Everything is bigger in New York, and the adage certainly holds true for the global games coming to the city next year. It’s here at MetLife Stadium (rebranded for the tournament as New York New Jersey Stadium) where the final will be held, along with seven other matches in June and July 2026.
After 103 games of high-stakes, elite play, one team will claim best-in-the-world bragging rights as the largest global games in history come to a close. Couple these marquee matchups with the irresistible lure and seamless public transit options of the city that never sleeps, and Brooklyn, specifically NU Hotel, reigns supreme as one of the most dynamic places to call home base during the world’s biggest soccer tournament.
Why Brooklyn Is the Perfect Base for the Upcoming Soccer Tournament
It may feel instinctive to stay next to the New Jersey stadium for easy access to the games, but considering the few days of downtime between matches (and easy public transportation from Brooklyn to the stadium), anchoring your stay in Brooklyn offers a distinctively local vantage point, close to inventive dining, vibrant arts venues, and the borough’s iconic brownstone blocks.
A Brooklyn home base means:
– Easy access to all five boroughs in NYC.
– Enjoying the food, nightlife, and creative energy of Brooklyn, right from your door.
– Easy transit to airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty) and major transport hubs: NU Hotel is just 30 minutes from Grand Central Terminal and 25 minutes from New York Penn Station.
– Having Brooklyn as your backyard and playground. NU Hotel is: 13 minutes from Barclays Center, 17 minutes from the Brooklyn Museum, 17 minutes from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 27 minutes from Prospect Park, 16 minutes from DUMBO, 16 minutes from the Brooklyn Bridge Park
– A short subway ride connects you to Manhattan’s top attractions like Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock, Central Park, Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall, Broadway, and so much more.
Getting to New York New Jersey Stadium from Brooklyn
From NU Hotel, walk just 6 minutes to Jay St-Metro Tech Station and take the MTA A train about 20 minutes to the 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal. Next, hop the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus service, which drops fans right at the stadium’s doorstep.
Or take Meadowlands Rail Service, which also drops fans at the stadium entrance from Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction (accessible from New York Penn Station via NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line toward Rahway; North Jersey Coast Line toward Long Branch; or Morris & Essex Line toward Dover).
Many soccer fans will commute by public transport, rideshare, and group transit. Approximate travel times are as follows:
– 40-minute drive from NU Hotel
– 1 hour from NU Hotel via public transit
To access the train from the stadium, exit from the MetLife or Verizon Gates.
With efficient access to the stadium from Brooklyn, fans can enjoy NYC by day and still make the match with ease.
Where to Stay in Brooklyn
Settle into NU Hotel, with thoughtfully designed rooms and a central Brooklyn location that keeps the city close.
Guests can enjoy:
– Ample transit options to New York New Jersey Stadium.
– Modern accommodations filled with creative touches, like murals hand-painted by local artists and comfortable hammocks.
– On-site lobby lounge, offering continental breakfast, 24-hour refreshments, and NU Bites to satisfy any craving.
– Short subway ride from Port Authority, Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and so much more.
Travel Tips for Visiting NYC During the 2026 Soccer Tournament
– Book Early: Hotels will fill up months in advance.
– Tap In: Use OMNY or contactless payment for transit.
– Streamline Travel: Use NJ Transit or group transport rather than driving to the stadium.
– Explore Beyond Brooklyn: Check out Casa Amadeo, NYC’s oldest continuously operating music store and goldmine for Latin music in The Bronx; sink your teeth into the viral The Bomb hero at Sal, Kris and Charlie’s Deli in Astoria, Queens; or explore Coney Island, a historic seaside destination famous for its classic amusement parks, the iconic Cyclone roller coaster, the Riegelmann Boardwalk, and sandy beaches.
Are There Fan Zones or Viewing Parties Planned in NYC?
Details regarding official fan zones are still being worked out, but given NYC’s rich tapestry of multicultural citizens and soccer’s status as the world’s most popular sport, a slew of celebrations are likely to be staged throughout the city.
Powerhouses NYNJ Host Committee, Telemundo, and Rockefeller Center will host the official Fan Village at Rockefeller Center. The Fan Village will be anchored by a transformed Rockefeller Center Rink, which will serve as a soccer pitch flanked by large screens for live match broadcasts.
Across the Plaza, interactive experiences, family-friendly programming, and brand activations will be held, and even the rooftop of 30 Rock and its observation deck will be part of the celebration. Fan experiences are also expected in places like Times Square, Bryant Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
What Else Can I Do in NYC Between Soccer Matches?
When it comes to NYC, it isn’t a matter of what a person can do, but what a person can’t do. To start, the city is teeming with inspiring and iconic landmarks to see and photograph (including the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty).
Those looking for a quintessential New York adventure will find some of the city’s most iconic attractions just a short walk from NU Hotel in Brooklyn. Catch a sports game at Barclays Center; walk to the middle of the Manhattan Bridge, located at the foot of NU Hotel, to take in the city views; or swing by the New York Transit Museum to view historical artifacts from New York City’s subway, bus, and commuter rail systems.
You can also wander through DUMBO, where cobblestone streets, art galleries, and waterfront parks offer some of Brooklyn’s most photographed views.
For something a little different between matches, Brooklyn has plenty of spots that feel a bit off the main path. Grab a pint (or two) of local craft beer from Brooklyn Brewery, take a leisurely stroll down to the Brooklyn Bridge Park & Promenade, or explore Williamsburg, filled with trendy shops, restaurants, bars, and music venues.
When Should I Book My Hotel?
Rooms across the NYC metro area will sell out early. It’s best to book your stay 6–12 months in advance, especially if you want to stay near major subway lines and in a popular neighborhood like Brooklyn.
Will There Be Traffic or Road Closures During the Matches?
Yes. Expect heavier traffic around New York New Jersey Stadium and the surrounding bridges or tunnels on match days. For this reason, public transit is recommended for getting to and from games; many fans plan to stay in Brooklyn or Manhattan to avoid driving altogether.
No matter if you’re cheering from the stands, catching the match on a big screen, or exploring the city between games, Brooklyn puts the excitement of the world’s biggest tournament right at your doorstep. Book your stay at NU Hotel now and experience NYC like a local while staying close to all the action.