Which stadium will host the 2026 World Cup final? See all the arenas in contention for major honour

Several stadiums have had the honour of hosting the World Cup final in the past and these arenas are in contention to join that list

As the excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup builds, the question on everyone's mind is where the grand final will be held. 

Three stadiums were initially in the running to host this prestigious event, but recent developments have narrowed down the choices, as per Bolavips US

AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas

Location: Arlington, Texas (Dallas market)

Opened: 2009

Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to 105,000)

Regular Tenant: Dallas Cowboys

AT&T Stadium, an architectural marvel and one of the largest stadiums in the United States, has emerged as a frontrunner. Reports suggest that it has surpassed its competitors, notably MetLife Stadium and SoFi Stadium, in the bid to host the final. There's a sense of anticipation following AT&T Stadium's social media hints, suggesting they are in a strong position to secure the hosting rights. The venue's retractable roof and vast capacity make it an ideal choice, especially considering the extreme Texas heat.

MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York City market)

Opened: 2010

Capacity: 82,500

Regular Tenant: New York Giants, New York Jets

MetLife Stadium, though not as visually striking as its competitors, remains a strong contender due to its significant capacity and location within the New York City metropolitan area. Earlier reports indicated MetLife as a potential favorite for the final, but recent developments have cast doubt on its selection. Despite this, the New York City Mayor and New York Governor have publicly expressed their readiness to host the event, suggesting that it's still in the race.

SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California no longer in contention

Location: Inglewood, California (Los Angeles market)

Opened: 2020

Capacity: 70,240

Regular Tenant: Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers

SoFi Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue, was initially considered a strong candidate due to its modern facilities and significant role in Los Angeles' 2028 Olympics bid. However, it appears that SoFi Stadium has been eliminated from the race due to reported disputes over matchday revenue sharing with FIFA and concerns about the stadium's field size not meeting FIFA's requirements.

All the 2026 World Cup venues

These venues were selected from a larger pool of candidate cities, and they represent a diverse range of locations and stadium types across North America. Each of these stadiums has its unique characteristics and will contribute to the grandeur of the World Cup event. With such a wide distribution of venues, the 2026 World Cup promises to be a truly North American experience, showcasing the diverse cultures and landscapes of the continent. The selection of these venues is a critical step in the preparation for one of the largest sports events in the world​

The United States of America

Atlanta, Georgia - Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Boston, Massachusetts - Gillette Stadium

Dallas, Texas - AT&T Stadium

Houston, Texas - NRG Stadium

Kansas City, Missouri - Arrowhead Stadium

Los Angeles, California - SoFi Stadium

Miami, Florida - Hard Rock Stadium

New York/New Jersey - MetLife Stadium

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Lincoln Financial Field

San Francisco, California (Santa Clara) - Levi’s Stadium

Seattle, Washington - Lumen Field

Canada

Toronto, