December 17, 2025

The World’s Biggest Soccer Tournament is Coming to NYC in Summer 2026

Everything is bigger in New York, and the adage certainly holds true for the world’s most anticipated soccer tournament. It’s here at New York New Jersey Stadium (rebranded for the tournament as New York New Jersey Stadium) where the global games final will be held (along with seven other matches).

After multiple matches of high-stakes, elite gameplay, one team will claim best-in-the-world bragging rights after sweeping the largest tournaments in history. Couple marquee matches with the irresistible lure (and seamless public transit options) of the city that never sleeps, and Manhattan, specifically Hotel 48LEX, reigns supreme as one of the most dynamic places to call home base during the global games.

Why Midtown Manhattan Is the Perfect Base for the Upcoming Global Games

It may feel instinctive to stay next to the New Jersey stadium for easy access to the games, but considering the few days of downtime between matches (and easy public transportation from Manhattan to the stadium), centering a stay in the middle of NYC, close to countless hotspots, becomes the savvy move. A mid-city home base in Manhattan means:

Easy access to all five boroughs in NYC
Enjoying the food, nightlife and creative energy of New York, right from your door: Take Yoga Classes in Central Park; Visit your favorite filming locations with a Set-Jetting tour of Manhattan; Explore (and eat your way through) New York’s 12 different ‘Chinatown’ neighborhoods — plus take in Broadway shows, hot new restaurants, and so much more, just steps from your room.
Easy transit to airports (JFK, LaGuardia) and major transport hubs: Hotel 48LEX is just 10 minutes from Grand Central Terminal and 20 minutes from Penn Station.
Having NYC as your backyard and playground. Hotel 48LEX is:

10 minutes from Rockefeller Center & Top of The Rock at Rockefeller Center
20 minutes from Central Park & 15 minutes from Bryant Park
3 blocks from the renowned Fifth Avenue shopping
15 minutes from the Empire State Building
6 blocks from Radio City Music Hall

Getting to New York New Jersey Stadium from Midtown Manhattan

Nearby Hotel 48LEX, take the S, E, or 7 trains to Port Authority, then hop Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus service, which drops fans right at the stadium’s doorstep. Or take Meadowlands Rail Service, which also drops fans at the stadium entrance from Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction (accessible from Penn Station near Hotel 48LEX, via New Jersey Transit NEC toward Rahway; NJCL toward Long Branch; or MNE toward Dover).

Many fans will commute by public transport, rideshare, and group transit. Approximate travel times are as follows:

42-minute drive from Hotel 48LEX
One hour and 14 minutes from Hotel 48LEX via public transit

To access the train from the stadium, exit from the MetLife or Verizon Gates.

With efficient access to the stadium from Manhattan, fans can enjoy NYC by day and still make the match with ease.

Where to Stay in NYC

Secure a sophisticated stay with Manhattan skyline views at Hotel 48LEX, which offers thoughtfully appointed suites and salons that center you in your own NYC success story. Guests enjoy:

Ample transit options to New York New Jersey Stadium.
Large rooms and suites with city views.
On-site bar and restaurant, Brasserie Cognac, ideal for pre- or post-match drinks (and its signature Cognac Wagyu Burger, topped with French Emmental cheese and caramelized onions).
Steps from Grand Central Terminal, Central Park, Fifth Avenue Shopping, Broadway shows, and so much more.

Travel Tips for Visiting NYC During the 2026 Global Games

Book Early: Hotels will fill up months in advance.
Tap In: Use OMNY or contactless payment for transit.
Streamline Travel: Use NJ Transit or group transport rather than driving to the stadium.
Explore Beyond Manhattan: Check out Casa Amadeo, NYC’s oldest continuously music store and goldmine for Latin music in The Bronx; sink your teeth into the much hyped The Bomb hero at Sal, Kris and Charlie’s Deli in Astoria, Queens (and make your friends on TikTok jealous); or dance like no one’s watching at Brooklyn’s Good Room, an inclusive club space for music lovers who are there to move, not stare at screens from the dancefloor.

Are There Fan Zones or Viewing Parties Planned in NYC?

Details regarding official fan zones are still being worked out, but given NYC’s rich tapestry of multicultural citizens — and soccer’s status as the most popular sport on the planet — a slew of celebrations are likely to be staged all over the city. Powerhouses NYNJ Host Committee, Telemundo, and Rockefeller Center will host the official Fan Village at Rockefeller Center, just blocks from Hotel 48LEX.

The Fan Village will be anchored by a transformed Rockefeller Center Rink, which will serve as a soccer pitch flanked by large screens for live match broadcasts. Across the Plaza, interactive experiences, family-friendly programming, and brand activations will be held — even the rooftop of 30 Rock and its observation deck will be part of the celebration. Fan experiences are also expected in places like Times Square, Bryant Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

What Else Can I Do in NYC Between Matches?

When it comes to NYC, it isn’t a matter of what a person can do, but what can’t a person do. To start, the city is teeming with inspiring and iconic landmarks to see and photograph (including the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty).

Those looking for a more bespoke New York experience can visit hotspots just a short walk from Hotel 48LEX. Treat yourself to the best fro-yo in the city at 1980s gem Forty Carrots (tucked away on the seventh floor of Bloomingdale's) or an elevated taste of New York at Mr. Chow, the celebrated and incredibly chic Chinese restaurant that counted Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, David Bowie, and John Lennon as patrons. Shop (or just browse the Art Deco interiors) of Bergdorf Goodman and pick up manga, graphic novels, and a drool-worthy selection of stationery at Kinokuniya New York.

Had enough time on your feet? Soothe sidewalk-worn soles at the sleek Bathouse Flatiron, where sauna and thermal pool access is just a day pass away. There’s something to cater to your every interest, no matter what you’re into, and with its central location to NYC haunts and stadium transit, Hotel 48LEX is the perfect home base for doing it all.

When Should I Book My Hotel?

Rooms across the NYC metro area will sell out early. It’s best to book your stay 6–12 months in advance, especially if you want to stay near major subway lines and in a central neighborhood like Manhattan.

Will There Be Traffic or Road Closures During the Matches?

Yes. Expect heavier traffic around New York New Jersey Stadium and the surrounding bridges or tunnels on match days. For this reason, public transit is recommended for getting to and from games; many fans plan to stay in Brooklyn or Manhattan to avoid driving altogether.

No matter if you’re cheering from the stands, catching the match on a big screen, or exploring the city between games, Midtown Manhattan puts the excitement of the world’s biggest soccer tournament right at your doorstep. Book your stay at Hotel 48LEX now and experience New York City like a local while staying close to all the action.