Welcome to the New York New Jersey region, the "Gateway to the World Cup!" As one of 16 host regions, New York New Jersey (NYNJ) will host eight matches at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, NJ, including the tournament final on July 19, 2026. Matches run from June 13 to July 19, drawing over a million visitors to the area.
This comprehensive guide covers the tri-state region, including Philadelphia (host of six World Cup matches) and Atlantic City (premier entertainment and fan experience destination). Expect a mix of urban energy, coastal charm, historic culture, and world-class soccer.
For official updates, visit FIFA World Cup 2026, Visit New Jersey, and WorldCUPAC.com.
Entering the U.S. for the World Cup requires planning—start early to avoid delays. A valid passport is mandatory, and most visitors need a visa or electronic authorization. Ticket holders qualify for priority processing via FIFA PASS (details below).
| Requirement | Details | Who Needs It | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Validity | Must be valid for 6 months beyond your U.S. stay (e.g., until January 2027 for a June trip), unless exempt (e.g., Canadians). | All visitors. | Renew via your home country's passport office. |
| Visa Waiver Program (VWP)/ESTA | Allows 90-day stays without a visa; apply online for ESTA approval ($21 fee). | Citizens of 42 countries (e.g., UK, Australia, Japan, most EU nations). Full list. | ESTA Application. Approval typically in 72 hours; print confirmation. |
| B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa | For tourism/sports events; valid up to 6 months. Fee: $185. | Non-VWP citizens (e.g., Brazil, China, India). | Complete DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay fee, schedule interview at U.S. embassy/consulate. Bring World Cup ticket, itinerary, proof of funds/ties to home country. Processing: 1-3 months. |
| FIFA PASS Priority | Expedited visa interviews for ticket holders; available early 2026. | B-1/B-2 applicants with tickets. | Register interest at FIFA.com/tickets. No guarantee of visa approval. |
| Canadians/Bermudans | No visa/ESTA needed for tourism. | Citizens of Canada/Bermuda. | Present passport at border. |
| Mode | Details | Cost | World Cup Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Transit Trains | Connects NYC, NJ cities, and MetLife via Meadowlands Rail Line (from Secaucus Junction). | $2.75-$15 one-way | Special service pre/post-matches; ticket holders only on rail to stadium. From NYC Penn: 45 min to MetLife. |
| Buses | NJ Transit/Coach USA routes cover shore, cities, and stadium shuttles. | $1.60-$5 | Enhanced Transitway rapid buses (100+ vehicles) for 22,000 fans/hour post-match. |
| PATH Train | NYC-Jersey City/Hoboken link. | $2.75 | Transfer to NJ Transit for MetLife. |
| Rideshares/Taxis | Uber/Lyft; designated zones at stadium. | $20-100 | Surge pricing expected; avoid unmarked taxis. |
| Driving | Rent via Enterprise; highways (I-95, Turnpike). | Gas: $3.50/gal; tolls $5-15 | Stadium parking passes: $50-100 via MetLifeStadium.com. Arrive 3+ hours early. |
| Mode | Details | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEPTA | Subway, buses, trolleys throughout Philadelphia and suburbs. Broad Street Line to sports complex. | $2.50 per ride, $13 day pass | Download SEPTA app. Special World Cup service to Lincoln Financial Field. |
| Regional Rail | SEPTA commuter trains connect suburbs and airport. | $4-$10 | Convenient for staying outside city center. |
| Indego Bike Share | 140+ stations citywide for short trips. | $4/30 min, $15 day pass | Great for exploring between matches. |
| Walking | Center City very walkable; 20 min Old City to Rittenhouse Square. | Free | Stadium area requires transit/rideshare. |
| Mode | Details | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line | Direct service from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to Atlantic City Rail Terminal (near casinos). | $10.75 one-way | 90-minute journey. Trains run hourly on weekdays, every 2 hours weekends. Special World Cup schedules expected. |
| NJ Transit Bus 319 | Express bus from NYC Port Authority to Atlantic City casinos. | $30 one-way | 2.5-hour journey. Many casino hotels offer bonus credits with bus ticket purchase. |
| Jitney | Atlantic City's famous jitney buses run 24/7 along Pacific/Arctic Avenues. | $2.50 per ride | Stops every 2-3 blocks. Essential for casino-hopping and reaching fan zones. |
| Boardwalk Transport | Rolling chairs (historic pedicabs) and bike rentals available. | $5-10 per block (chairs), $20/hour (bikes) | Scenic way to travel the 4-mile boardwalk. |
| Driving | Atlantic City Expressway from Philadelphia (60 min), Garden State Parkway from NYC/North Jersey (2 hours). | Expressway toll: $3.75; Parking: Free at most casinos | Easy access to shore towns and fan experience venues. |
Atlantic City is building two premier World Cup fan experience centers to serve international visitors attending matches in Philadelphia (60 miles) and New Jersey (120 miles). These destinations combine live match viewing, interactive soccer experiences, entertainment, and Jersey Shore hospitality.
