The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to New York, bringing world-class football right to your doorstep. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the matches or soaking up the city’s electric atmosphere, now’s the time to secure your flights.
With fans from across the globe flooding into the Big Apple, booking early means you get the best seats and prices. With Alternative Airlines, you can book your trip today and spread the cost over time - no stress, no upfront strain.
From quick searches to flexible payments, we make flying to this unmissable event simple, so you can focus on the football and the unforgettable moments ahead.
For football fans heading to the New York area, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will be the main spot to catch the action. Here’s a quick look at the matches you can see there in 2026:
Please note that these match dates might change - keep an eye on this page closer to kick-off for more accurate information.
The 2026 World Cup is coming to New York New Jersey. While the games won’t be played right in Manhattan, the main venue, MetLife Stadium, is just across the river in East Rutherford, New Jersey. If you're booking flights to catch the action, here are the top airports nearby:
About 32 miles from MetLife Stadium, JFK is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. If you're flying in from abroad, this one’s a solid pick. Big-name airlines like American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates and Air France all operate here.
🕒 Travel time to the stadium is around 45 minutes by car (traffic depending).
This one’s the closest - just 13 miles from MetLife. Newark is a busy airport with lots of direct routes, especially if you’re flying United (it’s their hub). You’ll also find flights with American, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest.
🕒 Travel time is only 20 minutes by car via the New Jersey Turnpike.
LaGuardia, in Queens, is around 21 miles from the stadium. It’s a go-to for domestic flights, so if you’re flying in from within the US, you’ll likely land here. Expect service from American, Delta and Southwest.
🕒 The drive takes roughly 30 minutes.
Whether you’re coming from across the world or just a few states away, New York has plenty of flight options to get you to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With multiple airports serving the city and its surroundings, you’re never far from the action. Keep reading to find out more!
Major international airports like JFK and Newark welcome non-stop flights from cities all over the globe - Europe, South America, Asia and beyond. Landing direct means less hassle and more time to soak up the World Cup excitement.
If you’re travelling on a budget or heading to a smaller nearby city, consider connecting through New York. From here, you can easily catch a short domestic flight or hop on NJ Transit to reach MetLife Stadium or other venues.
Following the tournament across multiple cities? Multi-city flights let you fly into New York and out of another host city (or vice versa), saving time and often money. Build your ideal route with our multi-city search tool.
When it comes to flying into New York/New Jersey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s not just about getting there - it’s about doing it smoothly and with ease. Here are three top airlines that stand out for making your trip to the big event as hassle-free as possible.
Delta offers an extensive network with frequent flights into New York’s major airports. Their reliable flight punctuality means you can count on arriving on time, a must when your schedule is packed with matches and fan events.
As one of the largest airlines serving New York, American Airlines delivers flexible travel options that fit your needs. Their wide range of direct flights from cities across the US and beyond makes booking straightforward. For a high-demand event like FIFA, their efficient boarding process and comfortable services on the plane give you a better start to your trip.
JetBlue’s focus on customer comfort and value makes them a smart choice for World Cup travellers. With generous legroom and free Wi-Fi on most flights, you can relax and stay connected on the way to the action. Their growing presence in New York means more options and competitive prices, perfect for those planning ahead or booking last-minute.
Once you’ve touched down in the New York area, getting to MetLife Stadium is simpler than it looks. Whether you’re flying into Newark, JFK, or LaGuardia, there are plenty of transport options to suit your schedule and budget.
The quickest and most convenient way is usually a taxi or ride-share. Expect a 20 to 45-minute drive depending on your airport and traffic. This option is ideal if you’re travelling with friends or carrying lots of luggage, and want a door-to-door service.
For a smoother, budget-friendly option, take NJ Transit trains from Newark Liberty or New York Penn Station (reachable from JFK and LaGuardia by public transport). Trains run regularly to Secaucus Junction, where dedicated shuttles and local buses link directly to MetLife Stadium on match days.
Several bus routes connect the stadium to the surrounding airports and transit hubs. Buses offer a reliable alternative and keep you close to the action without the hassle of traffic jams.
Game days mean bigger crowds, so add extra time for travel and transfers. If you’re travelling with a group, private shuttle services might be available for a smooth ride.
Don’t let upfront flight costs stop you from catching the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New York. With Alternative Airlines, you can book your flight today and pay later using popular Buy Now Pay Later options like Affirm, Klarna, PayPal Credit, Sezzle and Zip. Break your payment into easy instalments with zero hassle, so you can focus on the excitement, not the price.
Choose how and when you pay. Whether you want to split the cost over weeks or months, our BNPL partners let you pick a plan that suits your budget. No interest, no surprises - just a simple way to get you to New York/New Jersey without the financial stress.
Booking with Buy Now Pay Later means instant confirmation and the option to add flight protection. Plus, our friendly Customer Service team is ready to help whenever you need it. Secure your flight price today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with flexible payments and next-level service.
We get it - planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t exactly straightforward. Match dates, times and even ticket allocations might change, which makes locking in your flights early feel like a bit of a gamble. That’s why flexible flights are a smart choice.
When booking, look out for fares that let you change your travel dates without heavy fees. Some airlines even let you swap your flight for a voucher or rebook later if plans shift. It’s also worth considering travel protection at checkout, just in case.
