The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and the United States is pulling out all the stops to ensure the tournament is nothing short of historic. With the world’s greatest sporting spectacle returning to North American soil for the first time in decades, preparations are ramping up across the country—especially in the New York and New Jersey region, where East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium is set to play a starring role.
On October 23, 2025, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) approved nearly $800,000 in new spending for structural work at the American Dream mall, an entertainment complex adjacent to MetLife Stadium. This latest investment marks another significant step in the Meadowlands’ transformation as the area gears up to welcome millions of fans from around the globe. According to the NJSEA, $590,000 of those funds will go toward reinforcing parking deck A, a crucial upgrade to accommodate a brand-new pedestrian bridge that will channel surging crowds safely and efficiently between the stadium and the mall. "Due to the adjustment in use of the parking deck to accommodate the new bridge, structural reinforcement is necessary," explained John Duffy, NJSEA’s senior vice president of sports complex operations and facilities. "The deck strength is specific in the walking areas. We have to increase it from 50 to 100 pounds per square foot to meet code."
But that’s not all. The authority also awarded $189,454 to Joseph M. Sanzari Inc. for repairs to the south connector, north connector, and the existing pedestrian bridge at the complex. Sanzari was already on the job, having been hired in May 2025 for $538,422 to ensure the three bridges crossing Route 120 are up to the challenge of World Cup crowds. These projects are only the latest in a string of infrastructure upgrades: the NJSEA previously approved a $33.5 million contract for the new pedestrian bridge, which will sit immediately north of the current crossing and provide desperately needed relief from anticipated pedestrian congestion.
It’s no wonder the region is investing so heavily. The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t just any tournament—it's set to be the biggest in history. For the first time, the event will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature a record 104 matches across 16 cities. East Rutherford will host five group stage matches, two knockout round clashes, and, in a moment of global attention, the tournament final on July 19, 2026. The festivities kick off on June 10, 2026, with the official draw—where all 48 teams learn their group stage assignments—scheduled for December 5, 2025, in Washington, DC. That’s when the world will learn which teams get to play under the bright lights of MetLife Stadium.
The stakes, both on and off the pitch, are sky-high. Over 5 million fans are expected to descend on North America, with the U.S. projected to capture the lion’s share of economic benefits. Analysts predict a staggering $8 to $10 billion in total activity, with $5 to $6 billion flowing directly into local economies through hotels, entertainment, transportation, and tourism. The U.S. Travel Association forecasts that visitor spending during the tournament could surpass $4.8 billion, with aftershocks that will boost America’s global tourism image for years to come.
New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, and San Francisco are among the cities leading the charge, each preparing for an unprecedented surge in tourism. Local governments aren’t just upgrading stadiums and transit—they’re investing in training programs and workforce development to ensure communities benefit from the boom. Economists estimate that more than 250,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, will be created before and during the tournament, especially in major host cities. "Few global events create jobs as widely as the FIFA World Cup," according to a Boston Consulting Group and FIFA economic projection. Local authorities are working closely with employment agencies and trade unions to make sure the workforce is ready to shine in 2026.
For fans eager to be part of the action, the ticketing process is about to kick off. From October 27, 2025, at 11 am ET to October 31, 2025, at 11 am ET, supporters can enter a ticket lottery for a shot at purchasing tickets to any of the 104 matches. Unlike previous phases, there’s no requirement to use a Visa card. Winners of the draw will later be notified of their exclusive purchase windows, with single-match tickets, as well as venue- and team-specific packages, all up for grabs. The anticipation is palpable, and the rush for tickets is expected to be intense.
Infrastructure improvements aren’t just about handling the crowds—they’re about leaving a legacy. The Meadowlands complex alone has seen tens of millions in taxpayer dollars funneled into upgrades, with $77.5 million allocated over the last four state budgets for "International Events, Improvements & Attractions." The new pedestrian bridge, funded in part by a $25 million grant from New Jersey’s Transportation Department and $10 million in American Rescue Plan funds, is a prime example of how World Cup preparations are reshaping the region. The bridge will connect Meadowlands Parking Lot C to American Dream Parking Garage A, providing a safer and more efficient route for fans. As Duffy put it, "With the second bridge, there is an increase in capacity as well as the time the structure has to hold it. When people walk, they cause ‘harmonic disturbance or harmonic stress,’ and that can be cause for concern with ‘fan behavior and things of that nature, particularly in international soccer.’"
Of course, hosting an event of this magnitude is a shared responsibility. The bid for East Rutherford’s matches was part of a partnership between New Jersey and New York City, with costs expected to be split. However, as of October 23, 2025, no formal agreement with New York City is in place—leaving some questions about how the financial burden will ultimately be shared. Still, both sides remain committed to delivering a world-class experience.
Beyond the immediate economic windfall, the World Cup is expected to drive lasting change. Local governments are treating the tournament as a catalyst for urban modernization, with infrastructure upgrades worth tens of billions of dollars. Improved connectivity, upgraded stadiums, and revitalized public areas will benefit cities long after the final whistle. Sustainability is also a core pillar, with commitments to eco-friendly construction, waste management, and fan logistics ensuring the event’s legacy is as green as it is grand.
As the world’s eyes turn to the United States, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be more than just a football tournament—it’s a national celebration of growth, innovation, and opportunity. With the draw on the horizon and preparations in full swing, the excitement is building by the day. The Meadowlands and its neighbors are readying themselves for a moment in the global spotlight, one that promises to echo for decades to come.