Location: Stockton University, Atlantic City Campus, 3711 Atlantic Avenue (Boardwalk at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard)
Features:
Transportation from Stockton Fan Zone:
Hours & Admission: Daily 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM during World Cup. Free general admission; some VIP experiences require tickets. Check WorldCUPAC.com for schedule.
Location: Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Avenue (Boardwalk between Arkansas & Missouri Avenues)
Features:
Transportation from Caesars Fan Zone:
Hours & Admission: 24/7 during World Cup. Free access to general fan areas; premium experiences and VIP suites require advance booking. Hotel packages available combining rooms + fan zone access. Visit Caesars.com or WorldCUPAC.com.
Book early—expect 50-100% price hikes in June/July 2026. Consider spreading your stay across multiple cities to experience the region and potentially save money.
| Area | Why Stay Here? | Price Range/Night (2026 Est.) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey City | Waterfront views, NYC access, near Fan Festival. | $200-$400 | Hyatt Regency ($300), Airbnb lofts ($250). |
| Newark/EWR Area | Airport convenience, affordable. | $150-$300 | Hilton Newark ($220), budget motels ($150). |
| East Rutherford/Meadowlands | Stadium-adjacent. | $250-$500 | American Dream hotels ($350), suites at MetLife. |
| Philadelphia Center City | Walkable historic district, restaurants, near SEPTA. | $180-$450 | Kimpton Hotel Monaco ($320), Historic District hotels ($200-350). |
| Philadelphia University City | Near University of Pennsylvania, budget-friendly, good transit. | $140-$280 | AKA University City ($220), Airbnb options ($150-200). |
| Atlantic City Boardwalk | Casino resorts, 24/7 entertainment, beach access, value pricing. | $120-$350 | Caesars ($180), Ocean Casino Resort ($200), Tropicana ($150), Hard Rock Hotel ($250). Packages available. |
| Jersey Shore (Asbury Park, Ocean City) | Beaches, post-match relaxation, family-friendly. | $180-$350 | Oceanfront B&Bs ($250), vacation rentals ($200-300). |
Taxes/Fees: New Jersey: 14% hotel tax + 6.625% sales tax. Pennsylvania: 6% sales tax + local hotel taxes (14-16% in Philadelphia). Atlantic City casinos may waive resort fees for World Cup packages.
All matches at MetLife Stadium (82,500 capacity) in East Rutherford, NJ. Includes the tournament final on July 19, 2026.
All matches at Lincoln Financial Field (69,176 capacity). Schedule to be determined after December 2025 draw.
How to Buy: Register at FIFA.com/tickets for sales phases (lottery-based; starts December 2025 post-draw). Prices range from $60 (upper deck group stage) to $7,875 (final premium). Hospitality packages: $2,000+.
Key Dates: Group stage (June 13+), Round of 16 (late June/early July), Semifinals (July 14-15), Final (July 19 at MetLife).
The New York New Jersey and Philadelphia region is generally safe for tourists, with crime rates below U.S. averages in most tourist areas. MetLife Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and designated fan zones will have heavy police and security presence.
Tickets help prove your purpose of travel but don't guarantee visa approval. Citizens of VWP countries need only ESTA ($21). Others require B-1/B-2 tourist visa ($185). Apply 3-6 months early—FIFA PASS prioritizes interview scheduling for ticket holders starting early 2026.
