FIFA World Cup 2026 Is Coming to New Jersey

The FIFA® World Cup 2026 and world cup events are landing in the New York and New Jersey area and for families making the trip, the fun doesn’t have to stop at the soccer. 

This guide has everything you need to plan a family trip around the FIFA World Cup in New Jersey: and how to add LEGOLAND® New York Resort and other family-friendly attractions into your World Cup adventure.

Matches Happening at MetLife Stadium During FIFA World Cup 2026

MetLife Stadium, officially renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the tournament, is the largest venue in the competition, with a capacity of over 78,000. It hosts eight matches in June, plus the FIFA World Cup Final in July. Here’s the full match schedule:

• Saturday, June 13 — Brazil vs. Morocco, 6:00 PM ET (Group Stage)

• Tuesday, June 16 — France vs. Senegal, 3:00 PM ET (Group Stage)

• Monday, June 22 — Norway vs. Senegal, 8:00 PM ET (Group Stage)

• Thursday, June 25 — Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 PM ET (Group Stage)

• Saturday, June 27 — Panama vs. England, 5:00 PM ET (Group Stage)

• Tuesday, June 30 — Round of 32, 5:00 PM ET (teams TBC)

• Sunday, July 5 — Round of 16, 4:00 PM ET (teams TBC)

• Sunday, July 19 — FIFA World Cup Final, 3:00 PM ET

Family-Friendly Events Near the FIFA World Cup in New Jersey

Family-friendly events during World Cup 2026 go way beyond the stadium. Fan festivals, free match screenings, and community activations are running throughout the tournament in New York and New Jersey.

Check the official regional hub at nynjfwc26.com for the latest fan experience details.

Things To Do Near MetLife Stadium With Kids

Match day is just the beginning. The New York–New Jersey area is packed with things to explore.

• American Dream, East Rutherford. Right next to the stadium, American Dream is the second-largest mall in the US and home to a massive range of indoor attractions: an indoor ski slope, a waterpark, theme park rides, an aquarium, and more. 

• NYC sightseeing. Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line — New York City is a short trip across the Hudson and endlessly entertaining for families. 

• Hudson Valley. The home of LEGOLAND New York Resort. The area around Goshen and Orange County also offers hiking, outdoor activities, and small-town charm.

Visit SEA LIFE New Jersey During FIFA World Cup Weekend

Ready to swap soccer for under the sea? Then SEA LIFE New Jersey is for you. It’s located at American Dream right next to MetLife Stadium. Kids can come face-to-face with sharks, rays, jellyfish, and hundreds of other sea creatures with walk-through ocean tunnels and interactive discovery zones.  Book your SEA LIFE New Jersey tickets at visitsealife.com/new-jersey.

Explore Madame Tussauds New York Before or After the Match

If your World Cup trip includes time in the city, Madame Tussauds New York is a great call for soccer fans of all ages. Located in Midtown Manhattan, you can get up close to wax figures of some of the world’s biggest soccer stars including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Vinicius Junior.

Planning a Family-Friendly FIFA World Cup Weekend in NYC & New Jersey

Got a match on Saturday? Here’s how to build a full family weekend around it.

How To Get to MetLife Stadium From New York City

MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium) is in East Rutherford, New Jersey — roughly 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan.

• By train: NJ Transit runs direct service from Penn Station New York and Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands on match days. Access is restricted to ticket holders for four hours before each game, so build that into your plan.

• By car: The stadium is accessible via the NJ Turnpike and Routes 3 and 17. 

• By bus: NJ Transit bus routes run from Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City to the Meadowlands area.

Tips for Visiting FIFA World Cup 2026 With Kids

• Book early. Demand for matches is huge. Lock in match tickets, NJ Transit passes, and hotels as far ahead as you can.

• Plan around kick-off times. Games run from afternoon to evening. Build your day around the schedule.

• Give yourself extra time. Stadium entry will be busy. Allow at least 90 minutes from arriving at the Meadowlands to being in your seat.

• Pack for summer. New Jersey in June and July can be hot and humid. Sunscreen, light layers, and a refillable water bottle are must-haves. 

• Add a LEGOLAND New York Resort day. With six weeks of games, there’s room for a proper New York family adventure. 

Indoor Attractions & Rainy-Day Activities Near MetLife Stadium

New Jersey family events don’t depend on the weather. If the skies open, these indoor options near MetLife Stadium will save the day:

• SEA LIFE New Jersey. Fully indoor aquarium at American Dream, steps from the stadium. Book tickets here.

• Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream. A huge indoor theme park with rides for all ages, right next to the stadium.

• DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream. The largest indoor waterpark in North America. 

• LEGO Discovery Center New Jersey. Also at American Dream, this is a fantastic indoor LEGO® experience for younger children, with 4D cinema, rides, and LEGO build zones.

Book Attractions & Plan Your FIFA World Cup 2026 Trip

Ready to make your FIFA World Cup 2026 trip into the ultimate family getaway? LEGOLAND New York Resort in Goshen is one of the best family days out in the region. Add it to your World Cup itinerary and you’ve got a summer your family will talk about for years.