MetLife Stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands is the winning host for the 2026 World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19, beating venues in Dallas and Los Angeles, officials announced on Sunday, Feb. 4.
“The Meadowlands has been hosting the world’s most notable events for more than 50 years. That tradition continues with FIFA’s announcement that MetLife Stadium will be host to the FIFA World Cup 26 Final! Under Gov. Phil Murphy, New Jersey proved its commitment by assembling a talented team to secure this huge win and we are so proud to have been selected,” said Jim Kirkos, Meadowlands Chamber & Meadowlands Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO. “I am certain that FIFA has great confidence in the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee.
“We will most certainly provide a warm welcome and a fabulous experience to visitors from all over the globe as they visit the Meadowlands region for FIFA World Cup 26™. The Meadowlands knows how to do big things, and our destination is bigger and better than ever filled with fabulous dining, incredible retail and attractions and a wide array of entertainment that will delight the millions of visitors the FIFA World Cup 26™ generates. Bring it on!”
This is the biggest worldwide sporting event slated to come to the Garden State ever, with efforts to bring the final here dating seven years. Although MetLife installed a new synthetic turf field last year, FIFA requires natural grass and an update will be necessary.
Giants Stadium hosted World Cup matches during the 1994 FIFA games.
The 82,500-capacity venue — the largest NFL stadium in the country — is hosting three FIFA World Cups games, including a semifinal match, according to Conmebol (South American Football Confederation).
“We will experience an unforgettable Copa America, enjoying the best soccer in the world in 14 magnificent stadiums,” said Alejandro Dominguez, President of Conmebol and FIFA Vice President.
Copa América 2024 games
The oldest worldwide national team tournament, the Copa América 2024 games will be held at 14 different stadiums across 10 states on the East Coast, Central Zone and West Coast.
The 48th edition of the tournament features 32 matches to be played over 25 days of competition with 16 participating teams — 10 from Conmebol and six from Concacaf (the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football).
The quarterfinals will be held July 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston; July 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; and July 6 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The semifinals will be in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 9 and Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium the next day. The third-place game will be in Charlotte on July 13, the eve of the final.