For the eight matches that were held over the summer at MetLife Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, NJ Transit successfully supported match-day operations for all games in the Meadowlands. Each match presented unique circumstances that required the coordination of several other transit agencies, including New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA), New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and Amtrak. Despite the challenges brought up by one of the world’s biggest sporting events, NJ Transit was able to successfully provide transportation to hundreds of thousands of visitors in the Garden State.
NJ Transit moved over 370,000 passengers throughout the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which spanned 39 days, making it the largest number of event-related passengers being transported to and from the stadium in the shortest, concentrated period of time. NJ Transit was able to handle the historic number of passengers, achieving the fastest large-volume passenger movement operation ever conducted at a magnitude this large.
Another crucial component to ensuring the transportation system’s plan went smoothly was the use of a harmonized security plan. The NJ Transit Police Department, in coordination with the New Jersey State Police, Amtrak Police Department, New York City Police Department and federal, county and local security establishments ensured the safe and efficient travel of guests traveling from Secaucus, Penn Station and many other locations.
The New Jersey FIFA 2026 Mobility Plan was executed to success as a result of the extreme preparation and collaboration that took place amongst New Jersey’s transportation partners, as well as the New York New Jersey Host Committee. The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the largest interagency coordination effort for any event in the state’s history, which is fitting given its grand scale.
While the Garden State has held many large events before, from concerts to the Super Bowl, none have taken place over such a lengthy period of time as the FIFA World Cup. The event is essentially eight different Super Bowls all taking place within a 39-day period, leaving NJ Transit with a significant task at hand.
Data for the event outlined that travel demand was spread out amongst several different modes of transportation, signifying that guests had a considerable number of transportation choices to choose from. While dealing with one of the biggest sporting events in the world, that brought countless fans to New Jersey. NJ Transit was able to successfully manage the responsibilities that came with transporting guests to and from the event. Even with additional unpredictable factors, such as extreme heat conditions and other severe weather throughout the tournament, NJ Transit prioritized customer safety, helping get them to the venue in a safe and efficient manner.
Based on the analytics found from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, NJ Transit believes that future events at MetLife Stadium do not need to surpass 20,000 commuters in a two-hour window. With the stadium located just a few miles away from suburban towns and minutes from one of the country’s largest malls, there will be a continued demand for private vehicles.
To view the full New Jersey Interagency Transportation After Action Report (AAR) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit New Jersey Interagency Transportation After Action Report (AAR) at NJNY Stadium – FIFA World Cup Operations.