Why New York–New Jersey Will Be One of the Most Exciting Host Regions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Why New York–New Jersey Will Be One of the Most Exciting Host Regions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and excitement is building across North America. For the first time in history, the tournament will be hosted by three countries—America, Canada, and Mexico—and football fans from around the globe are gearing up for what promises to be the biggest, most unforgettable World Cup ever. Among the standout destinations preparing to welcome fans, few compare to the energy, culture, and global appeal of the New York–New Jersey MetLife Stadium. 

Known for world-famous landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods, and non-stop entertainment, New York City is a dream destination for sports lovers and travellers alike. But it’s the combination of New York’s iconic city experience and New Jersey’s stadium facilities, hospitality, and accessibility that makes this region such a powerful host for the 2026 World Cup. Together, they offer everything fans could want: top-tier football, incredible sightseeing, and endless things to do before and after the matches.

At the heart of the region’s hosting duties is MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This enormous facility—home to the New York Giants and New York Jets—will be one of the largest stadiums in the entire tournament. With a capacity of over 82,000 and state-of-the-art amenities, MetLife Stadium is fully prepared to deliver an exceptional match-day atmosphere. FIFA requires natural grass for the World Cup, and MetLife will undergo a major transformation to ensure it meets elite international standards. For fans, this means enjoying world-class football in one of America’s most modern and comfortable stadiums.

Beyond the stadium, the region is packed with things to do. Fans staying in Manhattan can explore iconic attractions like Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Broadway. New York City’s culinary scene is unmatched—whether you’re craving street-food pizza or Michelin-starred dining. Neighbourhoods like SoHo, Greenwich Village, and the Lower East Side offer trendy cafés, rooftop bars, and a lively nightlife scene perfect for celebrating wins or shaking off tough losses.

Just across the Hudson River, New Jersey offers excellent accommodation choices—often more affordable and spacious than those in Manhattan. Towns like Secaucus, Hoboken, and Jersey City provide quick access to MetLife Stadium while still keeping fans close to the action in New York City. With efficient public transport options, travelling between New York and New Jersey is smooth, convenient, and ideal for international visitors.

Another advantage of choosing the New York–New Jersey region for your World Cup base is the ability to combine your stay with easy day trips or multi-city holidays. Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are only a short train ride away, offering even more sightseeing and cultural experiences. Fans can also venture north to Boston—another 2026 host city—to catch additional matches. For nature lovers, the Jersey Shore and Upstate New York provide beach escapes, hiking trails, lakes, and wine regions, perfect for some downtime between games.

With millions of fans expected to travel to North America in 2026, planning early is essential. Whether you’re booking accommodation, flights, or additional travel experiences, choosing the New York–New Jersey region ensures you’ll be at the centre of the World Cup’s most electrifying moments. Between the unmatched excitement of New York City and the world-class facilities of New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, this region is set to be one of the true stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.