With train fares for the 2026 World Cup surging from the typical $13 to a staggering $105, many fans are questioning whether walking from New York City to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is a viable alternative. To put this idea to the test, we dispatched adventurous reporter Mark McPartland on a scenic trek across the Hudson River to assess whether America’s pedestrian infrastructure can handle the demand.
His journey revealed a challenging yet occasionally picturesque 4.5-hour walk, but the final stretch was marred by closed pedestrian routes that would thwart even the most seasoned European hiker from reaching the stadium during the tournament. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to draw massive crowds to MetLife Stadium, which will host the final match. However, issues like inflated transit costs, heightened terror threats, and infrastructure gaps are already raising concerns. The tournament’s massive $13 billion budget also raises questions about resource allocation and accessibility for fans.
This video documents the entire trek, capturing both the natural beauty of the route and the surprising obstacles that could turn a simple walk into an ordeal. As World Cup preparations continue, the question remains: will organizers address these pedestrian barriers before the first whistle blows?