MetLife Stadium guide: Tickets, how to get there, where to stay, history & everything you need to know about World Cup final venue

MetLife Stadium is one of the largest sports venues in the United States, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a capacity of 82,500. Built between 2008 and 2010 at a cost of $1.6 billion as a replacement for the iconic Giants Stadium, the venue is home to two NFL teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets.

An open-air stadium, MetLife Stadium was heavily inspired by Giants Stadium and has a similar layout. Indeed, the new ground was built right on top of the old venue, meaning there was no real change to the traditional matchday rituals of Giants and Jets fans.

Interestingly, the new stadium can be lit up in different colours, similar in fashion to the Allianz Arena in Munich. So, when the Giants play the exterior panels are blue and they are lit up green when the Jets play.

It has hosted a variety of major sporting events, including the Big City Classic in 2010, Superbowl XLVIII in 2013 and Wrestlemania on two occasions. Furthermore, MetLife Stadium has hosted a number of soccer games, including matches at the Copa America Centenario in 2016, the 2024 Copa America and a series of club and international friendlies.

MetLife Stadium's association with soccer strengthened when it was chosen as one of the 12 venues for the 2025 Club World Cup, including the final. It was also selected to host the final of the 2026 World Cup (as well as five group games and two knockout round games).

The pitch surface of MetLife Stadium is artificial, but an authentic grass pitch will be installed for the soccer Club World Cup and the World Cup.

MetLife Stadium is the shared home of NFL teams New York Giants and the New York Jets.

While the United States men's national team isn't a tenant, MetLife Stadium has hosted a number of USMNT games, including matches against Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

How to get to MetLife Stadium by public transport

MetLife Stadium is served by a number of different public transport services, so fans have options regarding how they get there.

If you are taking the train, Meadowlands Rail Line will get you there, just head for Meadowlands station, which is right beside the stadium.

NJ Transit buses also have a route to the stadium, with the 353 taking you to Meadowlands Sports Complex. Coach USA's 351 route also serves the Meadowlands.

Check out NJ Transit's official site for more information - use their 'Plan Your Trip' tool to organise your itinerary.

How to get to MetLife Stadium by car

Fans who wish to drive themselves can take Exit 16W of the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate-95).

If you are driving your own car or using a rental, be sure to familiarise yourself with the routes in advance. Ideally, those who drive should be experienced road users, given the volume of traffic, particularly during busy periods such as games.

It should also be noted that parking is generally pre-paid and it is best to consult with the official MetLife website or local parking services before your journey.

Alternatively, ridesharing options such as Uber are also available, with the ground designating a pick-up and drop-off zone.

Use the interactive map below to search for and book places to stay near MetLife Stadium.

MetLife Stadium is situated in East Rutherford and is part of the historic Meadowlands Sports Complex.

You can see MetLife Stadium on Google Maps below.

As well as NFL games involving the NY Giants and NY Jets, MetLife Stadium also hosts other sports, as well as music concerts.

American football fans wishing to see the Giants or the Jets play should purchase tickets from the teams' official websites.

Ticketmaster provides a comprehensive service selling tickets to events at the stadium, including concerts, soccer games and VIP tours.

There are two types of guided tour available at MetLife Stadium: public and private.

Public tours

Public tours are offered on select weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Tickets for these must be purchased through Ticketmaster. It should be noted that tour times vary depending on the event schedule.

Private tours

Private tours take place Monday through Friday at 10am, 1pm and 4pm, but must be reserved at least two weeks in advance and the minimum payment is $210.

Like most modern stadiums, MetLife Stadium itself boasts a range of food and drink outlets within and around the ground, but there are also lots of restaurants and bars in the East Rutherford area worth checking out if you have the time.

Websites such as Tripadvisor and Open Table are useful resources when considering places to eat, with venues rated by users, including reviews, so you can get an idea of what to expect.

The Yard House and Jarana on American Dream Way are two options within walking distance of the stadium, while the Carnegie Diner and Cafe on Plaza Drive, Secausus is on a direct train line. If you are staying in the city, you might fancy dining on the waterfront with a view of the famous Hudson river, then something like Fleming's Steakhouse in Edgewater might suit.

Of course, it's worth remembering that it's usually best to make a reservation if possible and to plan your journey carefully to ensure you're on time for the game.

Eight matches will be held at MetLife Stadium during the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The venue will host five group stage games before hosting one round-of-32 match, one last-16 match and ultimately, the World Cup final on July 19, 2026.