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East Rutherford Today
By the People, for the People
NJ Transit Plans Crowd Control for World Cup at MetLife Stadium
Ticketholders may get exclusive access to trains, while regular commuters face disruptions
Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:49am
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The complex logistics of transporting World Cup fans and regular commuters through New York Penn Station will test NJ Transit's crowd management skills.East Rutherford TodayNJ Transit is finalizing a transportation plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The plan may restrict access to New York Penn Station for regular NJ Transit riders on game days, allowing only ticketholders to use dedicated trains to the stadium. This could impact over 64,000 daily rail commuters who typically use the station.
Why it matters
With the World Cup relying heavily on NJ Transit to transport fans to the games and limited parking options at the stadium, the agency needs to balance accommodating ticketholders while minimizing disruptions to its regular commuter base. Crowd control and transportation logistics are critical to ensuring a smooth event experience.
The details
Under the proposed plan, parts of New York Penn Station could be closed to all NJ Transit riders except those with game tickets for four hours before a match starts. Ticketholders would use a dedicated entrance to ride to Secaucus and then transfer to a train or bus to the stadium. Eight World Cup games are scheduled at MetLife Stadium, including the championship, with four on weekdays that could significantly impact the regular commute.
- Four World Cup games are scheduled on weekdays (June 16, 22, 25, and 30).
- Two games are scheduled on Saturday (June 13 and 27).
- Two games are scheduled on Sunday (July 5 and 19).
- The games start late in the afternoon, with the four-hour window affecting the commute.
The players
NJ Transit
The public transportation agency responsible for providing rail, bus, and light rail service in New Jersey, which will play a crucial role in transporting fans to the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.
MetLife Stadium
The sports stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will host eight World Cup matches, including the championship game.
FIFA
The international governing body of association football, which is organizing the 2026 World Cup tournament and has policies on sponsorships and naming rights that will impact the stadium's name.
What’s next
NJ Transit plans to announce the full transportation plan for the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium later this month.
The takeaway
The 2026 FIFA World Cup poses a significant logistical challenge for NJ Transit, as the agency must balance accommodating the influx of ticketholders while minimizing disruptions to its regular commuter base. The proposed plan to restrict access to New York Penn Station highlights the complex transportation issues the agency must address to ensure a successful event.
