Iconic MetLife Stadium to host 2026 FIFA World Cup final
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition of the competition to feature 48 teams, necessitating an increase in the number of stadiums required to host matches compared to previous tournaments.
FIFA has announced 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico as venues to stage matches during the 39 days of competition—the highest number ever in the tournament’s history.
The iconic MetLife Stadium is one of the venues designated to host matches. The multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is one of the most famous sporting venues in the United States.
MetLife will host several games during the World Cup. The tournament final is scheduled to take place at the stadium.
Other World Cup matches that will be played at MetLife, which will be renamed the New Jersey New York Stadium during the tournament in accordance with FIFA practice, include the epic match between Morocco and Brazil.
France and Senegal will also face each other at the venue, as will Ecuador and Germany, and Panama against England.
Opened in April 2010, the 82,500-capacity stadium, one of the largest in North America, cost a whopping $1.6 billion to construct. The venue is unique for being shared by two National Football League franchises, the New York Giants and the New York Jets.
Construction of the 82,500-capacity stadium, one of the largest in North America, began in 2007 and opened in April 2010, with the first event at the venue being the Big City Classic lacrosse tournament.
It cost a whopping $1.6 billion to build the stadium, which was constructed as a neutral facility that embodies the distinct personalities of both the Jets and Giants.
MetLife has staged some of the biggest sports events, including the 2014 Super Bowl, the Copa América Centenario, the International Champions Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Several household musicians have also performed at the stadium, including Ed Sheeran, who holds the record (89,106 attendees) for the largest musical event at the venue.
The highest attendance at MetLife Stadium is 82,566, set in a 2025 pre-season game between Manchester United and West Ham. For the NFL, the Giants-Jets clash drew 83,367 fans.
Overall, the largest attendance ever recorded at MetLife was in 2012 when 93,000 people attended the Siyum HaShas, a celebration of the completion of the Daf Yomi.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Opinion
Chidi Odinkalu: The case for the Office of Judge Dan Maliki
The cap fits Abdulmalik. All that awaits now is the formalisation of the office of Judge dan Maliki.
States
Troops kill 12 terrorists, recover arms in Borno
Mr Uba said the military high command had commended the troops for their gallantry and swift response.
Anti-Corruption
Ponzi Scheme: U.S. seeks civil forfeiture of Goliath Ventures CEO Christopher Delgado’s real properties, vehicles
Mr Delgado’s scheme involved soliciting victims to invest substantial sums of money under false and fraudulent promises of monthly returns.
Anti-Corruption
EPBHC CEO Tiny Francis Sentenced for misapplication of funds
Mr Francis was administrator, president, and chief executive officer of EPBHC, a non-profit entity that operated Benjamin Healthcare, a nursing and rehabilitation facility.
Economy
$18 million paid to U.S. workers harmed by Apple’s hiring, recruitment practices
“The Civil Rights Division will keep fighting for U.S. workers and will hold companies accountable for favouring temporary visa holders for American jobs,” said a DOJ official.
Jos
Nigerian youth who stole wrappers sentenced to 30 months in jail
The Jos Magistrates’ Court sentenced a 23-year-old labourer, Shuiabu Abubakar, to 30 months’ imprisonment for stealing wrappers and clothing from a shop.
