Few places on Earth capture the spirit of the World Cup quite like New York City and its neighbor New Jersey. As the most iconic and diverse city in the United States, and arguably the world. New York thrives on its international energy, much like football itself. Every corner of NYC reflects a different culture, language, and cuisine, making it a true melting pot of humanity.
From the dazzling lights of Times Square to quiet, tree-lined streets in Brooklyn; from Wall Street’s power to Harlem’s jazz clubs, this is a city of contrasts and possibilities. And just across the river, New Jersey offers a more relaxed but equally passionate vibe, with easy access to the action at MetLife Stadium and plenty of its own charm.
The area’s long love affair with football is evident, too. New York boasts one of the largest football fan bases in the U.S., fueled by decades of immigrant communities bringing their football traditions here. On World Cup matchdays, expect the streets, bars, and parks to come alive with watch parties, flags waving, and fans singing in every language you can imagine.
Whether you’re here for the high-octane matches, the world-class attractions, or simply to soak up the energy of this incomparable place, New York and New Jersey are more than ready to deliver a World Cup experience on a truly global stage.
NYC & NJ: The Heartbeat of the World
New York City and New Jersey are more than just neighbors, together they form a global gateway where cultures, languages, and traditions from every corner of the planet come together seamlessly. It’s no wonder that the World Cup, the most international sporting event on Earth, feels right at home here.
New York’s story is one of ambition and immigration. For over 150 years, people have arrived here through Ellis Island and under the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, bringing their dreams and their love of football with them. From the Italian and Polish leagues in Brooklyn in the early 20th century, to today’s vibrant Latino and African football communities playing in parks across Queens and the Bronx, the sport has long been part of the city’s identity. On World Cup nights, Times Square and neighborhood bars alike fill with cheers in dozens of languages, truly reflecting football’s power to unite.
New Jersey, just across the Hudson River, complements the city’s fast-paced energy with its own proud sports tradition and passionate football culture. Home to generations of immigrant families and boasting world-class venues like MetLife Stadium, New Jersey brings accessibility, comfort, and a more relaxed vibe while still keeping you minutes away from Manhattan’s buzz.
The region’s infrastructure is also ideal for an event of this magnitude. With three major airports, countless hotels, and one of the most extensive public transit networks in the U.S., it’s built to handle millions of visitors. Add to that the sheer variety of experiences Broadway shows, Central Park, world-class museums, Jersey Shore beaches, charming Hoboken streets and you get a destination where every day can be as memorable as the matches themselves.
In 2026, expect New York and New Jersey to deliver not just world-class football, but a once-in-a-lifetime cultural celebration, a reminder of why this corner of America truly is the heartbeat of the world.
Top Things to Do and See in New York & New Jersey
When you’re not cheering your team at MetLife Stadium, the New York–New Jersey area offers endless ways to explore, relax, and immerse yourself in world-class culture. From iconic landmarks and Broadway lights to hidden gems across the river, here’s how to make the most of your World Cup adventure in the Big Apple and beyond.
Iconic NYC Landmarks
You can’t visit New York without soaking in its most famous sights. Start with a walk through Central Park, where shady paths, peaceful lakes, and street performers create a little oasis right in the middle of Manhattan’s hustle. Head to Times Square to feel the energy of the city in full glow perfect for snapping photos amid the towering screens and buzzing crowds.
For a deeper look at America’s immigrant story, take the ferry to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, two enduring symbols of hope and freedom. Then, for a bird’s-eye view of this sprawling metropolis, ascend the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock and marvel at the skyline stretching out before you.
If art and culture are your thing, NYC’s world-class museums won’t disappoint. Lose yourself in masterpieces at The Met, see modern genius at MoMA, or explore the wonders of science and nature at the American Museum of Natural History.
And of course, no trip is complete without experiencing the magic of Broadway, catching a dazzling musical or thought-provoking play and seeing why New York is the theater capital of the world.
Discover New Jersey’s Hidden Charms
Just across the Hudson, New Jersey offers a quieter, more laid-back experience and some fantastic surprises. Take in postcard-perfect views of Manhattan from Liberty State Park, or spend an afternoon at Hoboken’s waterfront, lined with cute cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.
For shopping and family-friendly fun, check out the massive American Dream Mall, just steps from MetLife Stadium. This isn’t just a mall it’s an entertainment complex, complete with an indoor amusement park, a water park, and even a ski slope.
New Jersey’s charming small towns and scenic parks are also worth exploring if you’re craving a slower pace amid all the excitement.
Savor the Flavors of NYC & NJ
Food in New York and New Jersey is an experience all on its own. In NYC, grab a perfect, foldable slice of New York pizza, or start your morning like a true New Yorker with a bagel & lox from an old-school deli. Don’t miss a stop at Katz’s Delicatessen for their legendary pastrami sandwich, or pick up a hot dog and pretzel from one of the city’s countless street vendors.
