NYC Starts Preparations to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup

BY: JESSICA DOSRAMOS / STAFF WRITER

MetLife Stadium, which will host eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Photo Credit: The New York Times)

New York City has initiated preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will begin in June. Eight matches will be held at the MetLife Stadium, including the final match in July. New York City expects over one million visitors during the World Cup.

For fans who want to get to MetLife Stadium from NYC, they will be expected to pay $150 for a round-trip train ticket for each match they plan to attend. This is a large increase from the normal round-trip ticket price, $12.50 for the 15-minute train ride from Penn Station to the stadium. 

Alongside this, no reduced options will be available for children, seniors, or people with disabilities. There will also be a round-trip bus service from New York City to New Jersey for $80. And the worst part is, due to limited parking, fans are left to depend on public transportation.

When asked about the ticket increase, New Jersey’s governor, Mike Sherrill, stated, “FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don't -- I'm not going to let New Jersey get taken for one.” The decision of not wanting taxpayers to carry most of the cost is how Sherrill justifies the ticket prices.

FIFA responded with a statement that said, “We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach today on fan transportation. The original FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements, signed in 2018, required free transportation for fans to all matches. 

Back in 2023, FIFA adjusted the Host Agreement requirements across all host cities to lighten the financial strain on communities. They quoted, “All Match Ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to Stadiums on match days.” 

For New Yorkers who go to Penn Station, the station will be closed to regular commuters hours before the matches at MetLife Stadium.

Aside from ticket prices skyrocketing, Mayor Mamdani and Mike Flynn, NYC’s Department of Transportation Commissioner, announced that streets in Manhattan will be redesigned ahead of the World Cup. They plan to improve bike and pedestrian connections to the Brooklyn Bridge.

The redesign will better protect bikers and pedestrians from being in each other's way ahead of the World Cup, which will bring an influx of visitors to New York City.

The New York City Council plans to introduce legislation to help with preparations for the World Cup. The legislation includes public bathrooms to expand access, as well as safety tips and an education program that explains scams that target tourists.

Small businesses will be boosted to help New Yorkers feel included in what is going on around them. The increase in tourists this summer is planned to strengthen NYC’s economy.

The legislation will also name Pelé Way in Queens and Thierry Henry Way in Manhattan in the district alongside Rockefeller Center, where people will gather for free watch parties. This is done to honor the soccer icons who have helped shape the sport.

Infectious disease experts have been prepping for the increase in people that the World Cup will bring. With so many people from around the world attending, the risk of imported infectious diseases rises. Doctors from New York City will be at hospitals around MetLife Stadium, where people are more likely to go if experiencing symptoms.

With the influx of visitors arriving in NYC, the routine of native New Yorkers will be disrupted. Streets will become more crowded, and the increase in people in NYC will disrupt the commute of New Yorkers, especially those who need access to Penn Station. How will New Yorkers react to the attention and increase in people?