Last Updated: March 20th, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to New Jersey in a big way — MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford hosts eight matches including the Grand Final on July 19. Whether you’re arriving from Brazil, England, France, Germany, or anywhere else in the world, you’ve landed in one of the best shopping regions in North America. New Jersey has zero sales tax on all clothing and footwear, American Dream Mall sits literally half a mile from the stadium, and some of the best outlet centers and luxury malls in the US are within a 30-minute drive. This guide covers everything: the full match schedule, match-day shopping at American Dream, the tax-free advantage, how to get here from NYC and Newark Airport, and the best day trips across New Jersey’s top malls and outlets.
FIFA World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is hosting eight FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures — the most of any venue in the tournament — culminating with the Grand Final. If you’re attending any of these matches, you’re arriving in the heart of New Jersey’s most retail-dense corridor, with American Dream Mall virtually next door and multiple major shopping destinations within easy reach.
Full match schedule at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ:
- June 13 (Saturday) — Brazil vs. Morocco, Group C, 6:00 PM ET
- June 16 (Tuesday) — France vs. Senegal, Group I, 3:00 PM ET
- June 22 (Monday) — Norway vs. Senegal, Group I, 8:00 PM ET
- June 25 (Thursday) — Ecuador vs. Germany, Group E, 4:00 PM ET
- June 27 (Saturday) — Panama vs. England, Group L, 5:00 PM ET
- June 30 (Tuesday) — Round of 32, 5:00 PM ET
- July 5 (Sunday) — Round of 16, 4:00 PM ET
- July 19 (Sunday) — The Grand Final, 3:00 PM ET
MetLife Stadium is the official host of the tournament’s biggest moment. With over 1.2 million global visitors expected in the region and an estimated $3.3 billion economic impact, New Jersey will be a truly international destination throughout the summer of 2026. Major retailers across the state are preparing for this influx — plan your shopping trips in advance, especially on match weekends when American Dream and surrounding areas will be at peak capacity.
American Dream Mall: Your World Cup Shopping Headquarters
American Dream Mall in East Rutherford is the closest major shopping destination to MetLife Stadium — approximately half a mile away, with a walkable pedestrian route connecting the two. With 450+ stores across multiple floors, the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park, DreamWorks Water Park, Big Snow indoor ski slope, ice skating, and multiple dining levels, American Dream is designed as a full-day destination. For World Cup visitors, it’s the natural anchor for your entire New Jersey shopping experience.
Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10AM–9PM, Friday–Saturday 10AM–10PM
Note: American Dream is open on Sundays — an important distinction from most other Bergen County malls, which are closed Sundays due to Bergen County Blue Laws. Both the Round of 16 (July 5) and the Grand Final (July 19) fall on Sundays — American Dream will be fully open for both match days.
The Adidas FIFA World Cup Flagship
Adidas has opened its first US soccer-focused flagship store at American Dream — a 9,000 sq ft immersive retail experience purpose-built around the 2026 World Cup. This is the destination for official FIFA 2026 merchandise, national team jerseys, limited-edition World Cup footwear, and exclusive American Dream-only product lines. Brazil, France, Germany, England, Morocco, Argentina — if your nation is in the tournament, this store carries your gear. Expect crowds here on match weekends; arrive early or visit on a non-match weekday for the best selection and shortest lines.
Shopping Across American Dream’s 450+ Stores
Beyond the Adidas flagship, American Dream’s store lineup covers the full retail spectrum — from fast fashion and high street to luxury boutiques, beauty, tech, and specialty retail. For international visitors, this is an excellent opportunity to shop brands you know at US prices, with no sales tax on clothing. Key categories and highlights include:
- Fashion & Apparel: Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, Primark, ASOS, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and dozens more international and American brands.
- Luxury & Premium: Saks Fifth Avenue, with designer boutiques and premium brands across the mall’s upper levels.
- Sports & Outdoors: Nike, Under Armour, Adidas flagship, Foot Locker, and dedicated sports retail across multiple locations.
- Beauty: Sephora, MAC Cosmetics, Bath & Body Works, and specialty beauty across the mall.
- Dining: Multiple restaurant levels including sit-down restaurants, fast casual, food hall concepts, and international cuisine across the complex.
Browse the complete American Dream stores directory to plan your visit by category before you arrive.
