As World Cup arrives, New Jersey says it’s ready

The basics:

• World Cup 2026 opens at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford
• Brazil vs. Morocco marks opening match in New Jersey
• NJ Transit, shuttles and rides hailing systems move fans to stadium
• More than 1 million visitors expected across tournament

After years of planning, coordination and preparation by transportation agencies, law enforcement, health officials and government leaders, New Jersey’s World Cup moment is finally here.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives Saturday at New Jersey New York Stadium in East Rutherford — better known to most as MetLife Stadium. Brazil faces Morocco at 3 p.m. in the first of eight tournament matches the state will host, including the World Cup Final July 19.

The opening match marks the culmination of years of work by public agencies and private-sector partners, which NJBIZ has extensively reported on. The tournament is expected to be one of the largest sporting events ever held in the United States.

“We are ready. We are past ready,” Sherrill said during a June 12 appearance on Good Day New York on Fox 5. “We’re so excited to get this kicked off right here in the Garden State. We can’t wait. Preparations have been in the works for a long time now. Tomorrow’s the big day.”

The big transit test

As has been discussed ad nauseam, transportation will be tantamount to whether the matches are successful, or not.

The stadium will not offer general parking during the games. Organizers expect attendees to arrive primarily via NJ Transit rail service, the official NYNJ Host Committee stadium shuttle, ride hailing services and limited parking options at American Dream.

The Host Committee said Thursday that it has already sold 12,085 tickets for its official round-trip shuttle service ahead of Saturday’s Brazil-Morocco match. The volume puts the program on pace to sell out. Shuttle tickets are priced at $20 roundtrip.

Meanwhile, officials continue to emphasize that NJ Transit will carry the largest share of attendees traveling to and from the Meadowlands. And agency leaders said demand has been strong for rail service.

As of Thursday, the agency sold 37,141 World Cup rail tickets across all eight matches, including 10,849 for Saturday’s Brazil-Morocco opener. Vouchers cost $98 roundtrip.

Uber access

“We are excited for the upcoming Brazil vs. Morocco match at New York New Jersey Stadium …” a Host Committee spokesperson said. “We encourage all fans attending to take NJ Transit or our NYNJ Stadium Shuttle so you don’t miss the start of the match.”

The transportation strategy also includes ride hailing operations.

Uber was revealed as an Official New York New Jersey World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter in June after unveiling several World Cup transportation initiatives in May. The company will operate the designated Ride Share zone at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, located approximately 1 mile from the stadium.

Uber is also offering advance-booked post-match Uber Shuttle service from the Meadowlands for a flat $49 fare. The promotion comes as part of a broader effort to provide alternatives to driving while also helping to manage congestion around the complex.

Cross-sector coordination

“Preparing for an event of this magnitude requires coordination across transportation providers, government agencies and private-sector partners,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee. “Uber has been a valuable collaborator as we have developed a comprehensive mobility plan for the tournament.

“While public transportation will remain the primary way fans travel to and from matches, Uber’s support will help provide an additional transportation option for visitors while enhancing the fan experience across our region.”

The governor acknowledged that transportation operations will be under intense scrutiny as hundreds of thousands of fans travel to and from the Meadowlands throughout the tournament.

“We are going to be put to the test with one of the most complicated movements of people in the United States,” said Sherrill. “We have really put in place so many great ways of getting to the stadium. We’ve also been in touch with Amtrak, who runs, of course, the infrastructure, to make sure that they’ve cleared out all of the things that might be problematic and that they have their people on standby, should anything happen.

“We also have backup systems in case anything does go wrong. So, we are ready to host the world’s biggest sporting event.”

DoorDash joins the fun

The state has also developed contingency plans should problems arise.

“We have everything on standby, whether it’s boats or buses or trains, mechanics, personnel,” Sherrill said. “We are going to make sure that everybody has a wonderful experience as they come to watch soccer here on the world stage.”

On Thursday, NJ Transit announced a major sponsorship agreement with DoorDash. The deal includes renaming the Meadowlands Rail Line as the DoorDash Meadowlands Rail Line.

