The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York City
When the world’s attention turns to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it will be focused on MetLife Stadium, the venue selected to host the tournament’s most prestigious match.
The decision places the final in the heart of the New York metropolitan area, one of the most globally recognisable regions in sport, media and culture.
What is MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium is one of the largest and most modern stadiums in the United States. Opened in 2010, it was built to replace the former Giants Stadium and quickly established itself as a flagship venue for major sporting and entertainment events.
The stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the United States, and serves as the shared home of the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL.
Its dual-tenancy model is rare in American sport and reflects the venue’s scale and flexibility. MetLife Stadium is best known for its ability to host events of global significance, combining modern design with the capacity and infrastructure required for the very biggest occasions.
Why was MetLife Stadium chosen for the 2026 World Cup final?
FIFA’s decision to award the 2026 World Cup final to MetLife Stadium was based on a combination of size, location and proven capability.
With a seating capacity of approximately 82,500, the stadium comfortably meets FIFA’s requirements for a World Cup final, ensuring tens of thousands of supporters can attend in person.
Beyond capacity, the stadium benefits from outstanding transport links and regional infrastructure.
It sits within one of the most accessible urban areas in North America, supported by extensive road networks, rail connections and proximity to multiple international airports.
From a commercial and media perspective, the New York area represents one of the most important markets in the world, offering unmatched exposure for broadcasters, sponsors and global partners.
Crucially, MetLife Stadium also brings extensive experience. Its history of staging complex, high-security events reassured FIFA that the venue could deliver the logistical and operational demands of a World Cup final.
MetLife Stadium at the 2026 World Cup
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, MetLife Stadium will play a central role in the tournament’s United States schedule. The venue is expected to host a range of matches across the competition, including group-stage fixtures and knockout-round games, before staging the final itself.
Action at the venue begins on Saturday, June 13, when Brazil face Morocco in a Group C fixture. France then take on Senegal in Group I on Tuesday, June 16, before Senegal return to the stadium on Monday, June 22 for a clash against Norway.
The group-stage schedule continues on Thursday, June 25 with Ecuador meeting Germany in Group E, followed by Panama’s Group L encounter with England on Saturday, June 27.
The knockout rounds will also bring major occasions to New Jersey. MetLife Stadium is set to stage a Round of 32 match on Tuesday, June 30, followed by a Round of 16 fixture on Sunday, July 5.
The venue’s role in the competition will culminate on Sunday, July 19, when it hosts the 2026 World Cup final, placing MetLife Stadium at the centre of the tournament’s defining moment.
To meet FIFA requirements, the stadium will undergo temporary adaptations for the tournament. These include the installation of a natural grass playing surface, adjustments to seating configurations and the creation of dedicated areas for teams, officials, broadcasters and global media.
MetLife Stadium will serve as a symbolic centrepiece of the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
MetLife Stadium: key facts and capacity
MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the United States. It has a seating capacity of around 82,500 and officially opened in 2010.
For the 2026 World Cup, the playing surface will be natural grass, replacing the artificial turf normally used for American football. Outside of the tournament, the stadium’s primary use is as a venue for NFL games and major international events.
Major events previously hosted at MetLife Stadium
The stadium’s selection as a World Cup final venue is reinforced by its impressive history. MetLife Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, becoming the first open-air stadium in a cold-weather city to stage the NFL’s showpiece event.
It was also the venue for the Copa América Centenario final in 2016, a major milestone for international football in the United States.
In addition, MetLife Stadium has staged multiple editions of WrestleMania and has been a regular stop for the world’s biggest music tours, further underlining its versatility and global appeal.
Where is MetLife Stadium located?
MetLife Stadium is situated approximately 8 kilometres west of Midtown Manhattan, making it effectively part of the wider New York City area for visiting fans. It is easily reached from several major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.
Geographically, the stadium lies in the state of New Jersey but within the New York metropolitan region, offering visitors access to one of the world’s most diverse transport networks, accommodation options and cultural attractions. This combination of location and connectivity makes MetLife Stadium an ideal setting for the 2026 World Cup final.