NJ Transit to Restrict Penn Station Access During World Cup Matches

Regular commuters barred from New York's busiest rail hub on select game days

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and transportation challenges of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, with sweeping, smooth airbrushed gradients and towering forced perspectives, capturing the complexity of accommodating both World Cup fans and regular commuters.As New Jersey grapples with the logistical challenges of hosting World Cup matches, the closure of New York's Penn Station to regular passengers highlights the delicate balance between major sporting events and daily commuter needs.Secaucus Today

NJ Transit plans to close parts of New York City's Penn Station to regular passengers during eight World Cup matches scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in June and July 2026. The agency aims to prioritize transportation for match-goers while minimizing impacts on its regular commuter ridership.

Why it matters

This move by NJ Transit highlights the challenges of balancing the needs of major sporting events with the daily transportation requirements of commuters. It raises questions about equitable access to public transit infrastructure and whether special event planning should take precedence over regular passenger service.

The details

According to reports, NJ Transit will only allow World Cup ticket holders to access Penn Station on eight match days, while regular commuters will be barred from the station. Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road riders will not be affected. Match attendees will instead be directed to take NJ Transit trains to Secaucus Junction, where they can transfer to trains or buses heading to MetLife Stadium.

  • The eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium are scheduled for June 16, June 22, June 25, June 30, July 5, and July 19.
  • Three of the matches will be held on weekdays, while two will be on weekends.
  • The specific times for the June 30, July 5, and July 19 matches have not yet been announced.

The players

NJ Transit

The public transportation agency responsible for bus, rail, and light rail services in New Jersey.

MetLife Stadium

The sports stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, that will host several 2026 World Cup matches.

Kyalo Mulumba

An NJ Transit spokesperson who stated the agency remains committed to safely transporting 40,000 fans to and from the FIFA matches while minimizing impacts on regular riders.

Joe Versaggi

The president of the New Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers, who criticized the plan as unacceptable and said regular passengers should come first.

Mikie Sherrill

The Governor of New Jersey who issued an executive order on March 24 for NJ Transit to improve the customer experience and develop a Rapid Action plan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Unacceptable. Regular passengers come first. They had better come up with alternatives to handle all regular passengers at no additional cost.”

— Joe Versaggi, President, New Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers

“The mobility plan is still being finalized and will be announced later this month. NJ Transit remains committed to safely transporting 40,000 fans to and from the FIFA matches, while also providing a transportation plan that will minimize the impacts to our regular riders to the greatest extent possible.”

— Kyalo Mulumba, NJ Transit Spokesperson

What’s next

NJ Transit plans to announce a detailed World Cup transportation plan later this month that will outline the full scope of the service changes and restrictions at Penn Station.

The takeaway

This decision by NJ Transit highlights the challenges of balancing the needs of major sporting events with the daily transportation requirements of commuters. It raises concerns about equitable access to public transit infrastructure and whether special event planning should take precedence over regular passenger service, especially at a hub as critical as New York's Penn Station.