50 things to know with 50 days until the World Cup comes to New Jersey

· Yahoo Sports

In just 50 days, soccer fans from all over the world will pack MetLife Stadium for the first of several 2026 FIFA World Cup games.

Preparations for the World Cup in New Jersey have been underway for years. The state was announced as a host site in 2022, and then as the World Cup final host in 2024.

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Ahead of the stadium's inaugural match, there are plenty of things North Jersey residents should know, from travel logistics to the tournament's projected economic impact, the Garden State's soccer history, local events, and more.

Here are 50 things to know about the World Cup at MetLife Stadium 50 days out.

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1. When does the 2026 World Cup start?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off in Mexico City Thursday, June 11.

2. When is the 2026 World Cup final?

The final match will take place on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

3. When is the first World Cup game at MetLife Stadium?

The first World Cup game at MetLife Stadium will take place June 13 as Brazil takes on Morocco.

4. There are 16 host cities across 3 countries

A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 cities in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Other host cities include Vancouver, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, Boston and Philadelphia.

5. MetLife Stadium will host 8 World Cup matches

MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, including the final.

6. Here's how the tournament works

The first part of the World Cup tournament is the group stage, which will feature 48 teams that have been split into 12 groups of four teams each.

Once the tournament starts, each team will play one game against each of the other teams in their group. At the end of the group stage, the top two teams in each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, will advance to the first knockout phase, a simple elimination bracket.

7. These teams are scheduled to play at MetLife Stadium

Group stage matches currently scheduled for MetLife Stadium include Brazil vs Morocco on June 13, France vs Senegal on June 16, Norway vs Senegal on June 22, Ecuador vs Germany on June 25, and Panama vs England on June 27.

8. MetLife Stadium renamed ahead of 2026 World Cup

Ahead of the World Cup, MetLife Stadium has officially taken on the temporary name of New York New Jersey Stadium.

9. Why was MetLife Stadium renamed for the World Cup?

To protect its own brands and the exclusive rights of its sponsors, FIFA has a long-standing policy in place that requires participating stadiums to scrub themselves of pre-existing branding during the World Cup.

10. The stadium is located in North Jersey ... not New York

While it may sound misleading, New York New Jersey Stadium, aka MetLife Stadium, is in fact located in the Garden State. The venue sits in the borough of East Rutherford, New Jersey.

11. FIFA will continue to release World Cup tickets leading up to the final match

The latest World Cup ticket drop took place April 22. However, FIFA said that it will continue to release additional tickets until the final match on July 19.

12. How to buy tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFA said that its website or FIFA.com/tickets is the “preferred source for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets,” and recommends that fans check the site regularly for tickets and additional information.

13. World Cup tickets are also available through the resale market

World Cup tickets are available through multiple third-party resellers, though FIFA is encouraging fans to buy and sell tickets through its in-house resale/exchange marketplace.

14. Here's how much World Cup tickets will cost you

Soccer fans around the world have been far from happy about the cost of tickets for the World Cup, which have been raised multiple times over the last several months as a result of dynamic pricing, according to The Athletic.

The original high-end price to attend the final match at MetLife was originally $6,730, which shocked fans, The Athletics reports. As of the beginning of April, it was $10,990.

15. How much are resale tickets going for?

On the afternoon of April 23, the cheapest single ticket for the World Cup final on Stub Hub was $9,559.

16. Transportation overview for World Cup matches at MetLife

NJ Transit will raise its ticket prices significantly for fans attending matches. Access to parts of Penn Station New York will be limited hours before each World Cup game, and the parking spaces that are typically available for concerts, football games, and other events at MetLife Stadium will be closed.

17. Commuters can expect train service disruptions on match days

Starting four hours before kickoff of each match, NJ Transit rail service between Penn Station New York and Secaucus Junction will be limited to World Cup ticket holders. No other outbound rail service from Penn Station New York will be available during that period. For more details, click here.

18. Transportation costs for World Cup ticket holders

Train tickets to MetLife Stadium will cost $150 round trip. Tickets will go on sale May 13 and can only be purchased on NJ Transit's mobile app. There will be a limit of 40,000 tickets for each match day.

19. Discounts will be offered to NJ Transit customers

Discounts will be offered to non-World Cup train customers on June 22 and June 30. For more details, click here.

20. No parking at MetLife Stadium on match days

There will be no parking at MetLife Stadium on the eight match days in June and July. Only those with tickets will be able to access the stadium site.

The American Dream mall, which sits right next to MetLife, will sell a limited amount of premium parking for advance purchase only.

21. Bus, rideshare, and other transportation options

There will be a limited rideshare drop-off location at the Meadowlands Racetrack adjacent to the stadium.

No private bus or charter operators will provide match day service. However, a shuttle will provide direct, round-trip bus service to the stadium from multiple locations. Nontransferable and nonrefundable round-trip bus tickets are available for purchase for $80.

22. Will fans be allowed to walk to the stadium for the World Cup?

Fans who try to walk along the busy highways and roads surrounding MetLife Stadium, such as Route 3, Route 120/Paterson Pank Road, Route 17, or I-95 will likely be redirected by police.

"For the safety of all FIFA World Cup attendees, pedestrian traffic is strictly prohibited on the roadways surrounding MetLife Stadium," New Jersey State Police spokesman Charles Marchan told NorthJersey.com.

23. Clutch the Bald Eagle is the World Cup mascot

A bald eagle named Clutch has been designated by FIFA as the USA's official mascot for the 2026 World Cup. Mexico will be represented by Zayu the jaguar and Canada will be represented by a moose named Maple.

24. How to watch/stream World Cup games at MetLife

Fox Sports and Telemundo will broadcast the World Cup games live in English and Spanish respectively. Games will also be available for streaming on Fubo, Peacock, Sling TV, or on any live television streaming service that includes Fox Sports or Telemundo.

25. Team USA will play on these dates

Team USA will make its 2026 World Cup debut against Paraguay on Friday, June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The team will play again on Friday, June 19 in Seattle against Australia, and then will return to L.A. for a match against Turkey June 25.

26. This is the 23rd FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, which has been held every four years since it began in 1930. It has been cancelled twice, once in 1942 and once in 1946 as a result of World War II and its aftermath.

27. The last men's World Cup in East Rutherford was in 1994

The last time the World Cup took place on American soil was in 1994. Giants Stadium hosted seven matches that year, though the final was played in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl. Brazil defeated Italy in the final to become the first country to win the World Cup four times.

28. Giants Stadium also hosted the women's World Cup in 1999

Giants Stadium hosted four matches, including a doubleheader, during the 1999 Women's World Cup. The final, which was won by the U.S. team, was also held at the Rose Bowl in front of more than 90,000 spectators.

29. East Rutherford is a key location in American soccer history

Several key moments in American soccer history have occurred in East Rutherford, such as Pelé's last professional appearance on Oct. 1, 1977, during an exhibition match at Giants Stadium between the New York Cosmos and Santos FC.

On April 20, 1996, The New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls) played the franchise's first official MLS match at Giants Stadium. For a look at more iconic moments and matches, click here.

30. Airbnb offers incentive to new hosts near MetLife Stadium

Airbnb is offering a $750 incentive to new hosts who have homes near where World Cup games are being played, including more than 45 New Jersey ZIP codes near MetLife Stadium in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Essex and Union counties.

31. American Dream Fan Fest

The American Dream mall, which sits right next to MetLife Stadium, is hosting a 39-day World Cup celebration called the Dream Fan Fest. The event will feature original programming, celebrity appearances, concerts, and other attractions, along with several giveaways.

32. Enter to win a signed Messi jersey from American Dream

On April 15, American Dream launched a sweepstakes for a signed Lionel Messi Argentina jersey. The public can enter the sweepstakes in person or online at americandream.com through May 31. The winner will be announced during a June 12 viewing party at the mall for the United States' first World Cup match.

