Big news for soccer enthusiasts! The climax of the 2026 World Cup is set to unfold at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, as confirmed by Fifa on a Sunday announcement.
New York’s bid successfully fended off a robust challenge from Dallas to secure the July 19 final, concluding the expanded 48-team tournament jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The soccer extravaganza kicks off with the opening game at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino enthusiastically stated, “The most inclusive and impactful Fifa World Cup ever is now a reality, with 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.” The extensive planning for this game-changing tournament, from the iconic Estadio Azteca’s opening match to the spectacular New York/New Jersey final, revolves around players and fans, aiming not only to set records but also to leave an enduring legacy.
Excitement doesn’t stop with the final in New York/New Jersey. Atlanta and Dallas are slated to host the semifinals, while Miami will be the stage for the third-place game. Quarterfinals are distributed across Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, and Boston.
A total of 16 cities in the three host countries will be part of this thrilling event, with the majority of matches occurring in the USA. The 1994 World Cup was also hosted in the United States, with the final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, near Los Angeles, where New York hosted games at the old Giants Stadium.
The decisions were unveiled in a live television broadcast featuring Infantino alongside comedian and actor Kevin Hart, rapper Drake, and celebrity Kim Kardashian.
MetLife Stadium, with a seating capacity of 82,500, located across the Hudson River in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets. It has previously hosted international football games, including the 2016 Copa America tournament final.
New York’s successful bid highlighted the city’s experience in hosting major international events and its status as a global city with convenient transportation connections for fans. Dallas had vied for the opportunity, emphasizing AT&T Stadium’s roof to protect the game from the elements.
Despite New York’s victory, Dallas receives some consolation with the venue being awarded a total of nine games, the most among all venues. Los Angeles also expressed interest, but disagreements with Fifa about upgrades to NFL venue SoFi Stadium hampered its bid.
Azteca Stadium achieves historical significance as the first venue to host World Cup tournament games in three separate editions, following 1970 and 1986, where it hosted the finals.
The World Cup, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence, will feature a round-of-16 game on July 4 in Philadelphia, where the US Declaration of Independence was signed. The tournament’s expansion to 48 teams means an additional 24 matches, totaling 104 games across the 16 venues.
The tournament format comprises 12 groups of four teams, with the top two advancing, along with the eight best third-placed teams. The knockout stage involves a straight knockout format, with finalists playing eight games instead of the previous seven.
Fifa has designed the match schedule to limit travel for teams, with the full draw expected in late 2025. Group fixtures aim to avoid cross-coast travel for teams, offering the flexibility to choose team bases in their group’s region.
The 16 host cities for the tournament include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York-New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. Get ready for an unforgettable soccer experience in 2026!