With over 600 airlines to choose from and filters that make flexible fares easy to find, we help take the stress out of sorting your World Cup travel. You can even split the cost with one of our flexible payment options - handy if you're still waiting on match info or sorting accommodation.
So whether you’re heading out for the group stages or holding out for the final, you can book with confidence, knowing your plans can move when the schedule does.
Your FIFA World Cup trip to New York starts here. No stress, just simple flight search. Compare over 600 airlines flying to NYC and spread the cost with easy payment options.
Whether you’re catching a match or exploring more cities, we’ll help you put together the ideal travel plan.
When you’re heading to New York/New Jersey for the 2026 World Cup, picking the right area to stay can make all the difference. Here are three top districts that balance convenience and vibe:
Right in the heart of the action. Easy access to stadiums, public transport, and some of the city’s best dining and nightlife. Perfect if you want to be close to everything.
A great choice for a more relaxed, local feel. Trendy neighbourhoods, cool cafes, and plenty of green spaces to unwind after a match.
Home to the main stadium for the World Cup games in New York. Staying here means quick trips to matches and a quieter place to rest.
New York is packed with options to keep you entertained when the games take a break. Here are three ideas to make the most of your downtime:
💡Head over to our dedicated New York guide for more details and travel tips.
If you're flying in from outside the US, make sure you’re sorted with the right travel documents. Most visitors will need a valid passport and an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) if you're coming from a country in the Visa Waiver Program.
An ESTA is not a visa - it's quicker, cheaper and you can apply online. Just make sure you do it at least 72 hours before you fly. Your passport should also be valid for the duration of your stay (some nationalities may need extra months, so it’s worth double-checking).
If you don’t qualify for an ESTA or you're staying longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa instead. The US government has a helpful Visa Wizard to point you in the right direction.
It’s your ticket to a smoother touchdown - no one wants surprises at border control!
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
Looking to explore more options? We've created a guide that covers travel to the USA for the FIFA World Cup. Whether you’re flying to New York or other host cities, you’ll find all the tools you need to compare flights, choose flexible payments and book with confidence. Plan your trip your way and get ready to enjoy every moment of the World Cup excitement!
Booking early is your best bet for securing flights to New York during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As demand will be high, prices tend to rise closer to the event. Aim to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance to get the best deals and flight options.
If your plans are flexible, keep an eye on fares and use our flexible payment options to book your trip without the upfront cost. That way, you can spread the payments and avoid last-minute price hikes.
Remember, New York is a popular hub year-round, but with the World Cup drawing extra crowds, it pays to plan ahead and book sooner rather than later.
For World Cup matches in New York, the best airport to fly into is John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). It’s the largest airport serving the city and offers the most flight options from around the world.
You can also consider Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), just across the river in New Jersey, which is well connected and sometimes easier to navigate. Both airports are about 20-30 minutes from major stadiums by car or public transport.
If you want a quieter option, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is closer to Manhattan but mainly handles domestic flights.
For international travellers, JFK or Newark are usually the most convenient choices. We recommend booking early to secure the best flights and rates during the busy World Cup season.
Direct flights to New York depend on where you’re flying from. As one of the world’s busiest hubs, New York’s airports (JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia) connect to many major cities across the US and internationally.
If you’re coming from a big city or a popular travel spot, there’s a good chance you’ll find a direct flight. For other locations, you might need to connect through a nearby airport or a major airline hub.
Use our search form at the top of the page to check flights from your country. You can filter for direct routes to make booking easier. If a direct flight isn’t available, we’ll show the best connecting options so you can still get there with minimal fuss. Either way, we’ll help you find the right flight for your trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Absolutely, you can book your flights to New York for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now and pay later. Thanks to our partnerships with the world’s leading flexible payment providers, you can spread the cost or choose to pay at a later date. This means you can secure your seat early, locking in great prices and flight options, without the full upfront payment.
Whether you want to pay in instalments or delay payment for a set period, we offer over 40 flexible ways to pay. Booking early also helps you avoid last-minute price hikes and ensures you’re ready for the big event stress-free.
So go ahead, pick your perfect flight to the heart of the World Cup action, and pay in a way that suits your budget. It’s that simple.
MetLife Stadium is just across the Hudson River, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. From New York City, the easiest way is to take a train or bus.
You can catch a New Jersey Transit train from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to a train heading directly to MetLife Stadium on game days. This service is often timed to match event schedules.
If you prefer buses, several special event buses run from Port Authority Bus Terminal straight to the stadium.
Driving is also an option, but expect heavy traffic on match days and limited parking, so public transport is usually the smarter choice.
New York’s public transport system is extensive and usually reliable, especially the subway, buses and commuter trains. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expect higher crowds and busy stations as fans travel to and from matches and events. The city typically steps up service during big occasions, adding extra trains and staff to help manage crowds.
That said, delays can happen, especially during peak hours. We recommend planning extra travel time, checking live updates through apps, and considering alternative routes.
For added comfort and flexibility, booking a flight that suits your schedule can make a big difference. And remember, with Alternative Airlines, you can spread the cost or pay later - helping keep your travel stress low from the start.
