CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 10: A detail of the NFL logo at Soldier Field after the game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers on September 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Many NFL stadiums were believed to be the frontrunner to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, but only one could win.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey came out as the victor as it will host the final in two years in what will be the biggest World Cup in history, with 104 matches played by 48 teams spread across three host countries: The United States, Mexico and Canada.

 

Estadio Azteca will host the first game of the 2026 World Cup. Toronto’s BMO Field to host the first game in Canada.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas will host nine matches, the most in the tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, including a semifinal. Arlington will host Group Stage matches on June 14, June 17, June 22, June 25 and June 27.

Two Round of 16 matches and a quarterfinal will also head to AT&T Stadium.

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Third-place playoff to take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium

MetLife has been the venue for main sporting events like the 2014 Super Bowl, WrestleMania in 2013, and multiple international soccer matches. MetLife has also received criticism for its poor field conditions and lacklustre amenities in recent years, making the decision to give them the World Cup Final at least somewhat questionable.