What Exchange Visitors Should Know About the 2026 World Cup and Traffic in the New York Area
As a J-1 exchange visitor, you may have heard that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to the United States this summer. This is a major international event, and the New York–New Jersey region will be one of the busiest host areas in the entire tournament. If you live, work, or travel in or around New York City, please be aware that the games will bring large crowds and heavy traffic to the area.
The tournament is being held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and it begins on June 11, 2026. Locally, the matches will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, located in the Meadowlands area just west of New York City. During the tournament, the venue is being officially called the “New York New Jersey Stadium.” This stadium will host eight matches, more than any other venue, including the World Cup Final.
Here are the local match dates at MetLife Stadium so you can plan ahead:
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Saturday, June 13 — Brazil vs. Morocco, 6:00 PM ET
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Tuesday, June 16 — France vs. Senegal, 3:00 PM ET
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Monday, June 22 — Norway vs. Senegal, 8:00 PM ET
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Thursday, June 25 — Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 PM ET
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Saturday, June 27 — Panama vs. England, 5:00 PM ET
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Tuesday, June 30 — Round of 32 match, 5:00 PM ET
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Sunday, July 5 — Round of 16 match, 4:00 PM ET
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Sunday, July 19 — World Cup Final, 3:00 PM ET
On these dates, please be aware that travel in and around New York City and northern New Jersey may be much more difficult than usual. Tens of thousands of fans will be traveling to and from the stadium, and there will also be fan festivals and public viewing events in places such as Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Roads, bridges, tunnels, and public transportation will be very crowded, especially in the hours before and after each match.
We encourage you to plan your travel carefully during this period. Here are some practical reminders:
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Allow much more time than usual for any trip, especially on match days.
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If you can, avoid driving near the stadium. Parking is limited, and road closures often cause long delays.
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Public transportation, such as NJ Transit trains from Manhattan to the Meadowlands area, is usually the better option, but trains and buses will also be very crowded.
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Check schedules and service updates before you leave, as routes may change for the event.
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Keep your important documents, including your DS-2019 and passport information, in a safe place, and stay aware of your surroundings in large crowds.
Large events like this can also attract pickpockets, scalpers selling fake tickets, and other scams. Be sure to buy tickets only through official sources, and be careful with anyone offering tickets or deals that seem too good to be true. If you attend a match or a fan event, keep your phone, wallet, and belongings close to you.
We understand that the World Cup is an exciting event, and many exchange visitors may want to take part in the celebrations. That is perfectly fine. We simply advise you to stay patient, plan your trips early, and remain calm if you face delays. For official schedules, transportation guidance, and fan event information, you can visit the host region website at nynjfwc26.com.
The 2026 World Cup is a special moment for our region, and we hope you enjoy the experience safely. With a little planning, you can avoid the worst of the traffic and still be part of this historic event.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us anytime at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy!
