New York is currently at the centre of the sporting world. The Knicks lead the NBA Finals 3–1 and are therefore just 48 minutes away from a title they have not won since 1973. Then there is the World Cup, which will bring six group-stage matches, one Round of 32 fixture, one Round of 16 tie and, above all, the final to the city, all of them at MetLife Stadium – in New Jersey, just a few miles from Brooklyn.
The focus on logistics is understandable, especially if the Knicks fail to finish the job in San Antonio on Saturday and return to New York for a Game 6 that would bring much of Manhattan to a standstill with the World Cup already under way. Not exactly the outcome Mayor Mamdani is hoping for, despite being a keen football supporter himself and having campaigned against increases in ticket prices and public transport fares for those heading to the stadium.
Bloomberg estimates that more than 1.2 million football supporters will pass through the New York metropolitan area. Thousands of fans will move through Penn Station every day, the rail hub beneath Madison Square Garden and the departure point for New Jersey Transit services bound for MetLife Stadium.
City authorities and FIFA’s organising committee have prepared a number of fan zones across all five boroughs. Planned locations include Central Park, Rockefeller Center and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, where tens of thousands of people will be able to follow matches on giant screens.
The World Cup is expected to generate around $3.3 billion in economic impact across New York and New Jersey. It will also bring inevitable disruption for commuters and residents, who will have to contend with heavier demand on public transport networks and along the city’s main roads.
The tournament’s first match at MetLife Stadium will see Brazil face Morocco on Saturday at 6pm local time. On the same day, the Knicks will be in San Antonio for an NBA Finals game, but large crowds are still expected around Madison Square Garden and Penn Station.
Mayor Mamdani and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have urged residents and visitors to favour public transport over private cars. Traffic on bridges, through tunnels and along the main routes into Manhattan is expected to increase sharply. Travellers are advised to plan journeys in advance, keep a close eye on transport apps and official websites, and allow more time than usual to get around.
To limit congestion, every matchday has been designated a Gridlock Alert Day, with extraordinary traffic measures in place.
The rail network is also preparing for record passenger numbers. New Jersey Transit estimates that around 40,000 supporters will travel to MetLife Stadium on each matchday, including roughly 28,000 departing from Penn Station. During the four hours before kick-off, rail services to New Jersey will be reserved exclusively for match ticket holders. Normal service will resume while matches are being played.
Commuters have also been encouraged, where possible, to work remotely or adjust travel schedules in order to avoid the busiest periods.
It is unpleasant to think about, and perhaps to say as well, but for them the World Cup risks becoming a nightmare. A logistical one, but a nightmare nonetheless.