Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced a Midtown transportation plan for each of the eight local match days to keep the city moving safely.
As part of a multiagency transportation strategy, the Mamdani administration is coordinating with the NYNJ Host Committee, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), NJ TRANSIT and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to create temporary, dedicated corridors in Midtown Manhattan for World Cup-related transportation.
Mayor Mamdani will also declare each match day a "Gridlock Alert Day" to discourage non-essential driving; work with local businesses to limit truck deliveries in Midtown Manhattan during and in the hours surrounding matches; and promote the use of public transportation by both New Yorkers and visitors alike.
These strategies will direct World Cup-related transportation to specific corridors within Midtown Manhattan, helping fans travel seamlessly to and from matches while minimizing the impact of World Cup transportation on New Yorkers.
"New York City is ready to welcome the World Cup to our backyard," said Mayor Mamdani. "But even as the eyes of the world turn to our city, our responsibility remains the same to make sure New Yorkers can still get where they need to go safely, affordably and without unnecessary disruption. Whether you're heading to the stadium for a match, the park for a pick-up game or the office like any other day, our streets will work for everyone."
"Shifting delivery hours in Midtown and creating dedicated space for stadium shuttle buses will help minimize disruptions for New Yorkers during World Cup match days. With increased activity on match days, we strongly encourage New Yorkers to avoid driving into Manhattan and to fully utilize mass transit to get to your favorite watch parties this summer," said New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn. "This plan will also help ensure the vast majority of ticketholders will be able to get to matches seamlessly by mass transit, without driving or adding excessive congestion to our streets."
"Smart New Yorkers and tourists know there's only one fast, reliable way to beat gridlock and experience the city - take the train," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "Our subways have plenty of capacity to keep this city moving throughout the tournament and beyond."
"Hosting eight World Cup matches means preparing not only for unforgettable moments, but also for the safe and seamless movement of millions of residents, commuters and visitors," said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee. "This strategy reflects the level of coordination and planning across multiple agencies and partners to minimize disruptions, keep residents and visitors moving and ensure the city is ready to deliver an exceptional experience."
WHAT TO EXPECT
On match days, New Yorkers should:
- Plan for increased congestion and traffic delays, particularly in Manhattan.
- Account for altered street and bus routes, including bus and shuttle corridors and lanes in Midtown and street closures for queuing near Penn Station.
- Walk, bike or take the subway instead of non-essential driving when possible.
- Explore local World Cup activations in and around their neighborhoods.
- Stay up to date by signing up for emergency alerts including traffic disruptions by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.
- Find more transportation information on the City's World Cup Ready page.
- Visit the NYNJ Host Committee's website for NYNJ World Cup event updates, travel alerts and safety notifications.
GRIDLOCK ALERT DAYS
Mayor Mamdani will declare each match day a Gridlock Alert Day. NYC DOT designates the busiest traffic days of the year as Gridlock Alert Days, days when traffic is expected to be at its slowest and New Yorkers and visitors are urged to walk, bike or take public transportation instead of driving when possible.
MTA Subways and Buses
MTA subways and buses will continue to carry millions of riders throughout the city on match days; however, bus service and Access-A-Ride service in Midtown Manhattan will be impacted on match days.
