The World’s Biggest Soccer Tournament is Coming to NYC in Summer 2026
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 Times Square, specifically Aliz Hotel, reigns supreme as one of the most dynamic places to call home base during the world’s biggest tournament.
Why Times Square Is the Perfect Base for the Upcoming Global Games
It may feel instinctive to stay next to the New York New Jersey stadium for easy access to the games, but considering the few days of downtime between matches (and easy public transportation from Times Square to the stadium), centering a stay in the middle of NYC, close to countless hotspots, becomes the savvy move.
A mid-city home base in Manhattan means:
- Easy access to all five boroughs in NYC.
- Enjoying the food, nightlife, and creative energy of New York, right from your door: Take yoga classes in Central Park; visit your favorite filming locations; explore (and eat your way through) New York’s 12 different ‘Chinatown’ neighborhoods — plus take in Broadway shows, hot new restaurants, and so much more, just steps from your room.
- Easy transit to airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty) and major transport hubs: Aliz Hotel is just 25 minutes from Grand Central Terminal and 15 minutes from New York Penn Station.
- Having NYC as your backyard and playground. Aliz Hotel is:
- 18 minutes from Rockefeller Center & Top of The Rock at Rockefeller Center
- 18 minutes from Edge NYC Observation Deck
- 25 minutes from Central Park & 10 minutes from Bryant Park
- 25 minutes from the renowned Fifth Avenue shopping
- 18 minutes from the Empire State Building
- 5 minutes from Radio City Music Hall
- 13 minutes from Broadway
Getting to New York New Jersey Stadium from Times Square
Right next to Aliz Hotel, walk over to the Port Authority, then 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 near Aliz Hotel, via NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line toward Rahway; North Jersey Coast Line toward Long Branch; or Morris & Essex Line toward Dover).
Many fans will commute by public transport, rideshare, and group transit. Approximate travel times are as follows:
- 22-minute drive from Aliz Hotel
- 38 minutes from Aliz 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 Times Square, fans can enjoy NYC by day and still make the match with ease.
Where to Stay in Times Square
Secure a sophisticated stay with Manhattan skyline views at Aliz Hotel, which offers thoughtfully appointed accommodations that put you in the center of NYC.
Guests can enjoy:
- Ample transit options to New York New Jersey Stadium.
- Modern accommodations with city views.
- On-site restaurant FARMTOBURGER, ideal for pre- or post-match meals, offering breakfast, brunch, and dinner Monday through Sunday. Plus, guests can enjoy one of the highest open-air hotel bars and lounges, Dear Irving on Hudson.
- Steps from the Port Authority, and just a short distance from Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, Central Park, Fifth Avenue Shopping, Broadway shows, and so much more.
Travel Tips for Visiting NYC During the 2026 Global Games
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 Times Square: 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 dance like no one’s watching at Brooklyn’s Good Room, an inclusive club space for music lovers who are there to move, not stare at screens from the dancefloor.
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 most popular sport on the planet, a slew of celebrations are likely to be staged all over the city.
Powerhouses NYNJ Host Committee, Telemundo, and Rockefeller Center will host the official Fan Village at Rockefeller Center, just blocks from Aliz Hotel. 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 — 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 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 Aliz Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Experience the magic of Broadway with nearby theaters and the immersive Museum of Broadway. Indulge your sweet tooth at M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World, or snap a selfie with lifelike legends at Madame Tussauds. And for a true Midtown classic, belt out your order alongside singing servers at Ellen’s Stardust Diner.
For something a little different between matches, New York has plenty of spots that feel a bit off the main path. Grab a bagel or a slice at one of the city’s standout local spots, wander the High Line for art and gardens above the streets, or take in quiet green spaces like Bryant Park.
Solo travelers can hunt for hidden bookshops, cozy cafés, and tucked-away galleries, while families can find kid-friendly museums, playgrounds, and hands-on activities just a short walk or subway ride away. These smaller discoveries give you a chance to explore the city at your own pace while still being close to all the Midtown excitement.
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 central neighborhood like Times Square.
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, Times Square puts the excitement of the world’s biggest tournament right at your doorstep. Book your stay at Aliz Hotel now and experience NYC like a local while staying close to all the action.