The Ultimate 3-Day FIFA 2026 NJ/NY Experience

In summer 2026, New Jersey and New York will be at the heart of the FIFA World Cup. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will host eight matches, including the Final, drawing fans from every corner of the globe.

Whether you scored tickets or plan to soak up the atmosphere from fan zones and watch parties, this three-day NJ/NY itinerary blends match-day excitement with the best local dining, sightseeing, and cultural stops. We’ll cover where to eat (from our [Dining Near MetLife Guide]), where to play (including soccer history, attractions, and fan zones), and where to stay so you can make the most of your trip.

Day 1: Arrival, Local Flavors, and Opening Kickoff

Morning / Early Afternoon – Check In and Fuel Up

• Stay Near the Stadium: Book a room at Hilton Meadowlands, Residence Inn East Rutherford, or Hampton Inn Carlstadt for quick shuttle or walk access to MetLife.
• Lunch Stop: Head to Segovia Meson (Google Maps) for Spanish tapas and paella, or Carpaccio at American Dream (Google Maps) for upscale Italian with a mall view.

Afternoon Play – Pre-Match Exploration

• Stroll through American Dream Mall, minutes from the stadium. Beyond shopping, you can try DreamWorks Water Park, the indoor ski slope, or the NHL-size skating rink.
• Pop into the New Jersey Hall of Fame (inside American Dream) to explore interactive exhibits on sports and cultural icons from Thomas Edison to Bruce Springsteen.

Evening – Match Time at MetLife Stadium

• Arrive early for FIFA pre-match entertainment outside the gates.
• If you don’t have a ticket, join the watch crowd at Redd’s Biergarten (Google Maps) with steins of beer and hearty German fare.

Post-Match Dinner

• Walk to The Meadowlands Diner (Google Maps) for comfort food into the early hours.
• Or if you want nightlife, hop a quick ride to Hoboken’s The Ainsworth (Google Maps) for craft cocktails and screens replaying the day’s highlights.

Day 2: Soccer History Meets City Energy

Morning – Breakfast with a View

• Enjoy Cuban breakfast at Hoboken’s La Isla (Google Maps) or classic Italian at Anthony David’s (Google Maps).
• Stroll along the Hoboken waterfront for panoramic Manhattan skyline views.

Late Morning – Soccer Heritage Tour

• Visit Randall’s Island in NYC, where Pelé played with the Cosmos in the 1970s. The fields still host local tournaments and international matches.
• Head to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens to see pickup games that reflect NYC’s global soccer culture.

Lunch – NYC Football Hubs

• Legends / The Football Factory (Google Maps), near the Empire State Building, is a shrine to the game and hosts fan groups from dozens of nations.
• Smithfield Hall (Google Maps), just off Penn Station, is ground zero for NYC soccer fans, especially during the World Cup.

Afternoon – Optional Stadium Experience

• Check schedules for Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, home to the New York Red Bulls and NJ/NY Gotham FC. Even during the World Cup pause, there may be open training sessions or behind-the-scenes tours.

Evening – Dinner and Drinks

• Return to Jersey City for a festive meal at Zeppelin Hall Beer Garden (Google Maps), known for its massive communal tables and big screens.
• For a scenic nightcap, head to NoHu Rooftop (Google Maps) in Weehawken for skyline views.

Day 3: Fan Zones, Rest Day Fun, and the Final Kick

Morning – Fan Zone Buzz

• Head to Liberty State Park in Jersey City, the official NJ fan zone during the World Cup. Expect large outdoor screens, international food vendors, and cultural performances. It’s a perfect way to watch without a stadium ticket.
• If you’re staying in Manhattan, check for Times Square or Central Park pop-up viewing events.

Lunch – Casual Eats Before the Big Game

• Grab pizza at Porta Jersey City (Google Maps) or food truck fare at Hoboken’s Pier 13 (Google Maps).

Afternoon – Rest or Explore

• For downtime, relax at Liberty State Park or take a short trip to Newark Museum of Art.
• If you have energy, revisit American Dream for last-minute shopping or indoor adventures.

Evening – Match or Farewell

• If you have tickets for the Final, arrive at MetLife early to take in the full spectacle.
• Without tickets, settle into a local watch party — Hudson Hall (Google Maps) in Jersey City or House of ‘Que (Google Maps) in Hoboken are top picks for electric atmosphere.

Post-Match Celebration

• Cap your trip with a hearty meal at Harold’s New York Deli (Google Maps) or toast with fans at Hoboken’s Wicked Wolf Tavern (Google Maps).

Where to Stay

Close to Stadium (NJ)

• Hilton Meadowlands – Reliable, stadium-view rooms.
• Residence Inn East Rutherford – Spacious suites for groups.
• Hampton Inn Carlstadt – Budget-friendly and walkable.

For City Access + Nightlife

• W Hoboken – Stylish rooms, great for post-match nightlife.
• Hyatt Regency Jersey City – PATH train to NYC in minutes.
• Ace Hotel New York – NoMad location with a creative lobby scene.

Travel Tips for a Smooth FIFA Trip

• Book Early: Hotels and restaurant reservations will fill months ahead.
• Use Transit: NJ Transit Meadowlands trains and shuttle buses are the easiest match-day option.
• Plan Dining Around Matches: Popular venues will be packed 3–4 hours before and after games.
• Mix NJ and NYC Time: NJ offers proximity and stadium energy, NYC offers cultural depth and nightlife.

Final Whistle

Three days in NJ during the FIFA World Cup offers a perfect balance of stadium action, soccer culture, great dining, and memorable sightseeing. Whether you’re in the stands for the Final or cheering from a waterfront fan zone, this itinerary ensures you’ll experience the best of both states.

For more match-day dining ideas, see our [Where to Eat Near MetLife Stadium Guide]. For the ultimate watch-without-a-ticket plan, check our [Viewing Spots & Fan Zones Guide].