Parts of NYC's Penn Station to Close for World Cup Matches

Commuters may be stranded as station access is limited to ticketholders only

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured interior of a crowded train station, with overlapping planes of steel grey, navy blue, and burnt orange conveying the chaotic energy of the scene.The partial closure of Penn Station during World Cup matches will test the region's transportation infrastructure and commuter resilience.East Rutherford Today

Parts of Penn Station in New York City will be closed to the general public during World Cup matches this summer, with access limited only to ticketholders attending the games at nearby MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This plan could leave many New Jersey commuters without a way to travel to and from the city, as NJ Transit trains will be restricted during the closures.

Why it matters

The partial closure of Penn Station is a major logistical challenge for the 2026 World Cup, which will see several matches and the championship held in New Jersey. Thousands of fans and commuters will need to be accommodated, raising concerns about potential transportation disruptions and stranded travelers.

The details

According to reports, the plan would keep NJ Transit commuters from traveling on Garden State-bound trains at Penn Station for four hours before World Cup matches start. Instead, only World Cup ticketholders would be able to enter the station through specific 32nd and 33rd street entrances along Seventh Avenue. Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road riders will be directed to other entrances at Penn Station.

  • The Penn Station closures are planned for World Cup match days this summer.

The players

New York-New Jersey World Cup Host Committee

The organization responsible for coordinating the logistics and planning for the 2026 World Cup matches to be held in the New York-New Jersey region.

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, which is overseeing the 2026 World Cup tournament.

MTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the LIRR and subway stations at Penn Station.

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What’s next

The New York-New Jersey World Cup Host Committee plans to release more details on the transportation plan for the World Cup matches in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The partial closure of Penn Station during World Cup matches highlights the significant logistical challenges of hosting a major international sporting event in the densely populated New York-New Jersey region. Transportation officials will need to carefully balance the needs of fans, commuters, and local residents to ensure the events run smoothly.