3-6 months minimum. Wait times vary by country: 14 days in South Korea, 2+ months in India or Brazil. Check current waits at travel.state.gov. Processing can take longer during World Cup peak season.
No—each country has separate entry requirements. U.S. visa doesn't cover Canada (needs eTA or visa depending on nationality) or Mexico (visa-free for many nationalities, up to 180 days). Plan accordingly if attending matches in multiple countries.
Yes, tourist areas like Jersey City, Philadelphia Center City, and Atlantic City Boardwalk are safe. Use common sense: stick to populated areas at night, use reputable rideshares, keep valuables secure. Crime rates are low in fan zones and around stadiums during events.
You can reapply with additional documentation (proof of stronger ties to home country, employment letters, property ownership). No FIFA ticket refund if visa denied. Purchase travel insurance covering visa denial scenarios—worth the investment.
NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction ($3-6), then Meadowlands Rail Line to stadium (included, 15 min). Total journey: 45 min, ~$15. Trains run continuously on match days—ticket holders only on Meadowlands line. Buses also available as backup.
NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line from AC Rail Terminal to Philadelphia 30th Street Station (90 min, $10.75). Trains run hourly on weekdays, every 2 hours weekends. Special World Cup schedules expected with additional service. From 30th Street, take SEPTA Broad Street Line to stadium (25 min, $2.50).
Absolutely! Atlantic City is strategically located: 60 miles (90 min by train) to Philadelphia, 120 miles (2 hours) to MetLife Stadium. Many fans choose AC as their base for affordable casino resort accommodations and 24/7 entertainment, then take trains/buses to matches. Check WorldCUPAC.com for multi-match packages.
No—FIFA no-refund policy applies. Buy comprehensive travel insurance covering visa denial, flight cancellations, and emergency medical. Policies cost 5-7% of trip cost but provide crucial protection. Some credit cards offer travel protection; verify coverage limits.
Drinking age is 21 (strictly enforced—carry photo ID always). Alcohol sold inside stadiums but no outside alcohol permitted. Clear bag policy: bags under 12"x6"x12" only. Atlantic City allows open containers on Boardwalk in designated areas; Philadelphia and NYC do not.
Declare all items on customs form. Duty-free allowance: $800 per person. Soccer jerseys and merchandise are fine. Prohibited: fresh foods, plants, certain animal products. Download Mobile Passport Control or CBP Mobile Passport app for faster processing. Have hotel address and return ticket info ready.
As of 2025, no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for U.S. entry. Monitor CDC.gov for any 2026 updates. Routine vaccinations recommended (measles, mumps, rubella). Bring prescription medications in original containers with doctor's note. Travel insurance with medical coverage essential—U.S. healthcare is expensive without insurance.
Two main fan zones: Stockton University (Esports Innovation Center with gaming, live matches, family activities—free admission) and Caesars Atlantic City (beach viewing, premium sports lounge, entertainment, international food—free general access, VIP experiences require booking). Both locations connected by jitney and walking distance to casinos. Check WorldCUPAC.com for full schedules and VIP packages.
Yes! While known for casinos (21+ for gaming floors), AC offers extensive family options: beaches, Boardwalk, Steel Pier amusement park, aquarium, and the Stockton fan zone with youth soccer activities. Many casino resorts have family pools and restaurants. Beach access is free (no beach tags required). Philadelphia also extremely family-friendly with historic sites and parks.
The New York New Jersey and Philadelphia region is ready to host the world. From the electric atmosphere at MetLife Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field to the beach party vibes of Atlantic City's fan zones, you'll experience American hospitality at its finest. Whether you're here for one match or the entire tournament, this corner of the United States offers unforgettable soccer, culture, entertainment, and coastal beauty.
Safe travels and enjoy the beautiful game!
For the latest updates, visit WorldCUPAC.com
Fans should review the official FIFA Fan Guides, which include:
WorldCupAC will provide summaries and downloadable guides, making it easier for visitors staying in Atlantic City to prepare before heading to match venues.
WorldCupAC partners with AtlantiCare, Atlantic City’s trusted regional healthcare provider, to give fans reliable health information and on-the-ground support.
AtlantiCare emergency facilities are equipped to handle all serious health concerns, from dehydration and heatstroke to injuries and respiratory conditions.
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