Hudson Yards: NYC's World Cup Hub

Live match screenings on a 30-foot Big Screen, world-class dining, and the best transit connection to MetLife Stadium — all in one place.

Hudson Yards: World Cup 2026 Fan Guide

Hudson Yards is positioning itself as the match-day hub of Manhattan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The neighborhood combines live outdoor match screenings, direct transit access to MetLife Stadium, and one of the densest concentrations of restaurants and bars on the West Side — making it the natural starting and ending point for fans on MetLife match days.

Hudson Yards at a glance

Big Screen

30-foot outdoor screen at the Backyard — free, full tournament

To MetLife

One stop on the 7 train to Penn Station, then NJ Transit

To Lincoln Tunnel

Fastest Manhattan exit for drivers heading to East Rutherford

Dining

50+ restaurants and bars on-site and adjacent

The Big Screen at Backyard Hudson Yards

The Backyard at Hudson Yards features a 30-foot outdoor Big Screen that will broadcast World Cup matches live throughout the entire tournament. Screenings are free for all visitors. Seating is open on a first-come, first-served basis — Wells Fargo customers receive priority seating.

For high-profile matches — particularly the MetLife fixtures and any knockout-stage games — expect the Backyard to fill up well before kickoff. Arrive at least 60–90 minutes early for major matches. The outdoor setting and West Side location make this one of the better casual viewing options in Manhattan, especially on summer evenings.

Transit: Hudson Yards to MetLife Stadium

Hudson Yards is one of the most strategically positioned neighborhoods in Manhattan for fans attending MetLife Stadium matches. The 7 train stops at Hudson Yards (34th Street– Hudson Yards station) and runs directly to Penn Station in one stop, where NJ Transit trains depart for Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands.

Step by step: Hudson Yards to MetLife

Take the 7 train from 34th Street–Hudson Yards toward Flushing
Exit at 34th Street–Penn Station (one stop)
Enter Penn Station and board a NJ Transit train toward Secaucus Junction
Transfer at Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands rail service (event-day only)
Arrive at MetLife Stadium — short walk to the gates

Total journey time from Hudson Yards to MetLife is approximately 45–60 minutes under normal conditions. On major match days, allow extra time for Penn Station queues.

Driving from Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards sits at the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel — the fastest vehicle route from Manhattan into New Jersey. However, driving is strongly discouraged on MetLife match days. Lincoln Tunnel traffic can exceed two hours in each direction on major fixtures. If driving is necessary, leave at least three hours before kickoff.

Restaurants and bars at Hudson Yards for match days

Hudson Yards has more than 50 dining options on-site and in the immediate vicinity, ranging from quick-service counters to full-service restaurants. For World Cup match days, the following types of venues are worth knowing:

The Backyard — outdoor seating area adjacent to the Big Screen, food and drinks available
The Shops at Hudson Yards — food hall and restaurant options across multiple floors
Hell's Kitchen adjacency — the blocks east of Hudson Yards toward Ninth and Tenth Avenues have a dense concentration of restaurants and bars that will be showing all matches
High Line access — the elevated park connects Hudson Yards to Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, with bars and restaurants along the route

Edge NYC: views from 1,100 feet

Edge is the outdoor observation deck at Hudson Yards, standing over 1,100 feet above the city. Between matches, it offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, New Jersey, and on a clear day, the broader tristate region. For fans celebrating a win — or recovering from a loss — it's one of the more dramatic vantage points in New York.

What else is at Hudson Yards

The Vessel — iconic spiral structure, free to walk around (ticketed to climb)
The Shed — cultural venue, may have World Cup programming during the tournament
The High Line — elevated park running from Hudson Yards to the Meatpacking District
Javits Center — blocks away; may host media or official FIFA programming during the tournament

World Cup matches at MetLife that start from Hudson Yards

All five MetLife group-stage matches make Hudson Yards a relevant base. The neighborhood is particularly useful for fans staying on the West Side or attending multiple matches:

June 13 — Brazil vs Morocco
June 16 — France vs Senegal
June 22 — Norway vs Senegal
June 25 — Ecuador vs Germany
June 27 — Panama vs England
July 19 — World Cup Final

See the full NY / NJ match schedule and the World Cup Final guide.

Where to stay near Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards itself and the surrounding Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea neighborhoods have strong hotel options — convenient for both the Big Screen viewings and MetLife transit.