FIFA introduced on Sunday that the 2026 World Cup last will probably be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
New York’s bid held off a robust problem from Dallas to safe the July 19 match, the fruits of the expanded 48-team event hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
The competitors will start with the opening match on the well-known Estadio Azteca in Mexico Metropolis on June 11.
The FIFA President stated: “Essentially the most complete and influential World Cup ever is not a dream however a actuality that will probably be embodied in 104 matches in 16 trendy stadiums in Canada, Mexico and the US of America.” Gianni Infantino.
“From the opening match on the iconic Estadio Azteca to the beautiful last in New York, New Jersey, the gamers and followers have been on the coronary heart of our complete planning for this game-changing event…that won’t solely set new data, but in addition depart an indelible legacy.”
Atlanta and Dallas will host the semi-finals, whereas the third-place match will probably be held in Miami.
The quarterfinal matches will probably be held in Los Angeles, Kansas Metropolis, Miami and Boston.
16 cities within the three nations will host the matches, and the majority of the matches will probably be held in the US of America.
The 1994 World Cup was additionally held in the US and the ultimate was performed on the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, close to Los Angeles.
New York hosted that event’s video games on the outdated Giants Stadium, which was later demolished to make manner for MetLife, which opened in 2010.
The choices had been introduced in a dwell tv broadcast in North America, through which Infantino appeared alongside comic Kevin Hart, rapper Drake and well-known star Kim Kardashian.
The 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium, positioned throughout the Hudson River from New York in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is the house of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, however has hosted quite a few worldwide soccer matches, together with the 2016 finale. Copa America Championship.
New York’s bid pushed onerous for the town’s expertise in internet hosting main worldwide occasions and its standing as a world metropolis with straightforward transportation for the plenty.
Dallas had hoped that AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, house of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, would profit from a roof to guard the sport from the weather.
There may be some compensation for Dallas because the stadium has been given 9 complete video games – essentially the most of any venue.
Los Angeles additionally threw a hat within the ring however the try has run into difficulties amid disagreements with FIFA over event upgrades wanted for the NFL’s SoFi Stadium.
Estadio Azteca will turn out to be the primary stadium to host World Cup matches in three separate editions after 1970 and 1986.
The stadium hosted the 1970 and 1986 event finals.
The World Cup will probably be held through the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The Spherical of 16 match will probably be held on July 4, Independence Day, in Philadelphia, the place the US Declaration of Independence was signed.
The USA will start its group stage competitors at Sophie’s Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12 and also will play in Seattle.
Toronto was chosen to host the Canadian group’s first sport. Vancouver is the opposite Canadian venue that can host the group.
Increasing the event to 48 groups from 32 means there will probably be a further 24 matches, making a complete of 104 matches throughout 16 venues.
The event will probably be held by dividing 12 teams, every of which incorporates 4 groups, with the primary and second qualifying together with the eight greatest third-placed groups.
From there, the competitors is a straight knockout format with the finalists having to play eight matches as a substitute of the earlier seven.
FIFA says the fixture schedule, which is not going to be accomplished till the qualification course of is accomplished, has been designed to restrict groups’ journey.
The total draw for the event is anticipated to be held in late 2025.
Group matches are designed to keep away from cross-coastal journey for groups, who may even be capable to select from group bases of their group area.
The 16 host cities for the event are: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas Metropolis, Los Angeles, Mexico Metropolis, Miami, Monterrey, New York-New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Space, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver. .