New York New Jersey Stadium to Host FIFA World Cup 26 Final on July 19, 2026
Mark your calendars! New York New Jersey Stadium to host the FIFA World Cup 26 final on July 19, 2026, concluding the most inclusive tournament in FIFA history.
The iconic New York New Jersey Stadium has been officially chosen as the venue for the FIFA World Cup 26 final, scheduled to take place on July 19, 2026, according to the announcement by FIFA, the governing body of world soccer. The tournament, featuring 48 teams in a 104-game spectacle across 16 host cities, will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a statement, FIFA expressed that the honor of hosting the showpiece fixture, which concludes the most inclusive FIFA tournament ever, has been bestowed upon the renowned New York New Jersey venue. With a seating capacity of 82,500, the stadium, inaugurated in 2010, had previously hosted the final of the 2016 Copa America Centenario, where Chile triumphed over Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a penalty shootout.
The FIFA World Cup 26 is set to commence on June 11, 2026, with Mexico initiating the tournament in their capital city at the historic Estadio Azteca. This stadium, with a capacity of 83,000, will make history as the first venue to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches. Toronto and Los Angeles will also host the opening matches for their respective national teams.
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Canada’s campaign begins in Toronto on June 12, 2026, while the United States embarks on its journey on the same day in Los Angeles. The bronze final will be hosted in Miami, and the highly anticipated semi-finals will take place in Dallas and Atlanta. Dallas, being a prominent host city, will stage nine matches, the highest among all host cities in the tournament.
The match schedule has been designed to ensure three days of rest for teams in 103 out of the tournament’s 104 matches. Most matches will be played in three regionalized zones (east, central, and west) to minimize travel for teams and fans.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality.” He expressed gratitude to the three host countries and 16 host cities for their unwavering commitment to staging a tournament that will set new records and leave an indelible legacy.
Match pairings and kick-off times will be finalized after the Final Draw for FIFA World Cup 26, expected to take place in late 2025.
-IANS