MetLife Stadium, home to the Giants and Jets, is a premier venue hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final; this guide covers everything from parking and hotels to event schedules and bag policy.
MetLife Stadium, the proud home venue for both the New York Giants and New York Jets, is gearing up for a major event schedule that extends far beyond the NFL season.
This multi-purpose venue, one of only two NFL stadiums shared by two teams, has a capacity of 82,000 and has stood proudly for over a decade, having originally opened on April 10, 2010, and previously hosting Super Bowl XLVIII.
Looking ahead, MetLife Stadium is set to become one of 11 U.S. venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting seven total matches.
The venue’s event schedule includes four Group Stage matches, a Round of 32 match on June 30, a Round of 16 match on July 5, and the highly anticipated Final on July 19, according to a report from Sporting News.
For fans planning a visit to the stadium, which is located at 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, strict policies are in place. The venue is cashless, accepting only credit, debit, and gift cards at concessions.
Additionally, the facility is completely non-smoking, prohibiting all smoking devices, including electronic cigarettes and vaporizers.
The bag policy is explicit: all bags must be “clear plastic, vinyl or PVC (12x6x12 measurements).” Guests are also permitted to bring a small clutch bag, which must adhere to “4.5×6.5×2 measurements.”
Non-NFL events require a $5 fee for bag check services, while NFL events offer complimentary checking.
Transportation options abound. The stadium is accessible via the NJ Transit rail service, which connects to New York City through the Secaucus Junction in Penn Station. The Meadowlands Rail Service drops fans directly at the front.
Those driving must purchase parking passes in advance, with rates ranging from $40 to $100 on event days. Parking lots typically open five hours before Giants and Jets games.
For lodging, the Hilton Meadowlands and Hampton Inn Carlstadt – At the Meadowlands are cited as the two closest hotel options.
All event entry uses mobile tickets, and re-entry is “not allowed at MetLife Stadium under any circumstances.”
Outside food and beverages are generally prohibited, though the venue allows “one factory-sealed 20 ounce water bottle or one empty, reusable non-metal 20 ounce bottle per person.”