Last reviewed: June 2026
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey hosts the 2026 World Cup final on 19 July 2026. The stadium is also the venue for England's third group match (vs Panama, 27 June). This is the complete guide to MetLife Stadium for UK fans - location, transport, capacity and what to expect.
Key facts
- MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is the 2026 World Cup final venue.
- The final is on Sunday 19 July 2026 at 3pm Eastern Time, which is 8pm BST in the UK.
- MetLife Stadium has a capacity of approximately 82,500, making it the largest venue in the 2026 tournament.
- England play Panama at MetLife Stadium on 27 June (10pm BST, ITV1).
- The stadium is approximately 8 miles west of Manhattan, accessible by NJ Transit rail from Penn Station.
- ESTA is required for all UK citizens visiting the USA, including for matches at MetLife Stadium.
MetLife Stadium: The 2026 World Cup Final Venue
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is the venue for the 2026 World Cup final on 19 July 2026. Officially referred to by FIFA as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament, MetLife Stadium is the largest venue in the 2026 competition with a capacity of approximately 82,500. For UK fans, the stadium is significant as both the final venue and the location of England's third group stage match against Panama on 27 June.
Location and Getting There
MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, Bergen County, New Jersey, approximately 8 miles west of Midtown Manhattan across the Hudson River. The stadium sits within the Meadowlands Sports Complex, which also includes the Meadowlands Racetrack. East Rutherford is part of the New York metropolitan area and is accessible from multiple points in New York City and surrounding areas.
The most practical public transport route from Manhattan is NJ Transit rail from Penn Station (34th Street, Manhattan) to Secaucus Junction, then the Meadowlands Rail Line directly to the stadium. Journey time from Penn Station is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. NJ Transit runs additional services on event days. Penn Station is served by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak services, making it accessible from across the New York area.
From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which is the most convenient major airport for the stadium, the journey involves NJ Transit trains from the Newark Airport station to Newark Penn Station, then connecting services toward the Meadowlands. Total journey time from the airport is typically 45 to 60 minutes depending on connections.
Driving to the stadium is possible, with substantial parking facilities in the Meadowlands Complex, but major event days in the New York metropolitan area generate significant traffic. Public transport is generally faster for match day travel. For UK fans arriving at JFK or LaGuardia in New York, ground transport to the stadium involves crossing the Hudson River and navigating the New Jersey Turnpike or other routes, with journey times of 45 minutes to 90 minutes or more depending on traffic.
Stadium Capacity and Facilities
MetLife Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 82,500 for football events, making it the largest stadium in the 2026 World Cup. The stadium is an open-air venue, meaning that New Jersey weather in late June and July (summer, typically warm and humid with potential for thunderstorms) will be experienced by fans in most areas of the ground. Some sections have partial cover.
The stadium is home to both the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, who share the facility. It opened in 2010, making it a relatively modern facility with comprehensive food, beverage and hospitality options. The stadium operates cashless payments at most concession points, so having a payment card is more useful than cash inside the venue.
Accommodation Near MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford and the surrounding Bergen County area have hotel accommodation, though the proximity to Manhattan means many fans base themselves in New York City and travel to the stadium for matches. Manhattan hotel prices during the World Cup final period are likely to be at a significant premium given demand from global football fans. Booking accommodation in advance is strongly advised for anyone planning to attend the final or England's group match at the stadium.
Alternative accommodation options include Newark, Jersey City and other New Jersey locations, which offer lower prices than Manhattan while maintaining reasonable access to the stadium. New Jersey Transit services connect these areas to both Manhattan and the Meadowlands.
The 2026 World Cup Final: 8pm BST on 19 July
The 2026 World Cup final takes place at MetLife Stadium on Sunday 19 July 2026, kicking off at 3pm Eastern Time (8pm BST). This is an ideal UK viewing time, falling in the prime Sunday evening window. The final is broadcast simultaneously on both BBC One and ITV1 in the UK, with free streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
The final is the climax of a tournament that runs from 11 June, with 104 matches played across 39 days in the USA, Canada and Mexico. For fans attending the final in person, tickets are controlled by FIFA and national football associations. UK-based fans who are not part of their national association's ticket ballot would typically need to enter the FIFA's general ticket ballot, details of which are available at FIFA.com.
England's Match at MetLife Stadium: Panama, 27 June
England play their third group stage match, against Panama, at MetLife Stadium on Saturday 27 June. The match kicks off at 5pm Eastern Time, which is 10pm BST. ITV1 holds the UK broadcast rights. This is England's third Group L fixture and takes place simultaneously with Panama vs Croatia (the other third group match). England need to finish in the top two of Group L to advance to the Round of 32.
UK fans attending this match in person will be at the same venue that will host the final on 19 July, giving the group stage fixture a specific significance as a preview of the tournament's ultimate stage. The stadium's scale and the New York-area location make this one of the most high-profile group stage venues in the tournament.
ESTA Requirements for UK Fans
UK citizens attending matches at MetLife Stadium or any other US World Cup venue require a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) under the Visa Waiver Programme. ESTA applications are made at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, cost 21 US dollars, and are valid for two years from the date of approval. Applications should be made well in advance of travel. For the World Cup final on 19 July, fans should apply for their ESTA months in advance to ensure it is in place for their travel date.
MetLife Stadium Weather and Conditions
East Rutherford, New Jersey experiences warm, humid summers with average July temperatures of around 27 to 29 degrees Celsius (81 to 84 Fahrenheit) during the day, dropping to around 18 to 21 degrees in the evening. The New York metropolitan area is susceptible to afternoon and evening thunderstorms in summer. For the World Cup final on 19 July at 3pm Eastern, weather conditions could include heat and humidity or the possibility of thunderstorm activity. MetLife Stadium is an open-air venue, so weather conditions directly affect fan experience. Bringing sunscreen, a hat and appropriate clothing for potential rain is advisable for any MetLife Stadium attendance.
For UK fans planning trips around MetLife Stadium, the stadium's accessibility from both Manhattan and Newark Airport makes it one of the more logistically straightforward venues in the 2026 tournament for international visitors. The New York metropolitan area's extensive transport infrastructure, large number of accommodation options at various price points, and familiarity as a destination for UK travellers make this one of the easier World Cup venues to plan around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 2026 World Cup final?
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. FIFA refers to it as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament. It is approximately 8 miles west of Manhattan and is the largest venue in the 2026 competition.
What time is the 2026 World Cup final in the UK?
The final on 19 July 2026 kicks off at 3pm Eastern Time, which is 8pm BST for UK viewers. It is broadcast simultaneously on BBC One and ITV1, both free with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
How do I get to MetLife Stadium from New York?
The most practical route is NJ Transit rail from Penn Station (34th Street, Manhattan) to Secaucus Junction, then the Meadowlands Rail Line to the stadium. Journey time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Additional services run on event days. From Newark Airport, connect to Newark Penn Station then toward Secaucus.
Do England play at MetLife Stadium?
Yes. England play Panama at MetLife Stadium on Saturday 27 June in their final Group L match, kicking off at 5pm Eastern Time (10pm BST). The match is on ITV1 in the UK.
Do I need an ESTA for MetLife Stadium?
Yes. UK citizens visiting any US venue require a valid ESTA (21 USD, at esta.cbp.dhs.gov) or a US visa. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
