What International Visitors Get Wrong About the World Cup 2026 in NYC

New York is one of the most-visited cities in the world, but the World Cup brings a different category of visitor — fans who are here specifically for the matches and may have never been to America before. These are the things that catch people out.

1. "MetLife is in New York" — It Isn't

MetLife Stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The official tournament name — New York New Jersey Stadium — acknowledges this. It is 10 miles west of Midtown Manhattan. Take NJ Transit from Penn Station: $98 round-trip, buy in advance, allow 60–90 minutes each way.

2. Rideshare on Match Day is a Trap

Uber and Lyft surge to $80–150+ each way to MetLife on match day. Traffic on Route 3 backs up for miles. NJ Transit is faster, cheaper, and runs continuously. The only people who should be in a rideshare to MetLife on match day are groups of 4+ splitting the cost of a private car booked days in advance.

3. Tap Water is Excellent

NYC tap water is consistently rated among the best in the world. Drink it. The city has free water bottle refill stations at most parks and public buildings. Buying bottled water in a restaurant or hotel adds $5–8 per person per meal unnecessarily.

4. Tipping Is Mandatory in Practice

In the US, restaurant and bar service staff earn below minimum wage and rely on tips. 20% is standard at restaurants, 15% is minimum. At bars, $1–2 per drink is expected. Tipping at hotels for housekeeping ($3–5 per night) and doormen ($2–5 per service) is normal. Not tipping is not a cultural option at a restaurant — it is considered rude and affects service workers directly.

5. Your Seat Number is Your Seat

Unlike football grounds in Europe and South America, MetLife has no standing section. Every ticket has a specific seat number. You sit in your seat. Standing in front of it during the match is not acceptable. This surprises fans from standing-section cultures.

6. Times Square is for Photos, Not for Anything Else

Times Square is spectacular at night for 20 minutes. It is a terrible place to eat (overpriced tourist traps), watch a match (no good bars), or stay (expensive and noisy). Use it as a photo stop on your way to somewhere better.