The Local Girl 
We’ve always thought that New Jersey was the center of the world, and for a few weeks this summer, everyone else will have to agree. With MetLife Stadium playing host to several World Cup matches, including the tournament final, all eyes will be on the Garden State. And if the headlines feel like too much to keep up with – we’ve got you. We’ve rounded up all of the biggest World Cup stories for New Jersey neighbors to know – from the practical (such as parking and transit) to the practically insane (such as walking to MetLife). Read on for everything you need to know about the World Cup in New Jersey.
March 26, 2024 – It’s official! MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford was named the host venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, with New Jersey and New York preparing transportation, tourism, and stadium updates ahead of the tournament (The Montclair Girl).
March 17, 2026 – Do not bring the coolers. MetLife Stadium will be transit-only during the 2026 World Cup, with no on-site parking or tailgating allowed for fans attending matches (The Local Girl).
March 31, 2026 – No free lunches here. New Jersey lawmakers proposed a temporary World Cup tax package that could increase sales taxes, hotel fees, rideshare costs, and gambling surcharges to help offset tournament hosting expenses (The Local Girl).
April 14, 2026 – Transit woes don’t take a break. NJ Transit’s World Cup transportation plans raised concerns after reports suggested commuters could face Penn Station access restrictions and higher train fares on MetLife Stadium match days (The New Jersey Girl).
April 17, 2026 – MetLife no more (temporarily). FIFA’s clean stadium rules mean MetLife Stadium and other corporate-named World Cup venues will temporarily cover sponsor signage and use generic tournament names during the 2026 matches (The New York Times).
April 23, 2026 – We’re *not* walking here. Some World Cup fans floated the idea of walking to MetLife Stadium to avoid $150 NJ Transit tickets, but local coverage pointed out why that plan is unsafe and unrealistic (The New Jersey Girl).
April 28, 2026 – I <3 NJ Congressman Josh Gottheimer proposed a Jersey Pride Tax Credit to reward businesses that sell New Jersey-branded merchandise ahead of the 2026 World Cup (The New Jersey Girl).
May 18, 2026 – Flexible bar hours announced. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill visited Mulligans in Hoboken to announce guidance allowing municipalities to extend local bar hours during the 2026 World Cup (The Hoboken Girl).
May 27, 2026 – NJ native goes big. Park Ridge native Matt Turner was named to the United States Men’s National Team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking another major milestone for the Bergen County goalkeeper (The Bergen County Girl).
May 29, 2026 – Ubering for all. Rideshare company Uber has announced it will run $49 shuttle buses to and from the stadium (The New York Times).
June 4, 2026 – Hoboken’s 12 Days of Block Parties. The City of Hoboken announced its Big Match Block Party schedule, which will be 12 days of free watch parties and activities for residents (The City of Hoboken).
June 4, 2026 – It all comes back to Jersey. Turfgrass developed at Rutgers University will be used in 10 stadiums where World Cup matches will be played, including MetLife (Rutgers University).
June 4, 2026 – Surge fees. Uber has announced that it will enact a $60 surcharge on any trips leaving MetLife and a $10 surcharge on trips heading that way (The New York Times).
June 8, 2026 – Staying hydrated. Tournament organizers reversed a policy that would have prohibited fans from bringing water bottles into the stadiums (USA Today).
June 11, 2026 – One if by land, two if by sea. NJ Transit has two 600-passenger ferries on standby in case of problems with the railways (NYPost).
June 12, 2026 – Slow start. Transit ticket sales lag behind forecasted sales the day before the first World Cup game in NJ (YahooNews).
June 12, 2026 – We’ve been over this. This TIME reporter actually tried to walk to MetLife (Time, via Instagram).
June 13, 2026 – Showtime. The first World Cup game was played in New Jersey, with Brazil and Morocco drawing 1-1 (NJ.com).
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