THE 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
During a live broadcast from Miami, Fifa revealed the venues schedule for the bumper 48-team tournament.
The US, Mexico and Canada will host the expanded tournament, which will take place over 39 days.
Cases were made for alternative final venues, including Texas’ AT&T Stadium.
But it will be MetLife Stadium that hosts the showpiece occasion on July 19, 2026.
The 82,500-seater venue is one of seven that will need to have artificial surfaces replaced by grass for the tournament.
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Fans have been left less than enthused by today’s announcement, particularly given the surface.
MetLife Stadium is the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
Earlier in this NFL season, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a ruptured Achilles while playing at MetLife.
Upon the final venue announcement, one fan wrote on social media: “This was literally the worst possible option…”
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While a second commented: “MetLife turf is an injury monster. Hope they install real grass or a different surface.”
A third moaned: “Arghhhh. Thought Dallas would be the pick!”
And a fourth said: “Wait until they see that turf.”
Another added: “Have fun trying to get back to Manhattan after this game.”
Some were more positive, however, with one saying: “If you think about it. The travel hub of nyc, and the public transportation system of NYC and Nj makes this the ideal choice to host a final.”
And another posted: “East Coast fans rejoice.”
The opening match of the tournament will be hosted by Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on June 11.
The iconic venue previously hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