Entertainment at American Dream
American Dream functions as much as an entertainment resort as a shopping mall. If you’re travelling with family, have time between matches, or simply want to extend your stay, the on-site entertainment is genuinely world-class — most of it unique in the world, let alone the United States.
- Nickelodeon Universe — An indoor theme park spanning over 8 acres with 35+ rides and attractions, including the world’s largest indoor roller coaster. Tickets sold separately; book in advance for World Cup weekends.
- DreamWorks Water Park — North America’s largest indoor water park, open year-round at a consistent 84°F regardless of outside weather. Perfect for New Jersey’s hot and humid June–July summer climate.
- Big Snow — America’s only year-round indoor ski and snowboard facility. An entirely surreal experience in the middle of a summer World Cup — and a genuinely unique memento of a New Jersey visit.
- Ice Skating, Mini Golf, Bowling — Additional leisure options for a longer stay.
Pre-book entertainment tickets online well in advance — Nickelodeon Universe and the Water Park will be operating at or near capacity on match weekends. The combination of World Cup crowds and peak summer season means American Dream will be one of the busiest entertainment destinations on the East Coast throughout June and July 2026.
New Jersey’s Tax-Free Shopping Advantage for World Cup Visitors
This is the most important thing for international visitors to understand before shopping in New Jersey: all clothing and footwear is completely exempt from sales tax — statewide, by law, with no exceptions. No minimum purchase threshold, no paperwork, no refund application. The saving is automatic at every register across the entire state.
For visitors from Europe, where VAT on clothing typically runs 20–25%, or from other US states, or from countries with national sales taxes, this is a real and meaningful saving. Spend $500 on clothing and shoes at American Dream and you pay exactly $500 — not $600 after tax. The equivalent $500 purchase in New York City would cost you an additional $22–$44 in sales tax on top of the listed price, depending on the item.
Important for visitors from the EU and UK: the United States does not operate a VAT refund system for tourists. However, New Jersey’s built-in clothing tax exemption functions as a permanent, automatic equivalent — you never pay the tax in the first place, so no refund claim is needed. No airport counters, no minimum spend, no forms. The saving happens at checkout, on every purchase, in every New Jersey store. Read the full breakdown in our New Jersey tax-free shopping guide.
Jersey City’s UEZ Bonus
If you’re staying in Jersey City or visiting Newport Centre Mall in the waterfront Newport district, there’s an additional layer of tax savings. Jersey City is part of New Jersey’s Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), which cuts the sales tax rate on most non-clothing purchases to roughly half the standard rate — approximately 3.3% instead of 6.625%. Combined with the statewide clothing exemption, Jersey City is one of the most tax-advantaged shopping environments in the entire Northeast.
Getting to MetLife Stadium & American Dream
MetLife Stadium and American Dream Mall are well-connected to the New York metropolitan area by both public transit and road. Here are your main options for World Cup match days and non-match shopping days.
By NJ Transit from New York Penn Station
NJ Transit will operate enhanced World Cup match-day train service from New York Penn Station to Meadowlands Station — which is directly adjacent to MetLife Stadium and within walking distance of American Dream. On standard days, trains and connecting shuttles run regularly; during match days, expect dedicated high-frequency service. Purchase NJ Transit tickets in advance via the NJ Transit app or website — match-day services will sell out. Standard travel time: approximately 15–25 minutes from Penn Station to Meadowlands.
From Newark Liberty Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the closest major airports to any FIFA World Cup 2026 venue in the United States — approximately 12 miles from MetLife Stadium. From EWR, take the Newark AirTrain to Newark Penn Station, then connect to NJ Transit services toward Meadowlands/Secaucus Junction. Total travel time: approximately 40–50 minutes. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) from EWR to American Dream takes 20–30 minutes outside peak traffic. Newark Airport’s proximity also makes Jersey Gardens (just 3 miles from EWR) an excellent first or last shopping stop on your trip.
By Car
From Manhattan, take the Lincoln Tunnel to Route 3 West — American Dream and MetLife Stadium are directly accessible from Route 3, Exit 16A. From I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike), take Exit 16E toward the Meadowlands Sports Complex. From northern New Jersey, the Garden State Parkway to I-95 East is the standard approach. American Dream has 3,000+ on-site parking spaces. On match days, allow 90 minutes extra and arrive before 10AM — Route 3 traffic will be severe, and parking fills early with a combined match-day and shopping crowd.