Today, NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri joined @DoorDash Head of East Public Policy Katherine Rodriguez and NJ TRANSIT Board Member Michael Beson to announce an exciting new partnership between NJ TRANSIT and DoorDash. pic.twitter.com/0pi7zNmBMO

— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) June 11, 2026

The one-year partnership, which includes an option for extension, will provide:

• Branding on two locomotives operating during World Cup matches and other stadium events
• World Cup digital tickets in the NJ Transit mobile app
• Directional signage at Secaucus Junction
• Sponsorship of NJ Transit’s World Cup countdown clock

Generating ‘real value’

“This significant sponsorship with DoorDash is exactly the kind of non-farebox revenue strategy that Gov. Sherrill directed us to execute — one that generates real value for those choosing NJ Transit to travel to the eight World Cup matches without passing additional costs on to everyday commuters,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri.

“DoorDash is in New Jersey communities every single day,” said Katherine Rodriguez, head of East Coast public policy at DoorDash. “When Gov. Sherrill challenged the private sector to show up for this state, we wanted to be the company that answered. We’re proud to help to make sure this train runs, and that it runs for New Jerseyans.”

DoorDash is in New Jersey communities every single day. When Gov. Sherrill challenged the private sector to show up for this state, we wanted to be the company that answered.
—Katherine Rodriguez, head of East Coast public policy, DoorDash

DoorDash’s involvement will continue after the tournament through branded buses, station activations and systemwide marketing initiatives.

In May, NJ Transit reduced ticket prices from $150 to $98. The drop came after the agency secured additional advertising revenue and support from organizations that included DoorDash, as well as Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries and New Jersey American Water.

Public safety awareness

On June 10, NJ Transit, the New Jersey Department of Transportation and New Jersey State Police provided a broader readiness update. The announcement outlined transportation and public safety preparations for the tournament.

Officials said the World Cup is expected to bring more than 1 million visitors to the region during its 39-day run.

“Preparing for an event of this scale requires years of planning, coordination and partnership,” said Sherrill in a statement. “From transportation and emergency management to public safety and communications, agencies across New Jersey have worked tirelessly alongside our local, state, federal and regional partners to prepare for this historic moment.”

As part of those efforts, the state launched a World Cup information and alert system through the Public Safety by Everbridge app. Users who subscribe to “WORLDCUPNJ” will receive transportation updates, public safety alerts, operational notices and other tournament-related information in multiple languages.

Work from home, please

“For more than two years, we have been planning for this event, and every decision we have made has been guided by our three pillars: safety, security and service, with strong partnerships serving as a critical component of our success,” said Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz, deputy superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and incident commander for the 2026 World Cup. “Public safety and security go hand in hand with service, and this app will help us deliver timely information while enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike.”

Officials are also encouraging employers and commuters to consider remote work arrangements, adjusted schedules or off-peak travel on match days to help reduce congestion.

The eight match dates — June 13, 16, 22, 25, 27 and 30, and July 5 and 19 — are expected to generate the greatest transportation impacts. Particularly the four weekday contests.

To accommodate crowds, NJ Transit has developed a detailed operating plan centered on Secaucus Junction. Rrail passengers will transfer there to the Meadowlands line. The agency has also scheduled enhanced train service before and after matches.

Meanwhile, transportation officials have coordinated temporary traffic patterns, lane restrictions and roadway diversions around the Meadowlands complex to manage vehicle flow and keep buses moving efficiently.

NJ Transit service impacts

NJ Transit has also outlined temporary service modifications around match days.

The changes include a four-hour operational period before each match designed to move fans into the stadium area as efficiently as possible. Officials have repeatedly stressed that fans should not attempt to walk to the stadium because of roadway restrictions, traffic controls and safety considerations surrounding the complex.

More details on rail travel are available here and here. Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased here.

“The World Cup is one of the most significant events this region has ever hosted, and our job is to make sure every customer gets where they’re going safely,” said Kolluri. “… [W]e’re counting on our customers to be partners in that effort — stay alert, use official transportation, and report any activity that appears suspicious.”

FEMA funding

Public safety has been a major focus of preparations.

