MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford seats 82,500 spectators for NFL games and major soccer events, making it the largest stadium in the National Football League.
The venue will maintain this capacity for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while hosting eight tournament matches including the final on July 19, 2026.
This multi-purpose stadium opened in 2010 as a replacement for Giants Stadium at a construction cost of $1.6 billion.
NPR reports FIFA announced MetLife Stadium as the World Cup final host on February 4, 2024, selecting the venue over competitors SoFi Stadium and AT&T Stadium.
The facility serves as the shared home for both the New York Giants and New York Jets, making it one of only two NFL stadiums used by two franchises.
Capacity Breakdown by Event Type
| Event Type | Capacity | Configuration |
| NFL Giants and Jets games | 82,500 | Standard football seating |
| World Cup 2026 | 82,500 | FIFA regulation with grass field |
| Super Bowl XLVIII (2014) | 82,529 | Expanded standing areas |
| Concerts and special events | 50,000-82,500 | Varies by stage setup |
Stadium Seating and Premium Areas
The stadium features a three-tier seating bowl designed to eliminate overhangs that would obstruct views.
The lower tier holds 33,346 seats, middle tier accommodates 21,323, and upper tier contains 27,897 seats.
Front row 50-yard line seats sit just 46 feet from the sideline, representing the shortest distance of any NFL stadium.
This proximity creates exceptional sightlines and immersive fan experiences during games.
Club seating totals 10,005 seats across all levels, providing premium amenities with climate-controlled comfort. These sections offer upscale dining options and exclusive lounge access.
Luxury suites number approximately 218 throughout the venue, delivering privileged vantage points with private catering and VIP services.
Suite configurations accommodate groups from 12 to 30 guests.
The seating bowl design allows fans to see the full arc of a 90-foot punt from any location in the stadium. This engineering achievement ensures quality views across all price levels.
World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, MetLife Stadium operates as “New York New Jersey Stadium” per FIFA corporate naming regulations. MetLife Stadium official announcement confirms the venue will host eight matches:
- June 13, 2026 – Group stage: Brazil vs Morocco
- June 16, 2026 – Group stage: France vs Senegal
- June 22, 2026 – Group stage: Norway vs Senegal
- June 25, 2026 – Group stage: Ecuador vs Germany
- June 27, 2026 – Group stage: Panama vs England
- June 30, 2026 – Round of 32 match
- July 5, 2026 – Round of 16 match
- July 19, 2026 – World Cup Final
The July 19 final represents the largest single event in human history with over 2 billion viewers expected globally. This match will crown the 2026 FIFA World Cup champion.
Ticket Pricing Information
Ticket prices at MetLife Stadium vary significantly by event type and seating location. TicketSmarter data shows average prices at $2,022 across all events.
| Event Type | Starting Price | Average Price |
| New York Giants NFL games | $27 | $100-250 |
| New York Jets NFL games | $27 | $100-250 |
| World Cup 2026 matches | $1,000+ | $3,000+ |
| Major concerts | $54 | $2,022+ |
Premium suite experiences can reach $189,000 per seat for the highest-demand events.
- Read Also: Before visiting, check the MetLife Stadium Bag Policy
Field Modifications for World Cup
MetLife Stadium underwent two-phase renovations to meet FIFA field dimension requirements.
Wikipedia notes the project began in January 2024 with Phase I completed in May 2024 and Phase II finishing in May 2025.
The renovations demolished four corners of the existing precast concrete seating bowl, replacing them with a modular steel composite seating system.
This modification removed 1,740 permanent seats while maintaining the overall 82,500 capacity and expanding the field to FIFA regulation dimensions.
FIFA requires natural grass for all World Cup matches, meaning MetLife’s artificial FieldTurf Core System will be replaced with a temporary natural surface during the tournament.
Transportation and Location
MetLife Stadium sits at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, approximately 5 miles west of New York City.
The venue offers multiple transit options for the 2026 World Cup.
Getting to the Stadium
- NJ Transit Rail: Meadowlands Rail Service from Secaucus Junction (10-minute ride)
- Coach USA bus: Route 351 Meadowlands Express from Port Authority ($14 round-trip)
- Parking: 23,000 spaces across 14 lots (opens 5 hours before events)
- Rideshare: Designated drop-off zones in Lot C
- Accessible parking: Lots E, F, and G on first-come basis
NJ Transit operates special rail service for events with attendance above 50,000, connecting most of the regional rail system through Secaucus Junction.
Major Events History
MetLife Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, the first outdoor cold-weather Super Bowl in NFL history.
The venue served as home to the 2016 Copa América Centenario final and WrestleMania 29 and 35.
GiveMeSport reports the stadium has been named Billboard’s “Highest Grossing Stadium of the Year” nine times and received “2017 Venue of the Year” honors from StadiumBusiness.
The stadium hosted nine matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup including the final.
The venue consistently ranks among the busiest stadiums globally, hosting over 600 major events since opening.
FAQs
What is MetLife Stadium’s seating capacity?
MetLife Stadium has a seating capacity of 82,500 for NFL games and soccer events, making it the largest stadium in the National Football League. The three-tier seating bowl includes 33,346 lower tier seats, 21,323 middle tier seats, and 27,897 upper tier seats plus 10,005 club seats and 218 luxury suites.
How many World Cup 2026 matches will MetLife Stadium host?
MetLife Stadium will host eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches including five group stage games featuring Brazil, France, Ecuador, Norway, and Panama, plus one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match, and the World Cup final on July 19. This makes it the most significant World Cup 2026 venue.
How much did MetLife Stadium cost to build?
MetLife Stadium cost approximately $1.6 billion to construct, making it the most expensive stadium built in the United States at the time of its 2010 completion. The facility was privately funded through a 50/50 joint venture between the New York Giants and New York Jets ownership groups.
Does MetLife Stadium have a roof?
No, MetLife Stadium does not have a retractable or fixed roof. Proposals to include a roof failed during planning stages over funding disputes. The open-air design exposes the venue to weather elements but allows for natural grass installation during the World Cup while maintaining the distinctive stadium atmosphere.
How much do MetLife Stadium tickets cost?
MetLife Stadium ticket prices vary by event. NFL Giants and Jets games typically start at $27 with average prices between $100 and $250. World Cup 2026 final tickets will likely start above $1,000 with average prices exceeding $3,000. Premium luxury suite seats can cost up to $189,000 for high-demand events.
