Some of the Copa America soccer matches are being played at MetLife Stadium, bringing major crowds to the Meadowlands. Recent issues with New Jersey Transit have some commuters questioning if the transit agency will be able to handle the FIFA World Cup when it comes to the Garden State in 2026.
Tuesday’s matchup was between Chile and Argentina. Soccer star Lionel Messi playing means that fans flocked to the stadium whether or not they had tickets for the match.
Fans who drove to the stadium arrived early, tailgating ahead of the match, while others opted for mass transit in hopes that was running on time. NJ Transit has been a nightmare for commuters with frequent delayed and suspended trains and overhead wire issues over the past few weeks.
The Copa America matches at the Meadowlands could be looked at as a dry run for New Jersey Transit come the World Cup in two years.
NJ Transit had rail service from Secaucus Junction to the stadium between 6:31 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. The last train leaving the Meadowlands after the match is at 1 a.m.