Latest WC 2026 News - USA, Canada & Mexico

09.05.2026 16:30 Stadiums & Venues

When the new football world champion is crowned on July 19, 2026, the eyes of the sports world will be on MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The stadium at the gates of New York was chosen by FIFA as the venue for the grand final – a historic moment for American football and a worthy highlight of the first tournament to be jointly hosted by three nations: the USA, Canada, and Mexico. MetLife Stadium opened in 2010 and has since been regarded as one of the most modern and largest stadiums in North America. With a regular capacity of around 82,500 seats, it provides space for massive crowds – for the World Cup, the capacity is expected to reach approximately 87,000 after modifications. This makes it one of the largest venues at the 2026 World Cup and will provide the biggest possible stage for the final match. The stadium is owned by the two NFL franchises New York Giants and New York Jets, who share the facility – a rare arrangement in American professional football. With construction costs of around 1.6 billion US dollars, MetLife Stadium was the most expensive stadium ever built at the time of its opening. In addition to football games, it has already hosted numerous major events: Super Bowl XLVIII took place here in 2014, and international concerts by stars like Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyoncé have drawn millions of visitors. For football, MetLife Stadium is no stranger. Friendly matches between top European clubs are regularly held here, and the Copa América and CONCACAF Gold Cup have also been hosted in the New York area. In the summer of 2024, the Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia took place at MetLife Stadium – a preview of what is to come in 2026. Overall, the stadium will host eight matches during the 2026 World Cup: group matches, a round of 16, a quarterfinal, and finally the grand final. After an intensive selection process, FIFA decided on New York/New Jersey – choosing it over prominent competitors such as Dallas and Los Angeles. In addition to size, the deciding factors were its location in the world's best-known metropolitan area, excellent transportation connections, and the international prestige of the metropolitan region. However, one challenge remains the playing surface. Since MetLife Stadium is normally played on artificial turf, which is not permitted at a FIFA World Cup, a hybrid grass surface will be installed for the World Cup matches. Tests for this have been running for several years to guarantee optimal conditions for the world's best footballers. The surrounding area also promises world-class amenities: connections to Manhattan via bus, train, and ferry, the nearby American Dream Mall with an indoor ski slope and amusement park, and proximity to two major international airports make the location attractive for fans from around the world. Additionally, fan zones, public viewings, and cultural programs are expected in the New York area to make the tournament an unforgettable experience. With MetLife Stadium, FIFA has chosen a venue that is modern, large-capacity, and internationally recognized – a stadium that will provide the perfect setting for the greatest game in world football.