World Cup 2026: New York/New Jersey Travel Guide for UK Fans

Alex Beaney

New York/New Jersey will host the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final and several knockout fixtures, making it one of the most high-profile venues of the tournament¹. For UK supporters following England, the New York/New Jersey venue is particularly significant as it will stage England’s group stage match against Senegal².

With direct flights from the United Kingdom (UK), extensive accommodation options and strong public transport links, the New York metropolitan area is expected to attract substantial numbers of travelling England supporters.

In this guide, we outline confirmed fixtures, travel planning advice, accommodation options, match-day transport and practical information for UK fans attending World Cup 2026 matches in New York/New Jersey.

We’ll also introduce a great option for your World Cup spending/travelling - the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. This clever debit card automatically converts your money to the local currency in 150+ countries at the mid-market exchange rate, with only a tiny, transparent conversion fee.

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World Cup 2026 Matches in New York/New Jersey

The New York/New Jersey venue for World Cup 2026 is MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will be referred to as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament¹.

Match period: June to July 2026¹
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey¹
Location: Approximately 10 miles (16 km) from Midtown Manhattan³

During June and July, Eastern Time (ET) is five hours behind British Summer Time (BST).

Confirmed Fixtures at New York New Jersey Stadium

Stage Fixture Date (Local – ET) Kick-off (BST)
Group Stage Germany vs Mexico Sunday 14 June 2026 20:00 BST²
Group Stage England vs Senegal Friday 19 June 2026 21:00 BST²
Group Stage Spain vs Colombia Tuesday 23 June 2026 23:00 BST²
Round of 32 Match 77 Saturday 27 June 2026 21:00 BST²
Round of 16 Match 91 Sunday 5 July 2026 21:00 BST²
Semi-final Match 100 Wednesday 8 July 2026 20:00 BST²
Final Match 104 Sunday 19 July 2026 20:00 BST²

For England supporters travelling from the UK, New York/New Jersey will host England’s group stage match against Senegal on 19 June 2026, kicking off at 21:00 BST². With the stadium also hosting the tournament Final¹, demand for accommodation and match tickets is expected to be high.

Flights from the UK to New York/New Jersey

UK supporters travelling to the New York area can choose from three major international airports:

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Direct flights operate from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester to both JFK and Newark, with flight times averaging seven to eight hours⁴.

Newark Airport is geographically closest to the stadium.

Where to Stay

The New York metropolitan area offers a wide range of accommodation options across different boroughs and nearby New Jersey.

Manhattan

Most popular with international visitors. Offers easy public transport access and proximity to major attractions.

Brooklyn

Increasingly popular with visitors, with strong transport links into Manhattan.

Jersey City or Hoboken

Located in New Jersey and closer to the stadium. May offer more competitive hotel rates while maintaining access to Manhattan via PATH train.

Accommodation prices are expected to increase significantly around England’s fixture and the Final.

Match-Day Transport to MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Typical match-day transport options include:

  • NJ Transit rail services from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, with shuttle services to the stadium³
  • Coach services from Manhattan
  • Rideshare and taxi services

Public transport is generally the most efficient option on match days. Supporters are advised to allow additional time due to security procedures and expected crowd volumes.

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Following England in New York/New Jersey

With England facing Senegal on 19 June 2026², many UK supporters may plan a multi-day stay in the area.

Official FIFA fan zones are expected to be located in central New York locations, providing live screenings, entertainment and hospitality¹.

Given that the stadium will also host knockout fixtures and the World Cup Final¹, England supporters progressing beyond the group stage may return to the venue later in the tournament.

Things to Do Between Matches

The New York metropolitan area offers extensive sightseeing opportunities.

Popular attractions include:

  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Central Park
  • Empire State Building
  • Times Square
  • Brooklyn Bridge

The city also offers diverse dining options representing international cuisines.

Practical Travel Information for UK Fans

Visa requirements
UK passport holders must apply for authorisation through the ESTA system under the Visa Waiver Program before travelling to the United States (US)⁵.

Currency
The official currency is the US dollar (USD).

Weather
June and July in New York are typically warm and humid, with average daytime temperatures between 25°C and 30°C⁶.

Planning your budget? Use the live converter below to check GBP to USD rates before you travel.

Spend at the World Cup with the Wise card

Travelling to the US involves foreign currency spending and potential overseas card charges. Some UK travellers choose multi-currency cards to manage costs while abroad.

The Wise card allows users to:

  • Pay in US dollars at the mid-market exchange rate
  • Avoid certain foreign transaction fees charged by some banks
  • Make payments for transport, accommodation and general expenses
  • Manage balances through the Wise app before and during travel

Travellers intending to use a travel card should ensure it is set up prior to departure.

Sign up with Wise for free


Sources used:

¹ FIFA – New York New Jersey Stadium Host Information
https://www.fifa.com

² FIFA – Official World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
https://www.fifa.com

³ MetLife Stadium – Location and Transport Information
https://www.metlifestadium.com

⁴ Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – Airport Information
https://www.panynj.gov

⁵ US Government – ESTA Visa Waiver Program
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

⁶ National Weather Service – New York Climate Data
https://www.weather.gov

Sources last checked on date: 13/02/2026


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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