Zurich, February 5, 2024, The Europe Today: FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, revealed on Sunday that the prestigious final of the 2026 World Cup will be hosted at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The announcement also included the comprehensive schedule for the highly anticipated global soccer showcase, set to conclude on July 19.
MetLife Stadium, home to the National Football League’s New York Giants and New York Jets, with a capacity of 82,500, will serve as the open-air venue for the grand finale of the 48-team World Cup. The tournament is a collaborative effort, being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, bringing together the soccer prowess and passion of North America.
Canada is slated to host a total of 13 games, with 10 matches in the group stage evenly divided between Toronto and Vancouver. Meanwhile, Mexico will also host 13 games, featuring 10 group stage matches across Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The remainder of the tournament will unfold in 11 cities across the United States.
The opening matches for the national teams of Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles will take place in their respective cities, adding an electrifying start to the tournament.
MetLife Stadium, inaugurated in 2010, has previously witnessed significant soccer events, including hosting the Copa America Centenario final in 2016. The stadium was witness to Chile’s victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The announcement of MetLife Stadium as the venue for the 2026 World Cup final adds to the excitement surrounding the tournament, promising a spectacular conclusion to the global soccer extravaganza. As soccer fans worldwide eagerly await the event, the stage is set for a memorable and thrilling competition, uniting nations through the beautiful game.