City officials issued a Gridlock Alert Day for Monday, citing the 8 p.m. kickoff, expected heavy traffic and the potential for severe weather, including strong thunderstorms and heavy rain.
The biggest impact was at Penn Station, where NJ Transit service to New Jersey was restricted from 3:20 p.m. until 7:01 p.m. During that time, New Jersey-bound trains departing Penn Station and Secaucus Junction were reserved exclusively for World Cup ticket holders traveling to MetLife Stadium. Fans had to have both a match ticket and an NJ Transit ticket to board.
That meant regular commuters heading home to New Jersey during that time needed to find alternate transportation, including PATH trains, ferries or buses.
"I like the World Cup but it can't put us... inconvenience our travel. They should find a better way to do this," said Pat Begeleus, who lives in East Rutherford, home of New York New Jersey Stadium, where Monday night's soccer match was played.
NJ Transit staff patiently redirected confused travelers. Some commuters were pointed to the PATH station at Herald Square, full of extra foot traffic on Monday to get to the Jersey side, and the Port Authority Bus terminal, which was also more crowded with people who usually take an NJ Transit train to get home.
Earlier in the day, Governor Mikie Sherrill warned commuters of the potential impact from the soccer match and the potential for severe weather, releasing a statement saying,
"With severe weather expected this evening, fans and commuters should plan for possible delays and changes to traffic and transit service. For those attending the match, NJ TRANSIT is the quickest and safest way to get to and from the stadium. Avoid unnecessary road travel and monitor local weather forecasts for the latest updates."
FIFA also released a statement regarding the weather saying:
"FIFA's top priority is the health and safety of all individuals involved in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
"As per standard practice for outdoor sporting events and in line with applicable legislation in the United States, FIFA will implement standard protocols at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to address severe weather conditions and ensure that matches are played in the best and safest possible conditions.
"In the event of severe weather conditions such as lightning or thunderstorms, FIFA will implement a thorough procedure based on public safety standards, providing clear and specific safety guidelines to all stakeholders involved.
"FIFA has dedicated meteorological support throughout the tournament to provide accurate forecasting and strengthen real-time operational decision-making."
Fans who arrived to the stadium Monday afternoon as severe storms rolled through had to seek shelter, turning to the American Dream mall as a place of refuge from the rain.
More than 70,000 fans brave severe storms for World Cup game at MetLife Stadium
Ahead of the match, round-trip NJ Transit tickets to MetLife Stadium were available for $98. However, all 12,000 seats on shuttle buses departing from Grand Central Terminal, the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Columbus Circle sold out for Monday's match.
Street closures around Penn Station began after 2 p.m. to accommodate security screening and fan queues. Officials said 33rd Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues and 32nd Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues were closed until after 8 p.m., while 33rd Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues was expected to reopen after 1 a.m.
The restrictions mirrored what travelers experienced during last week's World Cup match, when thousands of fans packed transit hubs across the region.
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri thanked city officials for helping manage crowds around Penn Station.
"I'm so grateful to the City of New York and Mayor Mamdani for setting up a great system outside Penn Station to process the fans from a security standpoint," Kolluri said.
He also urged commuters to remain patient as the region hosts the international tournament.
"My one ask is that this is a very amazing opportunity for the region and for the state of New Jersey. I know commuters have busy lives and they are trying to earn a living. We're asking for a little patience," Kolluri said.
Officials say NJ Transit transported more than 26,000 fans during the June 16 World Cup match, and additional crowds were expected for Monday night's game.
Monday night's match was the only one in the area with the 8 p.m. start time. The remaining five World Cup games in Jersey are earlier in the day, with the next one starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, which will sandwich rush hour between the fans' departure and return.
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