The FIFA World Cup 2026-MetLife Stadium, with an 82,500 seat capacity and located across the Hudson River from New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hosts home games of the New York Giants and Jets and international football matches.
FIFA World Cup On Sunday, FIFA confirmed that the final of the 2026 World Cup would take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
Through Dallas, the New York bid secured its game on July 19. This will be the grand finale of an expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
On June 11, the competition will kick off with its inaugural match hosted by Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for an opening game.
According to FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino, “the most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer just an aspiration – it will become reality soon enough with 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico, and the US hosting matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across North America.
“From our opening match at Estadio Azteca to its spectacular final in New Jersey, players and fans have been at the core of our extensive planning for this game-changing tournament… which promises new records but an indelible legacy,” tournament organizers said.
Atlanta and Dallas will serve as venues for the semi-finals, while Miami will play host to the third-place game.
Quarterfinal games will occur in Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami and Boston.
Sixteen cities will play host to games across three countries, with most matches in the US of A.
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena near Los Angeles served as the venue of choice for the 1994 World Cup championship match hosted in America.
Giants Stadium was eventually demolished to make way for MetLife Stadium when it opened in 2010, serving as the venue for all games held during that tournament in New York.
Kevin Hart, rapper Drake and celebrity Kim Kardashian decided on decisions during a live television broadcast in North America; Kevin Infantino also participated.
MetLife Stadium, situated in East Rutherford, New Jersey, across the Hudson River from New York City and home of both NFL teams – New York Giants and New York Jets – serves as their home field but has also hosted international games, including Copa America tournament final in 2016.
New York made considerable efforts to emphasize its proven ability to successfully host major international events and become an accessible global city that provided convenient transportation routes for spectators.
Dallas officials believed that the National Football League team, the Dallas Cowboys, who play their home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, would benefit from having a roof over them to shield them from inclement weather conditions.
As part of their compensation for Dallas, nine games have been returned – more than any other venue!
Los Angeles attempted to enter this tournament but was unsuccessful due to disagreements with FIFA regarding required upgrades for SoFi Stadium at NFL stadium, SoFi.
As part of its history, Azteca will host three World Cup tournaments between 1970 and 1986 – becoming the first stadium since 1970.
Finals of tournaments held between 1970 and 1986 took place here.
World Cup matches will occur as part of celebrations honouring the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America was signed, will host a round-of-16 game on Independence Day (July 4).
As part of their group stage action, the United States of America will first play at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before heading north for matches in Seattle and Guadalajara.
The Canadian team will begin play in Toronto, which was chosen as their host city. Furthermore, Vancouver will also serve as host for this tournament.
Due to the decision to increase from 32 teams competing to 48, 24 additional matches will occur across 16 locations, bringing the total games played to 104.
There will be twelve groups with four teams at the competition; the top two teams from each will advance along with those that finished third place in their groups.
From then on, the competition will follow a knockout format, and finals must play eight games instead of the seven they were required to before.
FIFA has stated that their match schedule, which will be finalized after qualifying rounds are completed, has been designed to reduce travel costs for teams.
They are anticipated to take place by the end of 2025.
Group fixtures have been organized to reduce teams from travelling across multiple coasts for games. Furthermore, teams will choose between team bases in their region of residence for group fixtures.