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th District, announced this week that New Jersey will receive $8.5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to support World Cup-related law enforcement operations. The funding includes:

• $3 million for local police departments in Bergen County communities surrounding the Meadowlands complex
• $1.5 million for the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office
• $4 million for the New Jersey State Police

“This is a massive moment for New Jersey and for the entire country, and we need to make sure our officers and first responders have the resources to do their jobs,” said Gottheimer.

Officials said the funding will help cover overtime, security operations and other costs associated with protecting visitors, residents and participants throughout the tournament.

The state has repeatedly emphasized that security planning has been underway for years.

Stay alert

NJ Transit Police, New Jersey State Police and federal partners have expanded public awareness efforts tied to the long-running “See Something, Say Something” campaign, encouraging riders and visitors to report suspicious activity.

Officials have also launched specialized initiatives addressing issues that frequently accompany major international events.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport unveiled a human trafficking awareness and prevention campaign developed in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and nonprofit organization It’s a Penalty.

The campaign includes outreach at airports, transportation hubs, hotels and fan venues throughout the region.

“Such events are thrilling but are often exploited by human traffickers,” said Davenport. “We want everyone’s visit to New Jersey to be memorable, fun and safe, and to that end it is critical that the public exercises vigilance, knows what to look out for, and knows how to respond if they see or experience exploitation.”

Welcome to New Jersey

Transportation and security officials have also focused on the visitor experience, starting from the moment travelers arrive in the region.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced June 9 a series of initiatives under its $100 million Operation Legal Ride campaign. The initiative aims to combat illegal ride solicitation at Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports.

The effort includes additional police officers and enforcement personnel, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, new technology to identify illegal operators and multilingual public awareness campaigns designed to help visitors avoid scams.

“Visitors to our region deserve a warm welcome, not a shakedown,” said Sherrill. “I commend the Port Authority for partnering with city and state partners to tackle this problem and protect travelers and hardworking drivers who follow the rules.”

“These hustlers need to be put out of business, and we’re using every legitimate tool in our toolbox to make sure that happens,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As we welcome the world to our region for the World Cup, we want every visitor to have a safe and pleasant experience from the moment they land.”

The World Cup 2026 Health Hub

Health officials have likewise been preparing for the influx of visitors.

The New Jersey Department of Health this week launched a World Cup 2026 Health Hub, an online resource designed to provide information on heat safety, air quality, food safety, tick and mosquito protection, emergency medical care and other public health concerns.

“Our top priority is ensuring a safe, successful and memorable World Cup experience for both visitors and New Jersey residents,” Sherrill said announcing the initiative.

Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington said the department has been planning for the event since early 2025.

“We’re proud to welcome the world to New Jersey this summer, and we want every fan, visitor and resident to have a safe and healthy experience,” said Washington. “NJDOH and its partners have rigorously planned and prepared for every potential public health challenge.”

Of course there’s AI

Behind the scenes, technology is playing a key role in the state’s preparations.

This week, Ouster announced the completion of a deployment of its BlueCity traffic management platform at more than 40 locations on highways surrounding MetLife Stadium.

The project, completed under a NJDOT contract, uses lidar technology and artificial intelligence to provide real-time traffic monitoring, safety alerts and congestion management capabilities.

According to Ouster, the deployment creates a digital traffic twin of key transportation corridors around the Meadowlands and integrates directly with the state’s Advanced Traffic Management System.

Officials said the technology will help transportation managers monitor traffic in real time; identify bottlenecks before they worsen; and adjust traffic patterns, diversions and roadway operations as conditions change around the stadium. The system is expected to play an important role in managing thousands of vehicle, bus and rideshare trips before and after matches, while also providing long-term transportation benefits after the World Cup concludes.

Now or never

For New Jersey officials, however, the focus now shifts from planning to execution.

Years of preparation, countless coordination meetings and investments in transportation, security and public safety will face their first major test Saturday afternoon when the world’s attention turns to East Rutherford.

“We look forward to delivering a safe, successful and memorable tournament for residents and visitors alike,” Sherrill said.

Beginning Saturday, New Jersey will have its chance to show it is ready.