The city’s incredible diversity shines through in its neighborhoods: head to Chinatown for dumplings and noodles, Little Italy for pasta and cannoli, or Queens for authentic global eats from every corner of the world.
Across the river in New Jersey, you’ll find hearty Italian-American fare, fresh seafood at waterfront spots, and beloved diners serving up pancakes, burgers, and endless cups of coffee.
Soak Up the Nightlife & Fan Culture
New York is famous for being the city that never sleeps and during the World Cup, the streets will pulse with even more excitement. You’ll find lively fan zones in places like Times Square, Bryant Park, and Hudson Yards, where fans from every nation gather to watch matches and celebrate together.
If you want to watch more games surrounded by fellow football lovers, check out fan-favorite sports bars like Legends, The Football Factory, or Smithfield Hall, where the atmosphere is electric.
For something more glamorous, head up to a rooftop lounge like 230 Fifth or Le Bain, where you can sip cocktails under the stars with breathtaking skyline views. And when the sun goes down, New York’s music and club scene comes alive from soulful jazz in Greenwich Village to big-name DJs spinning in Brooklyn warehouses.
Experience It All
Whether you’re exploring towering skyscrapers, discovering hidden parks, enjoying a Broadway show, or sharing a pint in a packed fan zone, New York and New Jersey promise to deliver a World Cup experience as iconic and unforgettable as the cities themselves.
Where to Stay in New York & New Jersey During the World Cup
When visiting one of the world’s busiest and most exciting regions, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference. Whether you want to be in the heart of the action, near the stadium, or somewhere quieter with easy access to both, the New York–New Jersey area offers something for every budget and style.
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect base for your World Cup trip:
Stay in Manhattan for Iconic NYC Energy
If you dream of being surrounded by New York’s bright lights and endless attractions, Manhattan is the place to be. Staying here puts you close to Broadway, Times Square, Central Park, and countless dining, nightlife, and shopping options.
•Best for: First-time visitors, theater lovers, and those who want the full NYC experience.
•Keep in mind: You’ll need to take a short train or bus ride (30–45 minutes) to reach MetLife Stadium.
Top Areas in Manhattan:
- Midtown: Central and convenient for landmarks like Times Square and the Empire State Building.
- Upper West Side & Upper East Side: A little calmer and great for families, near Central Park and museums.
- Lower Manhattan: Trendy and historic, close to Wall Street, the World Trade Center, and ferries to the Statue of Liberty.
Stay in Brooklyn or Queens for a Local Vibe
For a more authentic, laid-back New York experience, consider Brooklyn or Queens. Both boroughs offer great food, lively neighborhoods, and often better value than Manhattan.
•Best for: Foodies, creatives, and budget-conscious travelers who still want access to the city.
•Keep in mind: Travel time to the stadium is slightly longer (about an hour by transit).
Highlights:
- Brooklyn: Explore hip Williamsburg, charming brownstone streets, and the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden.
- Queens: Known for incredible international food, Citi Field, and Flushing Meadows Park.
Stay in New Jersey for Stadium Access
If being close to MetLife Stadium is your priority, New Jersey is the way to go. You’ll avoid the cross-Hudson commute on match days and enjoy quieter surroundings often at a lower price point.
•Best for: Fans who want to be near the stadium, families, and those on a tighter budget.
•Bonus: Many hotels offer shuttles to the stadium on game days.
Good NJ Options:
- Secaucus: Just a few miles from the stadium with plenty of mid-range hotels and easy transit to NYC.
- Jersey City: A great compromise — close to NYC by PATH train but with its own waterfront charm and excellent views of Manhattan.
- Hoboken: Lively bars, great restaurants, and easy access to both NYC and MetLife.
Whether you choose to stay among the iconic skyscrapers of Manhattan, the cool neighborhoods of Brooklyn, or the convenient hotels of New Jersey, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable stay during the World Cup in the New York–New Jersey area.
Conclusion: Where the World Comes Together
Nowhere embodies the global spirit of the World Cup quite like New York and New Jersey. Here, every language is spoken, every culture is celebrated, and every fan can find a home away from home. During the 2026 tournament, the streets of Manhattan, the fan zones in Times Square, and the roaring stands of MetLife Stadium will come alive with the passion and pride of nations from every corner of the globe.
This is a place where the beautiful game and the world’s greatest city meet, where you can spend the day exploring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, catching a Broadway show, or strolling through Central Park, and then join tens of thousands of fans under the lights for an unforgettable night of football.
Across the Hudson, New Jersey adds its own charm from the lively waterfronts of Hoboken to the family-friendly parks and local flavors offering a more relaxed, but equally passionate experience just minutes from the heart of the action.
Whether you’re chanting in a packed fan zone, sharing a table at a classic deli with fellow supporters, or simply soaking in the electric atmosphere that only New York can create, your World Cup memories here will be as iconic as the city itself.
So pack your scarf, your camera, and your appetite for adventure because in New York and New Jersey, the World Cup isn’t just a tournament. It’s a celebration of the world, and you’re invited.
