The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, FIFA confirmed on Sunday. The USA, Canada and Mexico are co-hosting the 48-team tournament. The New York bid beat a strong challenge from Dallas to secure the July 19 game.
On June 11, the match will begin with the first game at Mexico City’s renowned Azteca Stadium.
The FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, “The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality that will take shape in the form of 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico and the USA.”
He added, “From the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca to the spectacular final in New York New Jersey, players and fans have been at the core of our extensive planning for this game-changing tournament… that will not only set new records but also leave an indelible legacy.”
The third-place match will take place in Miami and the semifinals will be hosted by Atlanta and Dallas. The quarterfinal games will be held in Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami and Boston.
Matches will be held in 16 cities among the three nations, with the majority of the matches taking place in the USA.
The New York bid had lobbied hard on the city’s experience organizing big international events, as well as its status as a global city with easy transportation options for fans.
Dallas had hoped that having a roof would help AT&T Stadium, which is home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, protect the game from the weather.
Dallas will be given some compensation as the venue will host nine games in total, the most of any venue.