The 2026 World Cup Final: MetLife Stadium Hosts the Biggest Match in Football
The 2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. Here's what to expect.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be the culmination of the first 48-team World Cup, played across three countries over 39 days.
## The Stadium
MetLife Stadium is home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets NFL franchises. Opened in 2010, the stadium is the largest NFL venue in the New York metropolitan area, with a capacity of 82,500. The stadium cost $1.6 billion to construct and has hosted the 2014 Super Bowl.
## Why MetLife?
The decision to award the final to MetLife Stadium reflects the venue's capacity, infrastructure, and central location. The stadium is 15 miles from Manhattan, easily accessible by NJ Transit from New York Penn Station (a 20-minute ride), and is 30 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport.
## The Match
The final will kick off at 3:00 PM ET on July 19, 2026. The match will be broadcast globally and is expected to attract a television audience of more than 2 billion viewers. The two finalists will have played seven matches each to reach the final.
## Tickets
Tickets for the final will be available through the FIFA ticketing portal, with prices ranging from $2,000 for category 4 seats to $7,000+ for category 1 seats. Hospitality packages will be available for corporate buyers.
## Getting There
**By Air**: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is 30 minutes from the stadium. LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK are 60-90 minutes away.
**By Train**: NJ Transit operates direct service from New York Penn Station to the stadium on match days.
**By Car**: The stadium is in the Meadowlands complex, accessible via the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95). Parking is available but limited.
## Pre-Match Experience
The official FIFA Fan Fest will be at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, with capacity for 50,000+ fans and views of the Manhattan skyline. The park is across the harbor from the Statue of Liberty.
## Predictions
The 2026 final is widely expected to feature two of the favorites: Argentina, France, Brazil, England, or Germany. Our editorial team's pick for the final is France over Argentina, with France winning their third World Cup title.