World Cup 2026 with Kids -- MetLife Stadium Family Guide

MetLife Stadium is a genuinely family-friendly venue and the World Cup atmosphere is one of the great experiences you can give a child. Here is everything parents need to know before bringing kids to a match.

Do children need tickets?

Yes -- every person entering MetLife Stadium for a World Cup match requires a valid ticket, including infants and children. There are no lap tickets or free entry for children. Tickets for children follow the same category structure as adult tickets.

Age recommendations

• Under 2 -- technically permitted with a ticket but a full 90+ minute match in summer heat with a large crowd is difficult. Evening kicks (June 22, 8pm) are the most manageable for very young children.
• 2 to 5 -- possible but challenging. The noise level is significant, crowds are dense, and heat can be a real issue for afternoon kicks. Ensure earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, sun protection, and easy access to exits.
• 6 and up -- the sweet spot. Children old enough to follow the match, understand the occasion, and manage the sensory experience. This age group typically has a genuinely memorable time.
• 10 and up -- excellent. Old enough to appreciate the full experience, navigate the venue, and remember it for life.

Stroller policy

Strollers are permitted at MetLife Stadium but must be folded and stored under your seat. They cannot be left in aisles or concourse areas due to emergency exit requirements. A compact umbrella stroller is far more manageable than a full-size pram. Baby carriers are an alternative that avoid the storage issue entirely.

Clear bag policy -- applies to everything

MetLife Stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy for all World Cup matches. Only bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and no larger than 12x6x12 inches are permitted. This applies to diaper bags as well. A clear bag large enough for diapers, wipes, snacks, and a change of clothes is essential. Non-clear bags including opaque diaper bags are not permitted.

One-gallon zip-lock bags are technically compliant and work well as an emergency diaper bag.

Nursing and family facilities

MetLife Stadium has nursing/lactation rooms available throughout the venue. They are located in the concourse areas on multiple levels. Ask a stadium staff member or guest services representative for the nearest location upon entry. Family restrooms with changing tables are also available throughout the concourse.

Best sections for families with children

• Upper deck corners (Category 4) -- easier access to concourses and restrooms, less dense crowd pressure, lower prices mean less financial stress if the day ends early
• Lower bowl corners (Category 2) -- good sightlines for children at shorter heights, less crowded than midfield sections
• Avoid lower bowl midfield (Category 1) -- most expensive, most crowded, most difficult to exit quickly if needed

What to bring for children

• Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs -- stadium noise reaches 100+ decibels during goals
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and a hat for daytime kicks
• Sealed water bottle (500ml or smaller, permitted through security)
• Snacks in the clear bag -- stadium food is expensive and lines are long
• Light layer for evening matches -- temperatures drop significantly after sunset
• Change of clothes for young children
• A way to identify your child if separated -- write your phone number on their wrist or use a wristband

Food and drink for kids at MetLife

MetLife Stadium has standard concession options including hot dogs, burgers, pizza, pretzels, and chicken tenders that children typically accept. Prices are stadium-level ($10-18 for food items). Sealed non-alcoholic bottles are permitted through security so bringing drinks in avoids the concession queue. No glass containers.

Best matches for families

• June 22 -- Norway vs Senegal (8pm ET) -- evening kick, heat of the day has passed, manageable for older children
• June 25 -- Ecuador vs Germany (4pm ET) -- afternoon but earlier enough that the worst heat is manageable
• Avoid June 16 -- France vs Senegal (3pm ET) -- peak afternoon heat, direct sun on west-facing sections

Getting to MetLife with children

The $20 official shuttle from Port Authority, Grand Central, or Columbus Circle is the most family-friendly option -- no traffic, no parking stress, and children ride for the same $20 fare. NJ Transit ($98 round-trip per person) requires purchasing a separate ticket for each child. Rideshare with car seats requires advance planning -- standard Uber/Lyft does not guarantee a car seat.