New Jersey stadium revamped with $1.6 billion for World Cup, security heightened

A $1.6 billion MetLife Stadium in New Jersey has been completely rebuilt to host eight World Cup matches, with 27 trucks bringing grass from North Carolina and 34,000 police officers deployed for match‑day security.

Austrian restaurateur Markus Draxler, operating a Manhattan eatery, says his team will receive a "truffle prize" if they reach the World Cup final round, adding a personal incentive to the tournament’s US festivities.