The FIFA Men’s World Cup is the most watched, most decorative, and most entertaining sports tournament in the world. After the 2022 version of the tournament, the global popularity of the sport grew as a whole. However, the United States should be even more excited, as the 2026 version is coming to the United States. This is a monumental step in growing the game in the United States. On top of this, after being announced on February 4th, the final will be placed at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford. It is crazy to think about how the final of the Worlds’ Tournament will be played 40 minutes from our hometown of Glen Rock. The World’s stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, or Vinicius Junior could be playing for the most coveted trophy in the world.
The New York/New Jersey bid of MetLife Stadium beat out other big bids for the final, such as AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. The 2026 World Cup will span across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The United States will have 11 locations/stadiums, with 2 in Canada, and 3 in Mexico. The Opening game of the tournament will be played in the Estadio Azteca, a historic stadium, in Mexico City, Mexico. The tournament will range from June 11th with the opening game, to the final being at MetLife on the 19th of July. The tournament ending in New Jersey brings a lot of excitement, along with a lot of work to be done.
Due to FIFA regulation, all playing surfaces for the World Cup must be played on a grass/sod field. MetLife has always been turfed and notorious for brutal injuries with turf, so this change will help the field and all players overall. Another more difficult challenge needed to be solved is a way to expand the playing surface. The standard FIFA football pitch is 115 yards long by 75 yards wide. However, the current American Football field covers 120 yards long by 50 yards wide. Bleacher Report reported that MetLife is planning to remove 2,000 seats in the lower bowl to allow for the field to be widened, as this is needed for the playing surface to be accepted.
The World’s Game coming to the United States and the New York Metro Area will help grow the game’s popularity, and spark everyone in the area’s interest. Will you be attending any games, or even the final?
