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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to transform the New York–New Jersey region into one of the most electric hubs of global sports culture. With New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium hosting several high‑profile matches, New York City is preparing for a surge of international visitors, local excitement, and a wave of economic activity that could ripple across the five boroughs.
At the center of this momentum is a bold initiative from Mayor Mandami, a special program offering $50 World Cup tickets and free round‑trip transportation for New Yorkers traveling to MetLife Stadium. The goal is simple but powerful — make the world’s biggest sporting event accessible to everyday residents while ensuring New York captures the full economic potential of the global spotlight.
MetLife Stadium will host a slate of marquee games, including:
Opening Round Matches — Featuring top‑ranked national teams and expected to draw tens of thousands of international fans.
Knockout Stage Games — High‑stakes matchups that historically generate massive global viewership and local tourism spikes.
A Semifinal Showdown — One of the most coveted matches of the tournament, projected to bring record-breaking attendance.
These matches position the region as a central stage for the tournament, with New York City serving as the cultural and hospitality anchor for visitors.
The Mayor’s initiative is designed to ensure that New Yorkers, not just tourists, get to experience the World Cup firsthand. The program includes:
$50 subsidized tickets for select matches at MetLife Stadium
Free shuttle service from major transit hubs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens
Extended subway and bus service on game days to support increased traffic
Group Stage Matches
June 13, 2026 – 6:00 PM Brazil vs. Morocco (Group C)
June 16, 2026 – 3:00 PM France vs. Senegal (Group I)
June 22, 2026 – 8:00 PM Norway vs. Senegal (Group I)
June 25, 2026 – 4:00 PM Ecuador vs. Germany (Group E)
June 27, 2026 – 5:00 PM Panama vs. England (Group L)
Knockout Round Matches
June 30, 2026 – 5:00 PM Round of 32 (Teams TBD)
July 5, 2026 – 4:00 PM Round of 16 (Teams TBD)
Final Match
July 19, 2026 – 3:00 PM 2026 FIFA World Cup Final (MetLife Stadium is