For detailed transit routes, bus connections, and public transport options from across New Jersey, our NJ Transit bus and mall guide covers the full network. For group transport, VIP coaches, and private shuttle services for World Cup visitors, see our NJ shopping tours and VIP transport guide.
Beyond American Dream: New Jersey’s Best Shopping for World Cup Visitors
American Dream is the match-day anchor — but New Jersey’s retail landscape goes far beyond East Rutherford. Whether you’re in the state for a weekend or a full two weeks, these destinations are all within 30–50 minutes of MetLife Stadium and offer completely different retail experiences. Use your World Cup trip as the opportunity to explore what is genuinely one of the great shopping regions in the world.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens, Elizabeth — Outlet Shopping & International Discounts
The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth is New Jersey’s largest outlet-format mall with 200+ stores offering discounts of 25–65% on brand-name and designer goods. It’s approximately 20 minutes south of MetLife Stadium — an ideal pairing with an American Dream visit for shoppers looking to maximize savings. Distance from Newark Airport: just 3 miles, making it the perfect first stop off the plane or last stop before departure.
For international visitors specifically: Jersey Gardens offers a free International Visitors Coupon Book at the Guest Services desk, available exclusively to non-US passport holders. Bring your international passport or ID to claim it. The coupon book includes additional discounts not available to domestic shoppers across dozens of stores. See the Jersey Gardens stores directory for the complete store list by category. Jersey Gardens is open on Sundays — Union County has no Blue Law restrictions.
The Mall at Short Hills, Millburn — New Jersey’s Luxury Destination
The Mall at Short Hills in Millburn is consistently ranked among the top luxury malls in the United States — and the right destination if you want authentic full-price Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, or Tiffany boutiques rather than their outlet counterparts. Anchored by Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue, Short Hills serves the high-net-worth communities of Essex County and draws luxury shoppers from Manhattan and internationally.
Distance from MetLife Stadium: approximately 25 minutes (20 miles southwest). Short Hills is open on Sundays — Essex County has no Blue Law restrictions, making it accessible on the July 5 Round of 16 and July 19 Final days. If you want to experience New Jersey’s premier luxury retail environment during your World Cup visit, Short Hills is the destination. Our NJ luxury shopping guide covers the full landscape of premium retail across the state.
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus — 300+ Stores with a Blue Laws Caveat
Garden State Plaza in Paramus is New Jersey’s largest traditional mall — 300+ stores across 2.1 million sq ft, anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s, with luxury brands including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Apple, and Tiffany. It’s approximately 20 minutes north of MetLife Stadium and a natural extension of a Bergen County shopping day.
Critical note for World Cup visitors: Garden State Plaza is closed every Sunday due to Bergen County Blue Laws. The Round of 16 (July 5) and the Grand Final (July 19) both fall on Sundays — GSP will be closed on both these match days. All GSP visits must be planned for Monday through Saturday. If you’re attending a Sunday match, American Dream (open Sundays), Short Hills (open Sundays), or Jersey Gardens (open Sundays) are your alternatives for same-day shopping.
Newport Centre, Jersey City — Manhattan-Accessible Urban Shopping
Newport Centre in Jersey City is the most Manhattan-accessible mall in New Jersey — the PATH train stops directly below it, an 8–10 minute journey from lower Manhattan with no transfers. For World Cup visitors staying in Lower Manhattan, Hoboken, or Jersey City, Newport Centre is the easiest shopping option with 130+ stores including Macy’s, Kohl’s, Primark, Zara, H&M, Sephora, Apple, and Dave + Buster’s entertainment. Jersey City’s UEZ tax advantage applies here.
Newport Centre is open on Sundays, and its waterfront location puts you close to the Jersey City promenade and Manhattan skyline views. It’s a short PATH ride from the stadium area via Hoboken, making it accessible even on match days without needing a car. For fans based in downtown Manhattan, combining a PATH ride with Newport Centre shopping is consistently faster than any Manhattan retail alternative.
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets — Combine Shopping with the Beach
If your World Cup trip extends into late July or you’re planning a longer New Jersey stay, Jersey Shore Premium Outlets in Tinton Falls offers 170+ outlet stores from Nike, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade, and more — approximately 50 miles south of MetLife Stadium. The New Jersey Shore beaches are minutes away, making this the ideal pairing for a full day that starts at the outlets and ends on the beach. Open Sundays, no Blue Law restrictions.
