NJ TRANSIT, partners unveil transportation plan for 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium
NEW JERSEY — NJ TRANSIT and regional transportation agencies have announced a comprehensive mobility plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, outlining how tens of thousands of fans will travel to matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
The plan, developed in coordination with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and Amtrak, is designed to accommodate more than 78,000 spectators per match across eight scheduled games in June and July 2026.
“We are pleased to welcome fans from around the world, building on more than two years of preparation and strong coordination with local, state, and federal partners,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “While we are ready to deliver a seamless travel experience for those riding with us on match days, we have been equally focused on ensuring our everyday customers have a multitude of travel options if they rely on NJ TRANSIT for essential travel during key time periods before and after the match.”
“Our Stadium Mobility Plan is built with safety and responsibility at its core—ensuring that every fan, worker, and resident can move throughout the region securely during the tournament,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. “It reflects years of planning and coordination across our transportation partners, and we’re incredibly grateful for their collaboration. Our focus is on delivering a clear, reliable experience for matchgoers while minimizing disruption and helping residents navigate the increased demand the tournament will bring. We want to ensure the World Cup is an enjoyable experience across our entire region, while showing the world everything New York New Jersey has to offer.”
“The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a unique opportunity to showcase to the world New Jersey’s complex, modern, and interconnected transportation network that moves hundreds of thousands of people each day reliably and efficiently,” NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chair Priya Jain said. “Working in close collaboration with our transportation and law enforcement partners across the state and region, NJDOT is focused on match day operations and advanced public messaging – ensuring coordinated traffic management, incident response, and clear communication so the system performs in real time under peak demand.”
The transportation plan relies on a combination of NJ TRANSIT rail service, official stadium shuttle buses, rideshare options and limited premium parking at American Dream.
There will be no general spectator parking at MetLife Stadium on matchdays. Officials said fans must use official transportation options, and no private buses or charter services will be permitted.
A valid FIFA World Cup 2026™ match ticket will be required to purchase transportation and access matchday services. Transportation tickets will be non-refundable and non-transferable.
Bus shuttle tickets for the Official New York New Jersey Stadium Shuttle are now available, providing direct round-trip service from locations including the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Midtown East near Grand Central Station and a park-and-ride location at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Round-trip tickets are priced at $80.
NJ TRANSIT rail service will serve as the primary high-capacity option, with plans to carry up to 40,000 attendees per match. Rail tickets will be sold in advance through NJ TRANSIT’s mobile app beginning May 13 for $150 and will not be available on the day of the event.
Fans traveling from New York City must use Penn Station New York to access rail service to the stadium. Service between Penn Station and Secaucus Junction will be restricted to ticketed match attendees beginning four hours before kickoff.
Rideshare service will be available on a limited basis, with designated drop-off at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. Officials said pricing may be higher than usual and travel times may increase due to congestion.
Limited premium parking will also be available at American Dream by advance purchase only.
Match dates at MetLife Stadium are scheduled for June 13, 16, 22, 25, 27 and 30, as well as July 5 and July 19, 2026.
Transportation officials said travel conditions on matchdays will differ significantly from normal operations, with increased congestion and higher ridership expected across the region.
Governor Mikie Sherrill said the state has been preparing for the global event while also raising concerns about the financial burden placed on New Jersey.
“New Jersey is ready and excited to host eight FIFA World Cup matches this summer, including the World Cup Final. Since I took office in January, my Administration has been focused on the lead-up to the World Cup, and we have worked across government to ensure we are prepared to host the biggest sporting event our state has ever seen. This includes readying our transit infrastructure to transport more than 40,000 fans to and from each match safely and efficiently.
“We know that this event will deliver real economic benefits for our communities and businesses. At the same time, hosting cannot come at the expense of New Jersey commuters and taxpayers.
“In the agreement that my Administration inherited, FIFA put zero dollars towards transporting World Cup fans. In addition, it eliminated parking at MetLife Stadium, putting the burden of transporting four times more matchday riders than typical for an event at the stadium on NJ TRANSIT. On top of extensive logistical considerations to ensure transportation is safe and efficient throughout the tournament – for regular commuters and FIFA ticket holders alike – this agreement will cost NJ TRANSIT at least $48 million, while FIFA is positioned to make $11 billion during the World Cup.
“We are committed to ensuring costs are shared fairly. As I have said repeatedly, FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans. If it won’t, we will not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ TRANSIT every day.
“I have also directed NJ TRANSIT to provide discounts for riders impacted by service changes on Monday, June 22nd and Tuesday, June 30th, the two dates that overlap with peak commuting hours. My Administration is also coordinating closely with PATH to cross-honor tickets and provide additional service to keep people moving during this busy time.
“This is about striking the right balance. We will showcase New Jersey on the world stage while protecting our residents, supporting our workforce, and making sure the economic upside of this event is felt in communities across our state.”
Customers not attending matches are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel during peak times or adjust schedules when possible. NJ TRANSIT said it will implement targeted service adjustments while maintaining options for everyday riders.
For more information and updates, fans can visit https://nynjfwc26.com/getting-to-nynj-stadium and https://njtworldcup.com.
