The New York/New Jersey region will play a major role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting eight matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. As one of the tournament’s premier venues, MetLife Stadium will welcome some of the world’s biggest soccer nations during the group stage before hosting knockout-round matches and the FIFA World Cup Final.
With the tournament expanding to 48 teams for the first time, fans in the New York metropolitan area will have the opportunity to watch elite international soccer throughout June and July 2026.
FIFA World Cup 2026 New York Group Stage Schedule
June 13, 2026
Brazil vs. Morocco
- Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
June 16, 2026
France vs. Senegal
- Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
June 22, 2026
Norway vs. Senegal
- Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
June 25, 2026
Ecuador vs. Germany
- Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
June 27, 2026
Panama vs. England
- Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
The group stage schedule features several soccer powerhouses, including Brazil, France, Germany, and England, making New York/New Jersey one of the most attractive host cities of the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Round Schedule in New York
Round of 32
June 30, 2026
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
- Match: Group I Winner vs. Best Third-Place Team
Round of 16
July 5, 2026
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
- Match: To Be Determined
The knockout stage promises high-stakes action as teams battle for a place in the latter rounds of the expanded World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final at MetLife Stadium
The most anticipated match of the tournament will take place in the New York/New Jersey region when MetLife Stadium hosts the FIFA World Cup Final.
FIFA World Cup Final
Date: July 19, 2026
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
The championship match will crown the winner of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup and is expected to attract one of the largest global television audiences in sports history.
How Many World Cup Matches Will New York Host?
MetLife Stadium will host a total of eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- Five Group Stage matches
- One Round of 32 match
- One Round of 16 match
- The FIFA World Cup Final
This schedule makes New York/New Jersey one of the most important host regions in the tournament.
Why MetLife Stadium Is a Premier World Cup Venue
Located just outside New York City, MetLife Stadium offers world-class facilities, excellent transportation access, and a capacity exceeding 80,000 spectators. The venue is home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets and has previously hosted major international soccer matches, concerts, and sporting events.
As the site of the FIFA World Cup Final, MetLife Stadium will become the center of the global soccer world in July 2026.
New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Overview
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 13–27, 2026 |
| Round of 32 | June 30, 2026 |
| Round of 16 | July 5, 2026 |
| FIFA World Cup Final | July 19, 2026 |
Soccer fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup should keep New York/New Jersey at the top of their travel list. With multiple group-stage showdowns, knockout-round drama, and the tournament final, MetLife Stadium will be one of the most exciting destinations throughout the competition.