MetLife Stadium’s biggest issues ahead of World Cup were exposed

Walking into MetLife Stadium during the FIFA Club World Cup recently, Chelsea fans Walker Thoss, Nichllas Diehl and a man who identified himself as KS mentioned the relative ease with which they arrived at the semifinal match between Chelsea and Fluminense last week, but still expressed concern that the area won’t be ready when the World Cup comes to New York next year.

MetLife Stadium will host eight games in next year’s World Cup, including the final, drawing some 80,000 fans to East Rutherford for the final alone.

While the venue regularly hosts massive events, the potential influx of fans taking the train to the game rather than driving has some wondering whether the transit system can handle it.

“I’m a little skeptical,” Diehl said in the shadow of the stadium. “I think there’s not as many people going to these games [Club World Cup], so I think it could be when 80,000 people are going primarily on public transportation, it could be a little hectic.”

Added soccer fan Nick Valastro: “I have my doubts. Sure, they have capacity to handle it. But in terms of dependency and efficiency, not really.”

This year’s Club World Cup took place without any major issues at MetLife Stadium, but hiccups still occurred while moving fans in and out after matches.

Long lines awaited some fans who wanted to take NJ Transit trains back from matches amid the sweltering summer heat.

Even Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid dealt with some transit issues, with the team buses getting caught in traffic, delaying their arrival by 20 minutes and delaying the match by 10 minutes during the semifinals last week.

English fans Alison and Darren, who declined to provide their last names, felt that things should have been more organized following one match as they waited to board a train.

The pair had traveled to several matches during the tournament and felt that MetLife had been the toughest experience getting to and from the matches.

“Atlanta was great. They organized it better,” Alison said. “Philadelphia was much better and Charlotte was better. It’s just here, it’s not good. That’s all I’m saying. It wasn’t good.”

The pair of Brits said they had been to World Cup and Champions League matches around the world previously, and Alison’s biggest suggestion was the need for more trains and buses.

“We’re standing on the platform for about 20 minutes waiting for a train. Then suddenly it flashes up and you are all going to the same [platform], which is silly,” she said.

Event organizers for the 2026 World Cup have said their goal is to ensure a “seamless and safe experience” for fans getting to and from MetLife Stadium next year.

The NY/NJ FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee got a small taste of what’s to come this year with the Club World Cup, for which they were “intricately involved” in the planning and execution, and are planning on using the lessons from this year to prepare for next year.

“We expect, and are preparing for, most attendees to rely on public transportation, rideshare, and shuttle options,” host committee CEO Alex Lasry told The Post. “Ultimately, we were able to take note of what worked and where there are opportunities to improve — and transportation communications was one of those key learnings. From the semis to the eventual final, that process improved with each match.

“Every major event offers valuable lessons, and we see these as chances to sharpen our approach and make sure we’re meeting the moment for the World Cup.”

As part of its preparation, NJ Transit solicited feedback through an online survey during the Club World Cup.

A spokesperson for the rail system said they were still going through responses “after which we will process and analyze the data as we continually look to enhance the customer experience.”

As part of their plan for 2026, NJ Transit is setting up a temporary “transitway” system that will help ferry fans by bus between Secaucus Junction and MetLife Stadium.