The upcoming summer schedule will feature games in 16 different cities during the world’s largest sporting event. FIFA has chosen MetLife Stadium to host the pivotal final on July 19, 2026.
Situated in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the stadium can accommodate a staggering 82,500 fans, making it the largest American football stadium in the country. Construction on the stadium began in 2007, and it was completed in 2010, adjacent to the previous Giants Stadium that both teams shared.
Notably, it hosted the Super Bowl in 2014, becoming the first open-air stadium in cold weather to do so. Despite controversy surrounding the decision, the stadium has since been the venue for several high-profile concerts, featuring artists such as Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and U2.
Initially, FIFA considered the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium for the final, but concerns about the extreme Texas heatwave experienced last year during the same time of year led to the selection of MetLife Stadium instead. The venue boasts state-of-the-art facilities and remarkable architecture, offering views of the stunning Manhattan skyline.
Additionally, it covers more than 2.1 million square feet, providing around 28,000 parking spaces to accommodate the large crowds expected for the final in two years’ time. The stadium also includes 200 suites on four levels and several club areas.
MetLife Stadium is known for its ability to adapt to the teams playing there by changing its lights and décor to match the nations in action on any given day. It is also committed to an aggressive energy efficiency program, utilizing solar panels to generate electricity.
Despite the luxurious amenities, the primary focus for World Cup fans will undoubtedly be the quality of football on display, building on the legacy of the thrilling 2022 edition at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium.
