FIFA World Cup 2026 Final To Be Held In New York, Tournament Opener In Mexico City

Producer: Peuli Bakshi Editor: Manuj Yadav

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, its organisers announced on Sunday.

New York's bid successfully secured the July 19 final, overcoming a strong challenge from Dallas.

The final will mark the culmination of the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The tournament will kick off with the opening game at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium on June 11.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the event as “the most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever”.

“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,” Gianni said.

Atlanta and Dallas will host the semi-finals, with the third-place game will be played in Miami.

The quarter-final games of “this game-changing tournament” will be held in Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami and Boston.

A total of 16 cities across the 3 countries will host games, with the bulk of the matches being held in the USA.

MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, was chosen for its 82,500-seating capacity and international football experience.

Los Angeles also vied for hosting rights but struggled amid disagreements with FIFA regarding venue upgrades at SoFi Stadium.