33. Sports Illustrated Stadium will host fan events during the World Cup

Sport Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, home to the New York Red Bulls and Gotham FC, will also host fan events during the World Cup. The "Red Bull New York Soccer Celebration" is described as an "immersive gathering place for soccer-inspired events," and will feature concerts, interactive fan zones, and more from June 13 through July 16.

34. Other World Cup fan events scheduled locally

The Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce is helping to host several local fan festivals in North Jersey. The events will include live match broadcasts, food trucks, beer gardens, vendors, crafts, cultural activities and more. Click here to learn more.

35. Regional economic impact estimated at $3.3 billion

The committee in charge of putting together New Jersey's World Cup plans is predicting a total regional economic impact of $3.3 billion with $432 million in tax revenue, though some critics say these estimates are a reach.

Additionally, in June, then-New York City Deputy Mayor Camille Varlack projected that 60% to 70% of that would go to New York City. Click here for more details.

36. More than 1 million visitors are expected during the World Cup

More than 1 million people are expected to visit the region for the 2026 World Cup.

37. NJ has dished out more than $300 million to prepare for the World Cup

The Garden State has spent or contracted at least $307 million to prepare for the World Cup, according to documents obtained by NorthJersey.com.

38. The Meadowlands State Fair has been canceled

The Meadowlands State Fair has been canceled this summer due to the FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium. The fair is usually held in the parking lot.

39. NJ soccer pros vying for a spot in the World Cup

Multiple professional soccer players, such as Chatham native John Tolkin and Park Ridge-raised goalkeeper Matt Turner could have an opportunity to play for the United States in the World Cup tournament.

40. When will the U.S. men's team roster be announced?

The U.S. men's national team roster will be revealed at an event in New York City on May 26, USA TODAY reported.

41. Who will play in the final match in NJ? Current predictions

France and Spain are tied at the top of the odds board at +500 followed by England (+650), Brazil (+800), and Argentina (+850). You can check out DraftKings Sportsbook for the latest odds.

42. Who won the last World Cup?

A total of 32 teams competed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In an exciting final match at Lusail Stadium, Argentina took down France for its third World Cup win.

43. Iconic moments at MetLife Stadium over the years

MetLife Stadium has hosted multiple major sporting events since it opened in 2010, including the 2014 Super Bowl. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos in this, the first outdoor, cold-weather stadium Super Bowl ever.

44. MetLife Stadium is undergoing more changes for the World Cup

Approximately 1,750 seats were removed to fit the playing field in accordance with FIFA field rules, Giants Wire reported. The turf also had to be swapped out for natural grass. However, those changes will be restored ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

45. American Dream plans to open new concert venue ahead of World Cup

The American Dream mall says it plans to open a 3,000-seat performing arts center prior to the World Cup. The venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, will be able to host cultural programming, comedy, theater, and live concerts.

46. Will the Women's World Cup be coming back to New Jersey?

No, the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup will take place in Brazil from June 24 through July 25, 2027.

47. Professional soccer teams in North Jersey

New Jersey is home to multiple professional soccer teams, including the New York Red Bulls (MLS) and Gotham FC (NWSL), which both play at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison.

48. Hoping to get around NYC during the World Cup? Expect these disruptions

New Jersey commuters or others who will need to get around New York City during the world cup can expect busier-than-usual subway stations.

"If you regularly use the subway, bus, Long Island Rail Road, or Metro-North to get around the city, you should expect changes to service for the duration of the World Cup, particularly on match days," reads the MTA website.

49. Where to watch the World Cup in North Jersey

Looking for somewhere to watch the 2026 World Cup? North Jersey is home to plenty of sports bars with delicious food, ice-cold drinks and electric energy. Check out NorthJersey.com's list here.

50. What has Gov. Mikie Sherrill said about the World Cup?

Ahead of the World Cup, Gov. Mikie Sherrill has made it a point to stick up for New Jersey taxpayers, defending the markup on NJ Transit rail tickets for tournament attendees.

Here's a look at one of her most recent statements, posted to X April 17:

Click here for our continuing coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, before, during, and after the event.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: FIFA World Cup 2026 in NJ 50 days out, 50 facts to know

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