The World Cup returns to NJ this weekend. Here's how to plan your day
· Yahoo Sports
The World Cup will be back in North Jersey June 13 for the first time in more than three decades.
Thousands of soccer fans will flock to East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium, temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium, to see Brazil and Morocco kick off at 6 p.m. It will be the first World Cup match at the Meadowlands since July 13, 1994, when Italy defeated Bulgaria in a semifinal at what was then called Giants Stadium.
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The tournament's return to the United States is welcome news for New Jersey soccer fans in particular, who will have no shortage of ways to immerse themselves in the festivities. For those unable to attend any matches in person, there are plenty of local watch parties, restaurant specials and other soccer-themed events to enjoy.
Here are some suggestions for all fans, from lifelong residents to out-of-towners, to plan their day around the first match in New Jersey.
Pregame meals in NJ and NYC
For the soccer diehards that want to start their day early, Mulligan's Pub in Hoboken opens at 7 a.m. on Saturdays. The restaurant is billed on its website as "NJ's premier football bar" and serves Irish breakfast all day.
Fans who prefer to stay closer to the stadium — or who just want another place to go after Mulligan's — can visit Blarney Station Pub in East Rutherford starting at 11 a.m. The pub is just a few minutes from MetLife and is directly across from the Rutherford Train Station, making it a convenient spot for fans seeking a quick bite and something to drink.
Soccer fans looking for a place with a strong rooting interest can go to Boi Na Brasa in Newark. The Brazilian steakhouse is hosting a watch party at its Adams Street location, featuring outdoor TVs and a live appearance from former Brazilian soccer player Rodrigo Costa.
Visiting fans who are more inclined to check out a bar in New York City for the match can head to The Long Acre Tavern in Times Square. The restaurant will be offering various specials catered to different international cuisines thanks to chef Darren Hamilton, the former executive head chef for Manchester United.
Other matchday events
New Jersey officials are organizing dozens of World Cup fan events throughout the state. Some will be held on specific days over the next month, while others will be ongoing during the tournament's run.
Among the events taking place in North Jersey June 13 is the Union City Soccer Festival & Fan Celebration, a full day of free family-friendly activities from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Other nearby attractions include Passport to Paterson and Linden Welcomes the World, a pair of citywide experiences designed to showcase the area and celebrate cultures of visiting teams and fans.
Getting to MetLife Stadium for the World Cup
After a full day of celebrating soccer, fans attending the match need to figure out how to actually get to New York New Jersey Stadium. And unlike previous sporting events and concerts at the venue, planning this trip is not as straightforward as simply driving into the parking lot.
There will be no vehicle access to the stadium on any match days. Instead, spectators are encouraged to use public transportation or ride-sharing to and from the Meadowlands.
Ticket holders can travel round trip on NJ Transit trains for $98. All routes are through New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal or Secaucus Junction, meaning passengers coming from other stops must transfer at one of the New Jersey stations to board the World Cup trains.
Those going to the match can also buy roundtrip tickets for the official stadium shuttle for $20. The shuttle has four pickup locations: three in Manhattan, and one at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley.
There are a limited number of parking spots available at American Dream mall for $225, which must be purchased in advance. Fans may also take private bus and car services to the stadium if they have appropriate credentials or use ride-sharing apps, which will drop them off at the adjacent Meadowlands Racetrack.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: World Cup 2026 is back, soccer-related things to do in NJ-NY