PREMIUM TIMES
The world football governing body, FIFA, announced on Sunday, 4 February, that the final of the 2026 World Cup will be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
In a release, FIFA revealed “the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 26™, with the final to be held in New York, New Jersey, on Sunday, 19 July 2026, and the opening match featuring the Mexican national team scheduled to be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
“Like Mexico, the national teams of Canada and the United States will each play their three group-stage matches on home soil. Canada will kick off their campaign in Toronto on Friday, 12 June 2026, while the United States will begin their journey on the same day in Los Angeles.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality that will take shape in the form of 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
“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 for this game-changing tournament.”
“I would like to thank our three host countries and 16 host cities for the unwavering commitment to staging a FIFA World Cup that will not only set new records but also leave an indelible legacy.”
FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani said: “The FIFA World Cup 26 will be a watershed moment and one that will trigger massive football development in our region and worldwide. While each host city is unique, they all have something in common: they are passionate about football and cannot wait to welcome the world in June and July 2026.”
There are considerations for the fans who have to traverse three large countries to follow their teams. The release stated there is an “innovative match schedule [that] will serve to minimise travel for teams and fans alike, while the number of rest days between fixtures will be maximised.”
The “Match pairings and kick-off times will be confirmed following the…