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, New York — The Ultimate Outlet Day Trip
Technically just across the state line in Central Valley, New York, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is within easy reach for World Cup visitors and is one of the premier outlet destinations on the East Coast — 220+ outlets including Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and virtually every luxury and premium brand at discounts of 25–65%. It’s approximately 40 miles north of MetLife Stadium. While not in New Jersey, it’s a standard day trip for serious shoppers visiting the region and deserves mention for anyone planning a proper luxury outlet day. Note: New York State does exempt clothing items under $110 from sales tax; above that threshold, New York applies sales tax.
Suggested Shopping Itineraries for World Cup Visitors
Match Day Itinerary (Any Match at American Dream)
For matches with a 3PM or later kick-off: arrive at American Dream when stores open at 10AM. Start at the Adidas FIFA flagship for match gear and official merchandise. Work through your shopping list across the mall’s other stores. Lunch at American Dream’s dining level or food hall. Head to MetLife Stadium via the pedestrian connector approximately 90 minutes before kick-off — stadium security lines build up quickly on match days. After the final whistle, return to American Dream for late-evening shopping (open until 9–10PM) or a sit-down post-match dinner before transit back to your hotel.
For the evening match on June 22 (8PM ET): American Dream is ideal post-match since the mall stays open late. Arrive in the afternoon, shop until match time, attend the match, then continue shopping after the final whistle. American Dream’s late closing on Fridays and Saturdays (10PM) makes this especially workable.
2-Day New Jersey Shopping Tour
Day 1: American Dream Mall, East Rutherford. Full day — start with the Adidas flagship and Saks Fifth Avenue, work through fashion and specialty retail across the floors, and finish with entertainment. Nickelodeon Universe or DreamWorks Water Park for families. Dinner at the restaurant level before heading out. Book entertainment in advance.
Day 2: Jersey Gardens in the morning (outlet savings, international coupon book at Guest Services) followed by Short Hills Mall in the afternoon (full-price luxury boutiques). Both are south of MetLife in a natural driving loop. Together, this day covers both the outlet savings angle and the full-price luxury boutique experience in a single day. Do not plan this day on a Sunday if you want to add Garden State Plaza — GSP is closed Sundays.
3-Day Extended Shopping Trip
Add Garden State Plaza on a Monday–Saturday visit (Paramus, 300+ stores, Nordstrom, Gucci, Louis Vuitton). Then cap the trip with Newport Centre in Jersey City for a relaxed, PATH-accessible urban shopping experience and a walk along the Hudson waterfront with Manhattan skyline views directly across the river. For a complete multi-destination NJ shopping circuit with transport connections, savings tips, and store recommendations for each venue, our International Visitors Shopping Guide covers the full route.
International Visitors: What to Know Before You Shop
No VAT — And No VAT Refund Process Either
Visitors from the EU, UK, and other countries that operate VAT refund programs may look for a similar tourist refund system in the United States. No such system exists at the federal level. However, New Jersey’s clothing and footwear tax exemption works as a permanent, built-in equivalent: you never pay the tax in the first place. There is nothing to claim, no airport counter to visit, no minimum spend, and no forms to fill out. The saving happens automatically at checkout across the entire state. For a fan from France or Germany buying €400 worth of clothing in New Jersey compared to buying the same at home, the automatic US price advantage combined with zero clothing tax adds up to a genuinely substantial saving.
Payment, Currency, and Credit Cards
All major credit cards are universally accepted across New Jersey malls — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover. Contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay are standard at the vast majority of retailers. American Dream Mall has currency exchange on site. Notify your bank of international travel before arriving to prevent cards being flagged or blocked at point of sale.
International Visitor Coupon Books
The Mills at Jersey Gardens provides a free International Visitors Coupon Book at the Guest Services desk — available to non-US passport holders, providing extra discounts across dozens of stores not available to domestic shoppers. During the World Cup period, American Dream and other major malls in the region may introduce similar international visitor promotions. Check with Guest Services at each mall on arrival. The full breakdown of available programs and how to access them is in our International Visitors Guide to NJ Shopping.
