Will the 2026 World Cup Be in New York?
Will the 2026 World Cup Be in New York? Here's What You Actually Need to Know
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in New York/New Jersey. The New York/New Jersey region is not only hosting matches; it is hosting the final match. On July 19, 2026, the final match of the 2026 World Cup will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
This is monumental for anyone interested in sports, culture, or history. Below is everything you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New York/New Jersey, supported by actual numbers.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
First we look at size. Studies by FIFA and the World Trade Organization project that this tournament will attract 6.5 million people throughout the host countries—a massive influx that will impact everything from hotels to local services like Sparkly Maid NYC, which anticipates increased demand during the event. The 2026 World Cup could also produce a global GDP of up to $40.9 Billion and create almost 824,000 jobs.
In terms of the United States alone, the estimated gross income from this tournament is $30.5 billion, and it may produce almost 185,000 jobs. These projections are based on the results of previous World Cups and adjusted for the fact that this is the largest World Cup in history (48 teams and 104 matches).
While the New York/New Jersey region is receiving 8 matches overall. Group Stage matches and Knockout Rounds will all be held at MetLife Stadium. MetLife Stadium holds 82,500 people.
After competing against other stadiums such as AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX, and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA for the final, MetLife Stadium won the bid.
Why This Location Won
MetLife Stadium won the bid for several reasons. Most importantly, the stadium had a commitment to remove 1,740 seats to allow FIFA's requirements to be met regarding the width of the playing surface. There were reported issues with SoFi Stadium involving revenue, and the stadium was deemed too narrow for FIFA's specifications.
The Dallas stadium was considered to be the favorite prior to the announcement, which made New York/New Jersey's selection a surprise.
Another reason why MetLife Stadium was selected is because of its diversity. According to Tourism Economics' research, international spectators account for around 40% of the attendees of each match.
Typically, international spectators attend 2 matches. The New York metropolitan area is home to many immigrant communities, and has a well-established soccer culture. Therefore, it was the best choice to host the matches.
The Cultural Moment: Soccer's First Halftime Show
There will be a first ever half-time show for the World Cup in 2026. The half-time show will be produced by Global Citizen and will feature a number of performances curated by Coldplay. In addition to the half-time show, Coldplay will perform a concert in Times Square during finals weekend.
The amount of energy and excitement generated by a halftime show similar to the Superbowl is expected to reach a truly global audience.
This is important because the World Cup receives more views than the Superbowl. For example, the price of a 30 second ad during the 2018 World Cup was over $440,000. However, for the 2026 World Cup, that price is expected to rise to over $550,000 due to the World Cup's strong pull in the world economy.
What This Means for Visitors (and Your Wallet)
According to Tourism Economics, the U.S. is expected to receive 1.24 million international visitors for the World Cup. Of those 1.24 million, 742,000 would be incremental trips that wouldn't have happened otherwise. International tourism to the U.S. is expected to grow by 3.7% in 2026. Approximately one-third of that growth will be attributed to the World Cup.
International visitor arrivals peak in June when 57 of the 78 matches scheduled to take place in the U.S. will occur. Compared to non-World Cup years, June will see a 10% increase in international arrivals. July will add another 200,000 visitors.
As can be expected, hotel prices are expected to increase dramatically. Historical data from Germany in 2006 indicates that the price of hotels increased by 46.9% for the final match. For the 2026 World Cup, hotel rooms in host cities are expected to increase in price by 7% to 25% on match day in June.
Research indicates that World Cup fans expect to spend $2,350 per person during their trip. That is much higher than the average tourist.
The Match Schedule
The New York/New Jersey World Cup experience begins on June 13, 2026, with the match between Brazil and Morocco. Following the Brazil/Morocco match will be the marquee group stage matches:
• France vs. Senegal (June 16)
• Norway vs. Senegal (June 22)
• Ecuador vs. Germany (June 25)
• Panama vs. England (June 27)
Following the group stages, the knockout rounds will begin with a Round of 32 match (June 30) and Round of 16 match (July 5), followed by the Championship Final (July 19, 3pm EST). Details of the full match schedule can be found on the official FIFA website.
Getting There: The Infrastructure Plan
Traveling to the stadium is key. The stadium is located in New Jersey, approximately 10 miles from Manhattan. A new $35 Million Busway and the Meadowlands Rail Line Shuttle from Secaucus Junction will provide access to the stadium.
Due to the success of previous large-scale events, including Super Bowl XLVIII and Copa América Centenario, the organizers have experience handling large crowds.
Beyond the Stadium
FIFA Fan Festivals will be held at Liberty State Park, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, NY, and Rockefeller Center. These free public spaces will display live matches, have food vendors, and will provide cultural programs throughout the month long celebration of the World Cup.
Fans do not need to purchase a ticket to the stadium to participate in these celebrations.
Why This Matters Long-Term
The 1994 World Cup in the U.S. played a significant role in establishing Major League Soccer. Following Qatar's 2022 hosting, Qatar's tourism grew 347%.
In 2006, the World Cup in Germany measured the positive impact on Germany's image globally by the Anholt Nation Brand Index.
With respect to New York/New Jersey, winning the bid for the final will result in exposure to global media worth hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising value.
Additionally, it will provide infrastructure improvements beyond the scope of the tournament. Furthermore, it will solidify New York/New Jersey's position as a leading destination for major international events.
The 2026 World Cup marks the return of the sport to the U.S. for the first time since 1994. With the larger format of the 2026 World Cup, combined with its unprecedented economic impact, and New York/New Jersey hosting the final, this tournament will redefine how Americans engage with global soccer. For local businesses like Sparkly Maid NYC, the event represents both an opportunity and a preparation challenge as the city readies itself to welcome the world.
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are currently available through FIFA's official platform. With the expanded 48 team format of the World Cup, there will be more matches, more participating nations, and more opportunities to observe history.
Regardless of whether you plan on purchasing a ticket to the stadium, or attending a FIFA Fan Festival, the Summer of 2026 will be unlike anything the New York/New Jersey region has ever experienced.
Sources: FIFA, World Trade Organization, Tourism Economics, ABC7 New York, Wikipedia
Read more:
What is Timothée Chalamet’s Net Worth in 2026