/200/300) ring a FIFA-spec pitch, with large end-zone videoboards and full-bowl ribbon boards. Premium areas include the EY Coaches Club, Corona Beach Club, West Mezzanine Club, Commissioners Club, and the MetLife 50 Club, plus 200+ suites across four levels. The venue is open-air—no roof—so atmosphere depends on the night: loud, airy, and weather-forward. Conditions tip: FIFA’s match rules prohibit umbrella use; pack a lightweight rain jacket instead.
Concessions & water. The stadium is cash-free for food and drink; pay by card or mobile wallet. Reverse ATMs on site convert cash to a prepaid Visa card at no charge. Under the FIFA Stadium Code of Conduct, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles up to 1 liter are permitted; check event-day guidance for refill locations. (Alcohol cutoff times are not published for the tournament.)
Merch & payments. A flagship merchandise store and kiosks operate on site; all retail is cashless with major cards and mobile pay accepted.
Facilities. Family/companion restrooms are available on every level; nursing/pumping stations are provided inside the stadium. Guest Services booths are posted on all concourses.
Accessibility. Wheelchair/low-mobility and companion seating on all levels; elevators at HCLTech, Verizon, and Moody’s entrances; accessible routes via ramps; assistive listening available through ListenWIFI; hearing loop locations at ticket windows, flagship store, select concessions, and Guest Services; sensory-friendly program with KultureCity; accessible parking in Lots E, F, and G with valid credentials; dedicated ADA drop-off in Lot C.
For FIFA World Cup 26™ matches, the FIFA Stadium Code of Conduct applies. Approved spectator bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches (30 x 15 x 30 cm). Small clutches/wallets are allowed up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches (11 x 16.5 cm). Non-transparent backpacks and large bags are prohibited. Medical/childcare items may be permitted following inspection. (Local stadium clear-bag pages do not override FIFA policies during the tournament.)
All attendees pass through security screening at entry; event organizers may use technical aids (e.g., magnetometers) and have discretion over prohibited items. Re-entry is not permitted except in exceptional circumstances determined by FIFA/host representatives. No smoking or vaping inside—cigarettes and electronic smoking devices may be possessed but not used in the stadium. Tickets for the tournament are delivered as mobile tickets via the official FIFA World Cup 26™ tournament app
Follow the FIFA Stadium Code of Conduct: respect fellow fans, comply with stewards, and keep aisles clear. Gates open at the time set by organizers and printed in your ticket/app—arrive early, especially if you’re taking rail.
Pack light: FIFA’s clear-bag rules are strict, and umbrellas are not allowed. It’s an open-air venue; check the forecast and bring sun protection or a light rain layer as needed. If you’re meeting friends after the match, pick a plaza landmark before kickoff to avoid post-game crowds.
EWR – Newark Liberty International Airport: AirTrain Newark links terminals to Newark Liberty International Airport Station for NJ TRANSIT/Amtrak connections.
JFK – John F. Kennedy International Airport: AirTrain JFK connects to the NYC Subway and Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica/Howard Beach.
LGA – LaGuardia Airport: Use MTA Q70 SBS “LaGuardia Link” to connect to the subway/LIRR at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av/74 St.
Coach USA Route 351 provides event-day bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to the stadium.
NJ TRANSIT operates the Meadowlands Rail Service to Meadowlands Station (adjacent to the stadium), with transfers at Secaucus Junction from New York Penn Station and other lines.
Parking Options
On-site parking lots typically open 5 hours before events and close 2 hours after. For non-NFL events (concerts, soccer), parking is available on arrival and/or via pre-paid permits when offered; follow event “Know Before You Go” for specifics. Event-rate pricing and payment details are posted by the stadium; accessible parking is in Lots E, F, and G with valid state credentials, and there’s an ADA drop-off in Lot C near the Verizon Gate. Circulation between lots is restricted; follow staff directions and signage. Consider rail or event buses to avoid post-match traffic days).