Can’t Get World Cup Tickets? Watch the Matches for Free at This NJ Stadium

Sports Illustrated Stadium will host a free World Cup fan hub in Harrison

Sports Illustrated Stadium

The World Cup is just 11 days away from coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. But getting tickets to the matches in our own backyard is tough and incredibly pricey.

Enter Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison. The stadium, formerly known as Red Bull Arena and home to the New York Red Bulls and Gotham FC, will host a NYNJ World Cup 26 Jersey Fan Hub, a free fan experience where families can watch FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on a giant screen inside the pro soccer stadium. Sports Illustrated Stadium has direct PATH access, making it a more doable plan for families who couldn’t get tickets but want to watch the World Cup live with a huge crowd.

The Fan Hub will be open on select dates during the tournament, including eight dates during the Group Stage and eight dates during the Knockout rounds. The experience will include live match broadcasts, live entertainment, fan activities and more. Fans will be able to watch from the stadium floor, with matches shown on a 60-foot screen on the pitch. General admission tickets for Fan Hub days are free, but registration is required.

Sports Illustrated Stadium

The free ticketing initiative is part of a joint effort by the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee (NYNJ Host Committee), NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill, NY Governor Kathy Hochul, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Harrison Mayor James Fife and the Red Bulls.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will host eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including the final on July 19. The local match schedule begins June 13 with Brazil vs. Morocco, followed by France vs. Senegal on June 16, Norway vs. Senegal on June 22, Ecuador vs. Germany on June 25, Panama vs. England on June 27, a Round of 32 match on June 30, a Round of 16 match on July 5 and the final on July 19.

Sports Illustrated Stadium

Before the World Cup begins, Sports Illustrated Stadium will also host international soccer friendlies, with $25 all-in tickets available for two matches: Bolivia vs. Scotland on June 6 and Morocco vs. Norway on June 7.

General admission tickets to Fan Hub days are free, but some special events at Sports Illustrated Stadium, including concerts, may require separate paid tickets. Kids 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult on general Fan Hub days, except for special event days such as the KIDZ BOP Live concert, which requires tickets for all ages. Tickets include the concert plus World Cup watch parties for Germany vs. Curaçao and Netherlands vs. Japan. The event runs from 12:30-6 pm and also includes family-friendly soccer activities and player meet-and-greets.

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Read More:
2026 FIFA World Cup in New Jersey: Fan Fests, Watch Parties and Family Events
The Messi Experience Is Coming to American Dream in East Rutherford

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