Welcome to NYC, World Cup fans. Everything is falling apart.

Key Points:

• Over 1 million fans are expected to visit New York City for the World Cup, but visitors should be aware of ongoing infrastructure challenges including subway quirks, airport construction, and aging expressways.
• JFK Airport is undergoing renovations to become a “world-class global gateway,” but travelers should avoid unmarked cars and follow official taxi and rideshare signs; LaGuardia’s recent sinkhole has been fixed.
• New York’s subway system is complex and sometimes confusing, with outdated signals, uneven car sizes, and stations prone to flooding, such as the 28th Street station where manholes can erupt during heavy rain.
• Penn Station remains a confusing transit hub, requiring visitors to take NJ Transit trains to MetLife Stadium, though NJ Transit has faced recent operational challenges including tunnel fires.
• Despite infrastructure issues, experts recommend exploring New York’s natural areas like Inwood Hill Park and Marine Park, and visiting unique sites such as the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to appreciate the city’s resilience and hidden infrastructure marvels.