The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is here! While matches will be played across the river at New York New Jersey Stadium (Metlife Stadium), the southern edge of Lincoln Square will serve as a key Manhattan transit and connection hub. From Saturday, June 13, through Sunday, July 19, our neighborhood will see a significant influx of visitors, increased foot traffic, and heightened security. Local street and transit impacts will be most noticeable on the eight specific match days: Saturday, June 13; Tuesday, June 16; Monday, June 22; Thursday, June 25; Saturday, June 27; Tuesday, June 30; Sunday, July 5; and Sunday, July 19.
Columbus Circle and Curbside Impacts
Columbus Circle and its surrounding corridors will handle heavy traffic operations to support tournament logistics on match dates. Area travelers should expect high volumes of charter buses, official tournament shuttles, and large pedestrian crowds near Merchants Gate—the entrance to Central Park at 59th Street and Central Park West. Temporary parking restrictions, security checkpoints, and designated pick-up and drop-off zones will be in effect on nearby cross-streets.
Gridlock Alerts and Transit Changes
Because the City has designated each of these eight match days as an official city-wide Gridlock Alert Day, massive traffic congestion is expected throughout Midtown, and dedicated bus-only corridors will be established on 42nd Street and portions of Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Mass transit remains the best travel option. The MTA will increase service on the 1, C, and F local trains before and after matches. On match days, C trains will run more frequently between 10:00am and 10:30pm. Customer ambassadors will be stationed at the 59th Street–Columbus Circle station to assist commuters. Surface transit will face significant delays; bus routes in Lincoln Square—including the M5, M7, M10, M11, M20, M104, and BxM2—will be rerouted. Certain neighborhood bus stops will be skipped entirely on match days. Riders should check physical stop notices and the MTA app before traveling. For more information on public transit, click here.
Match Day Commercial Delivery Restrictions
The City is implementing a strict commercial delivery restriction zone between 30th and 60th Streets, from the East River to the Hudson River. On the eight designated match days, commercial truck deliveries are entirely prohibited within this zone beginning six hours before kickoff and ending three hours after the final whistle. Because we anticipate an increase in delivery truck volume and overflow just outside the zone near 60th Street, local businesses and property managers are strongly encouraged to avoid scheduling deliveries during these specific days and times to minimize disruptions.
How to Stay Informed
The BID is in close contact with City agencies and will share operational updates as they are finalized. To receive real-time, neighborhood-specific emergency alerts and traffic updates directly from the City throughout the tournament, text SUMMER26 to 692-692.
For full details on match day schedules and spectator transit options, visit nyc.gov/worldcupready and check the MTA Travel Guide.
Photo Credit: New York City Department of Transportation
