The grand finale of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, triumphing over competition from Texas and California for the coveted spot. The July 19 championship will be the pinnacle of an expanded tournament featuring 48 nations and 104 games, spanning three nations for the first time.
Situated just 10 miles from Manhattan, MetLife Stadium, with its $1.6 billion price tag, emerged victorious with joint support from both New York and New Jersey. The event promises to showcase the cultural richness of the region, known for legendary figures like Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Frank Sinatra. Whether Lionel Messi’s Argentina aims for a consecutive win or a new champion emerges, the spotlight will be on the Meadowlands marshes.
The official announcement was made by FIFA in a Miami television studio, designating the tournament opener to Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on June 11 and the grand finale to the home of the NFL’s New York Jets and Giants.
Despite lobbying efforts from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to host the final, MetLife Stadium secured the prestigious event. All quarterfinal matches and beyond will take place in the United States, with semis scheduled at AT&T and Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 14 and 15, respectively.
The U.S. team, training in suburban Atlanta, will kick off the tournament at SoFi Stadium on June 12, followed by matches in Seattle and a group stage finale at SoFi on June 25. The goal for the American team is to make the nation proud and leave an indelible mark on soccer in the country.
A total of 78 out of 104 matches will be held in the U.S., with Mexico and Canada hosting 13 games each. Notably, Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park will host a round-of-16 match on July 4, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The tournament, expanded to 48 teams, will span 39 days, making it the longest in recent history. With a mix of iconic stadiums and increased global representation, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a celebration of soccer’s diversity and values.
