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East Rutherford Today
By the People, for the People
NJ Transit Plans Restrictions at NY Penn Station for World Cup
Only ticket holders will be allowed access to special trains to MetLife Stadium during matches
Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:49am
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The planned restrictions at New York Penn Station during the 2026 World Cup matches will test NJ Transit's ability to balance the needs of fans and regular commuters.East Rutherford TodayNJ Transit is planning to implement restrictions at New York Penn Station during the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The busiest train station in the country could be closed to all NJ Transit riders except those with game tickets for four hours before a game starts. Ticketholders will use a specific entrance to ride to Secaucus to catch a train or bus to the stadium.
Why it matters
The World Cup is relying heavily on NJ Transit to get fans to the games, as traditional parking and tailgating options will not be allowed. With over 64,000 daily NJ Transit riders at New York Penn Station, the planned restrictions could lead to major commute disruptions for regular riders during the tournament.
The details
NJ Transit is finalizing a mobility plan that will allow them to safely transport 40,000 fans to and from the FIFA matches, while also minimizing impacts to regular riders as much as possible. The plan could involve closing parts of New York Penn Station to all NJ Transit riders except those with game tickets for a four-hour window before each of the eight World Cup matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium.
- Four of the eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium are scheduled on weekdays (June 16, 22, 25, and 30).
- Two matches are scheduled on Saturday (June 13 and 27).
- Two matches are scheduled on Sunday (July 5 and 19).
- The games are scheduled to start late in the afternoon, with the four-hour pre-game window affecting the commute.
The players
NJ Transit
The public transportation system serving New Jersey, which will be relied upon heavily to transport fans to the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.
MetLife Stadium
The venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey that will host eight World Cup matches, including the championship game.
What’s next
NJ Transit plans to announce the full details of its mobility plan for the World Cup matches later this month.
The takeaway
The 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium will pose significant logistical challenges for NJ Transit, as the agency works to balance the needs of 40,000 match attendees with the regular commuting patterns of over 64,000 daily riders at New York Penn Station. The planned restrictions at the station highlight the complexities of hosting a major international sporting event in a densely populated region with limited transportation options.