Shipping Purchases Home
Major retailers at American Dream, Short Hills, and Jersey Gardens offer international shipping on in-store purchases. For large volumes of shopping, American Dream’s Guest Services offers a shop-and-drop bag storage service — leave your purchases there and collect everything on your way out. FedEx and UPS store locations throughout New Jersey handle international parcel shipping if your luggage allowance won’t accommodate everything you buy.
Match Day Shopping Pro Tips
- Shop in the morning, attend the match in the afternoon. Post-match, tens of thousands of fans move through the American Dream area simultaneously. Pre-match mornings are dramatically quieter. Stores open at 10AM — get there then.
- Use American Dream’s shop-and-drop bag storage. Leave your shopping bags at Guest Services and collect everything after the match. Carrying bags into MetLife Stadium is restricted — you do not want to be managing shopping bags at stadium security.
- Book American Dream entertainment in advance. Nickelodeon Universe and DreamWorks Water Park on match weekends will be near or at capacity. Book online before your trip, not on the day.
- Download the American Dream app. The mall has 450+ stores across multiple levels — the app provides real-time store directories, promotions, and wayfinding. Without it, navigation in a busy match-day crowd is significantly harder.
- Screenshot coupons and offers before entering the stadium. Cell service inside MetLife Stadium and in the surrounding match-day crowds is heavily congested. Download any digital coupons, apps, or tickets before you enter the stadium area — you may not be able to load them once you’re inside.
- Sunday match days: avoid Garden State Plaza. The Round of 16 (July 5) and the Final (July 19) are Sundays. Garden State Plaza and Paramus Park are closed on Sundays due to Bergen County Blue Laws. Plan any GSP visit for Monday–Saturday. American Dream, Short Hills, and Jersey Gardens are all open on Sundays.
- Consider a non-match-day for deep shopping. If your schedule allows, a dedicated shopping day on a non-match weekday between June 13 and July 19 will give you significantly better access to stores, shorter lines, and a more relaxed experience. Match days at American Dream will be exceptional for atmosphere but chaotic for focused shopping.
Sunday Shopping: What’s Open and What’s Not
Bergen County Blue Laws are one of the more unusual aspects of New Jersey retail for international visitors. Bergen County — which includes Garden State Plaza and Paramus Park — requires retail stores to close on Sundays by law. This is a local county ordinance, not a statewide rule. The two World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium that fall on Sundays are the Round of 16 (July 5) and the Grand Final (July 19). Here is the definitive guide to what’s open and closed on those Sundays:
- American Dream Mall (East Rutherford, Bergen County) — Open on Sundays. American Dream operates under an entertainment classification that exempts it from Bergen County Blue Laws. All 450+ stores and entertainment venues are open.
- Garden State Plaza (Paramus, Bergen County) — Closed for retail on Sundays. The AMC Garden State 16 theater and some restaurants operate via a separate Sunday entrance, but all shopping stores are closed.
- The Mall at Short Hills (Millburn, Essex County) — Open on Sundays. Essex County has no Blue Laws.
- The Mills at Jersey Gardens (Elizabeth, Union County) — Open on Sundays. Union County has no Blue Laws.
- Newport Centre (Jersey City, Hudson County) — Open on Sundays. Hudson County has no Blue Laws.
- Jersey Shore Premium Outlets (Tinton Falls, Monmouth County) — Open on Sundays. Monmouth County has no Blue Laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Take: Shopping the World Cup in New Jersey
(5/5) — A once-in-a-generation retail tourism opportunity. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in history — and New Jersey is hosting the final. For international visitors, the combination of zero sales tax on clothing, a 450+ store mall half a mile from the stadium with an Adidas FIFA flagship, and easy access to some of the best outlets and luxury malls in the US makes this shopping environment genuinely extraordinary. Plan ahead: book transport and entertainment tickets early, arrive at American Dream before the match-day crowds, take a day trip to Jersey Gardens for outlet savings and Short Hills for luxury, and use the tax-free advantage on every single purchase. New Jersey will welcome more international shoppers in summer 2026 than at any point in its history — and the retail infrastructure is ready for every one of them.
More NJ Shopping Guides
Plan your complete New Jersey shopping experience: International Visitors Guide to NJ Shopping — NJ Transit Bus to Malls Guide — NJ Shopping Tours & VIP Transport — NJ Tax-Free Shopping Guide — American Dream Mall — The Mills at Jersey Gardens — The Mall at Short Hills — Garden State Plaza — Newport Centre
