Could fans realistically walk from NYC to MetLife Stadium for World Cup 2026?

Who walked to MetLife — and what they found

A Guardian video published on 12 May 2026 sent reporter Mark McPartland to test whether a fan could reasonably walk from New York City to MetLife Stadium, the host venue for some 2026 World Cup matches. The walk took about 4.5 hours and finished with blocked pedestrian routes that would prevent a straightforward arrival for many fans.

Why it matters

MetLife Stadium will host World Cup 2026 fixtures with large numbers of travelling fans. With public-transport fares reportedly rising — the video notes a jump from a usual $13 train fare to $105 for World Cup travel — some supporters may consider walking as an alternative. The Guardian test shows walking is possible but far from simple, calling attention to safety, accessibility and logistics questions for organisers, local authorities and supporters planning to attend matches.

What the walk involved

According to the video, the route offered intermittent scenic stretches but was interrupted by obstacles and sections where pedestrian access was restricted. The total on-foot time reported was approximately 4.5 hours. The final approach to the stadium included blocked-off pedestrian routes that would obstruct even determined walkers, the reporter found.

Key points

• Guardian video test walked from New York City to MetLife Stadium, taking about 4.5 hours.
• The route had scenic sections but included blocked pedestrian paths near the stadium.
• The report highlights a significant rise in train cost for World Cup travel (from a usual $13 to $105, as noted in the video).

Implications for fans and organisers

The Guardian’s on-foot experiment raises immediate practical questions: how realistic is walking as a contingency for fans if train fares are elevated, and will security or local infrastructure prevent pedestrian access on match days? The video’s findings suggest walking could be feasible only for experienced pedestrians willing to plan carefully and accept uncertainties en route. They also underline the need for clear guidance from transit authorities, stadium operators and FIFA on permitted pedestrian approaches, shuttle options and temporary closures during tournament periods.

The source does not include official responses from transit agencies, MetLife Stadium management or FIFA about pedestrian arrangements or the reasons for blocked routes. It also does not provide a detailed map, precise start point in New York City, or the exact distance walked; those facts should be confirmed for a final, publishable feature.

What happens next

Fans planning to attend World Cup matches at MetLife should not assume a safe or open pedestrian route from New York City without checking official guidance and transport plans. Organisers and local authorities are likely to publish final transport and access information nearer the tournament; until then, the Guardian video serves as a practical warning that walking could be time-consuming and blocked by closured routes close to the stadium.