The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, according to an announcement made by FIFA on Sunday. The decision came after a fierce competition between MetLife Stadium and AT&T Stadium in Dallas, with FIFA ultimately awarding the final match to New Jersey. MetLife Stadium will also host eight other matches throughout the tournament, making it one of the key venues for the event.

The World Cup, which will span three countries - the United States, Mexico, and Canada - will feature a total of 104 matches, an increase from the previous 32-team format to now include 48 nations. The tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a historic stadium that will become the first to host three World Cups.

For the United States, the group stage matches will be spread across various cities on the West Coast. The American team will play in iconic stadiums such as SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and Lumen Field in Seattle. Other U.S. cities hosting matches include Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Boston, and Philadelphia. The final match in New Jersey will mark the culmination of the tournament, bringing together the best teams from around the world.

MetLife Stadium's selection as the venue for the final match is a significant achievement for New Jersey and the surrounding area. The stadium, which has a seating capacity of 82,500 for soccer events, will undergo a name change for the duration of the tournament and will be referred to as "New York New Jersey Stadium." This change is in compliance with FIFA's regulations, which prohibit the use of corporate-sponsored stadium names during the event.

The announcement of the World Cup final being held in New Jersey has generated excitement and anticipation among local officials. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his gratitude to FIFA for bringing the prestigious event to the region, highlighting the area's rich soccer history. New York City Mayor Eric Adams also expressed his enthusiasm, stating that hosting the World Cup is a testament to the city's status as the greatest in the world.

Planning for the World Cup is already underway, with fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to secure tickets for the matches. While the exact date for ticket sales has not yet been announced, fans can register their interest with FIFA to receive updates. It is expected that ticket prices for the final match will be higher than previous tournaments, with the 2022 final in Qatar serving as a benchmark. In 2022, ticket prices ranged from $380 for obstructed view seats to $5,850 for premium individual match tickets.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a momentous occasion, with 16 host cities across North America coming together to showcase the world's most popular sport. The tournament promises to be a celebration of soccer, culture, and unity, as teams from diverse nations compete for the coveted title. With the final match set to take place at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey is poised to leave a lasting impression on the global stage.