England Fans Barred from Walking to MetLife Stadium at 2026 World Cup
Supporters attending matches at MetLife Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be allowed to walk to the venue due to local safety laws, officials have confirmed.
The 82,500-capacity stadium, located roughly 12 miles from New York City, is set to host eight matches, including England’s group-stage clash with Panama and the tournament final. Fans from countries such as Norway, Brazil and France are also expected to attend fixtures at the venue.
However, access to the stadium is restricted to vehicles and public transport. The surrounding area is dominated by highways and parking lots, with no designated pedestrian routes. Under New Jersey law, walking along or near highways is prohibited.
A spokesperson for the New Jersey State Police said the restriction is aimed at preventing accidents.
«Pedestrian traffic is strictly prohibited on the roadways surrounding MetLife Stadium,» Charles Marchan told local media. «Walking on these roadways creates a significant safety hazard for both pedestrians and motorists.»
While enforcement is not expected to focus on penalties, authorities say the rule will be applied to ensure public safety during the tournament.
The policy has sparked criticism amid high transport costs. A return train ticket from New York’s Penn Station to the stadium is expected to cost around $150 (£110), significantly higher than regular fares for NFL games. Bus options are also available but remain expensive.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill criticised FIFA over transport arrangements, arguing the governing body has not contributed financially despite expecting billions in revenue from the tournament.
FIFA defended its approach, saying transport planning has been coordinated with local authorities since 2018 to prioritise mass transit and reduce congestion, aiming to deliver a smooth experience for fans attending matches.
