There were some incredible contenders to host the showpiece in 2026, but the eventual choice does come with plenty of risks
The location of the 2026 World Cup final has been confirmed, and it's headed to New York! Well, not exactly, but East Rutherford doesn't exactly have the same ring to it, does it? According to FIFA, New York-New Jersey will play host, but we all know it's the latter's MetLife Stadium that will be staging the biggest game the sport has to offer.
Now, let's get one thing out of the way: we won't be taking shots at MetLife Stadium being in New Jersey. It's commonplace in American sports for teams to build stadiums outside of their own cities. In fact, the other two top contenders to host the World Cup final are also outside of their own city limits. It's just the way things work when it comes to stadium building in the U.S.
However, there is something that separates the stadiums in the Dallas and Los Angeles areas from the one representing New York: Innovation. While AT&T Stadium and SoFi Stadium are among the boldest and most futuristic sports arenas in the world, MetLife is comparatively tame and, perhaps more importantly, very, very exposed to the elements.
It's what makes FIFA's decision to choose New York over Dallas and Los Angeles so risky, as MetLife Stadium feels like an imperfect host chosen because of its proximity to the country's biggest city, rather than its suitability for the event.
FAQs
Will MetLife have grass for the World Cup? ›
MetLife Stadium to put in grass field for 2026 World Cup, stick with turf for NFL season. ORLANDO — Giants president and CEO John Mara said a grass field will be put in for the 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Will the 2026 World Cup be in New York? ›
New York New Jersey will host eight matches at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) during FIFA World Cup 26™, including the final on July 19, 2026. In terms of scale, the tournament will be the biggest sporting event ever held: three host countries, 16 host cities, 48 teams and 104 matches across 39 days.
Is MetLife Stadium big enough for soccer? ›
It is one of the largest stadiums in the NFL with a capacity of 82,500. MetLife Stadium hosts the world's biggest events on the world's biggest stage and will serve as host stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final.
Where is hosting the 2026 World Cup? ›
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994. Argentina is the defending champion.
How much will 2026 World Cup tickets be? ›
World Cup tickets have become increasingly expensive
| Predicted Ticket Prices at World Cup 2026 Per Tournament Stage |
|---|
| Group Stage | $15–$230 |
| Round of 16 | $20–$290 |
| Quarter-Final | $85–$450 |
| Semi-Final & Final | $140–$960 |
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"That type of grass [being installed for the World Cup] is not fit for football. It's a completely different type of surface," Mara said. "They're more concerned with how the ball bounces as opposed to anything else.
Will the 2026 World Cup have real grass? ›
But according to Alan Ferguson, FIFA's chief field czar, all fields will be of the hybrid variety, where a minor percentage of artificial fibers are woven into natural grass to create a sturdier surface.
Does FIFA use real grass? ›
No less than five of the 16 venues selected to host 104 matches over 39 days have fixed or retractable roofs. And because FIFA now requires all World Cup matches to be played on natural grass, that presents a significant challenge.
Will Messi play the 2026 World Cup? ›
Lionel Messi is not ruling out playing in World Cup 2026 — and has revealed he has never watched the 2022 final of the tournament. Messi will be 38 when the next World Cup starts in 2026 — and will turn 39 during the tournament — which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
According to FIFA, the tickets for the final back in 2022 ranged in price from $380 for a Category 4 obstructed view seat to $5,850 for a Category 1 individual match ticket for the final.
Will Ronaldo play the 2026 World Cup? ›
Cristiano Ronaldo determined to play at World Cup 2026 as Portugal superstar wants one particular record to add to his collection. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants to play at the 2026 World Cup in North America despite failing to impress at Euro 2024. Yet to score a goal after four matches at Euro 2024.
Why doesn't MetLife Stadium have a roof? ›
Unlike a number of other new NFL venues, MetLife Stadium does not have a roof, as proposals to include a roof failed, over a dispute for funding. Thus, indoor events such as the Final Four cannot be held at the facility, which runs counter to the original aims for a new arena in northern New Jersey.
Which is the biggest stadium in the US? ›
Which stadium is bigger soccer or football? ›
Is a soccer field bigger than a football field? A soccer field is larger than a football field. Most professional soccer fields are approximately 115 yards long and 75 yards wide. Whilst, football fields are 120 yards long and 53 yards wide.
What stadium is the semi final at the World Cup 2026? ›
A semi-final clash is among the eight games Atlanta Stadium will host at the biggest-ever World Cup. The spectacular Atlanta Stadium will host eight matches at the FIFA World Cup 26™, with the venue's games including a semi-final showdown.
Where will the 2030 World Cup final be held? ›
The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco—with commemorative matches in Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina—and six years before its kickoff, the organizing committee has already started planning the stage for the grand final: the Santiago Bernabéu.
Where is the World Cup final in 2024? ›
The iconic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados will play host to the final of T20 World Cup 2024.
