Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul today outlined sweeping multiagency plans to keep New Yorkers and visitors safe, informed and moving throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Today's briefing focused on transportation, infrastructure and emergency preparedness. An additional public safety briefing will be held next week to detail the City's plans to ensure a safe and successful tournament.
"We have spent months coordinating, drilling and preparing so that when the world arrives at our doorstep, we are ready," said Mayor Mamdani. "From the first kickoff to the final whistle and long after, our job is clear: keep residents and visiting fans safe, informed and supported during every moment of this busy summer."
"New York's transit system safely and reliably moves millions every day, and we are ready to shine on the world stage," said Governor Hochul. "The World Cup will be a once-in-a-generation event for our state, and whether you're traveling from Brazil or Bed-Stuy, we have a plan to get you to where you need to go safely."
"After months of planning, we are adding trains wherever fans are going to watch matches while helping to keep them safe," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "Moving millions is what we do, and not just when the World Cup is in town."
"With kickoff just days away, our region is ready to welcome the world. This level of preparation doesn't happen overnight - it is the result of years of collaboration among transportation agencies, public safety officials and government partners across New York and New Jersey," said NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry. "Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, the MTA and countless partners, fans will have safe and reliable ways to travel throughout the tournament while residents continue to move around the region. We are grateful for their partnership and shared commitment to delivering an unforgettable World Cup this summer."
Interagency Transportation Planning
The City and State are coordinating with the NYNJ Host Committee, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), NJ TRANSIT and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to direct World Cup-related traffic through designated Midtown Manhattan corridors, helping fans travel to and from matches while minimizing disruptions for New Yorkers.
On match days, dedicated travel corridors will operate along 42nd Street and portions of Fifth and Sixth avenues and 40th and 41st streets. Beginning six hours before kickoff and ending three hours after the final whistle, access will be limited to NYNJ Stadium shuttles, MTA local buses, official World Cup vehicles and emergency response vehicles.
