If you’re planning a trip to New York City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one thing to know upfront is that matches aren’t actually played in the city.
Games will take place at MetLife Stadium in nearby New Jersey, about 20 to 30 minutes from the city depending on how you travel.
Still, staying in NYC is still the best choice for most travelers. You’ll have better access to restaurants, neighborhoods, and things to do before and after matches, plus easy transit options to the stadium.
The key is choosing the right neighborhood and having a plan for match-day transportation. If you’re deciding where to stay, each area offers a different version of the city, so it really comes down to how you want your time between matches to feel.
Here’s a breakdown of where to stay in NYC for the World Cup based on what matters most to your trip.
All New York-area World Cup matches will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It’s just outside the city, but well connected to Manhattan by train, which makes getting there surprisingly easy.
If it feels a little unusual to stay in one state and attend matches in another, it’s actually very normal for the area. MetLife Stadium is home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets, so living in the city and commuting to the stadium in New Jersey is something fans do all the time.
And once you experience the energy of staying in the city, it makes sense. You get the full New York experience, with an easy path to the match.
Midtown Manhattan is one of the most convenient areas to stay in NYC during the World Cup if you want to be close to major attractions and transit.
It puts you in the center of everything—Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, and major subway hubs.
It’s convenient, especially for first-time visitors, but it’s also the busiest part of the city. During the World Cup, expect even larger crowds and higher prices.
Best for: short stays, first-time visitors, and those who want to be in the middle of the action
Jersey City and Hoboken are some of the closest places to stay near MetLife Stadium if your priority during the World Cup is minimizing travel time on match days.
You’ll cut down on travel time on match days, but you’ll be a step removed from the energy and will trade off some of the classic NYC experience.
Best for: convenience on match days
Brooklyn is one of the best areas to stay in NYC during the World Cup if you’re looking for a more local, neighborhood-driven experience. You’ll find great food, great bars, and a pace that feels a little more lived in.
It’s a strong choice if you’ve been to New York before or want something less tourist-heavy, just keep in mind that getting to MetLife Stadium may take a bit longer depending on your route.
Best for: repeat visitors and longer stays
Lower Manhattan, especially the Financial District, is one of the most practical areas to stay in NYC during the World Cup if you want a balance of access, space, and a calmer place to come back to.
It’s easy to get around from here, with access to multiple subway lines and direct routes toward New Jersey. At the same time, it’s a little calmer than Midtown, especially at night, which makes a difference after a long match day.
Between matches, you’re also surrounded by great local spots, from morning coffee runs to relaxed brunch nearby. If you’re looking for a few places to start, here are some of our favorite Wall Street coffee shops and brunch spots near Wall Street.
Best for: longer stays, groups, or anyone who wants a balance of energy and breathing room.
If you’re looking for a place in this area, Placemakr Wall Street offers apartment-style stays in the Financial District, with full kitchens or kitchenettes, in-unit laundry, and a separate space to live, work, and relax. It’s a setup that gives you more flexibility, whether you’re in the city for a few nights or staying through multiple matches.
You’re also well connected here, with easy access to multiple subway lines and transit connections toward New Jersey when it’s time to head to the stadium.
Why it works for the World Cup:
It’s a good fit if you want your stay to feel comfortable and livable, not just convenient.
Getting from NYC to MetLife Stadium is straightforward, and most travelers rely on public transportation on match days.
From anywhere in the city, you’ll typically start by taking the subway to a major transit hub like Penn Station or Hoboken.
The MTA website can help you plan your route ahead of time, no matter where you’re coming from in the city.
This is the most common and reliable route on match days.
If you’re staying in Lower Manhattan, especially near the Financial District, this is often one of the easiest and most flexible options.
This can work well before games but expect delays when leaving the stadium.
For most travelers, staying in NYC is the better overall experience.
Stay in NYC if you want:
Stay near the stadium if you want:
It really comes down to what matters more to you. Most people choose the city and plan their match-day travel ahead of time.
Where you stay in New York City shapes how your entire trip feels, especially during something as high-energy as the World Cup.
Between matches, the city becomes part of the experience. The neighborhood you wake up in, the places you wander into, and where you come back to at the end of the day all start to matter just as much as the games themselves.
If you’re looking for a stay that balances space, comfort, and easy access across the city, Placemakr Wall Street is one option in Lower Manhattan that gives you room to settle in while staying well connected to transit.
Choose a home base that fits how you want to spend your time, and the rest of the trip tends to fall into place.