Erin Lanahan We’re inching closer to the 2026 World Cup in North America, and New Jersey is getting ready to host several games, including the championship match. The Department of Transportation recently released $100 million in funding for public transit, and New Jersey and New York are scheduled to receive more than $10 million to make sure fans get to and from games safely. Public transit will be key, because there reportedly will be no parking or tailgating on-site at MetLife Stadium. Read on to learn about the transportation plans for fans attending World Cup games at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Public Transit Pressure
While fans are used to tailgating NFL Giants games or summer concerts outside MetLife Stadium, there will reportedly be no parking or tailgating permitted on site. Fans must take public transit or rideshare to get to any of the eight games, including the world championship. TLG reached out to MetLife Stadium to confirm these plans and will update this piece when we hear back.
Yet, the FIFA website has a whole section dedicated to parking at MetLife Stadium for its matches. There is a note discouraging parking, saying “Parking for FIFA Club World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium is very limited. Ticketholders are urged to use NJ Transit or Coach USA and avoid driving. Arrive early to avoid gate delays.”
Right now, NJ Transit is building a new bus terminal at the stadium that’s expected to be completed in May 2026. “There will be a bus every 30 seconds for four hours,” NJ DOT Assistant Commissioner of Operations Chris Feinthel told News12NJ.
There’s also TransitWay – a dedicated, eco-friendly transit corridor for NJ Transit buses between Secaucus and Jersey City. The route uses the former Booton rail line and the Bergen Arches. The overall goal of the project is to increase service capacity for people traveling to and from the Meadowlands and Secaucus Junction Station.
“It’ll be a bus-only lane that will turn on four hours before every event, and it’ll run for hours after every event,” Feinthel told News12NJ.
News12NJ also reports the Turnpike Authority approved $4 million for 85 backup buses.
See More: 5 NJ Cities to Host World Cup Fan Celebrations
Exclusive parking for ticketholders at the American Dream mall is limited and costs $225. Because three of the eight World Cup matches at MetLife are scheduled on weekdays, transit leaders are reportedly recommending commuters work from home if they can.
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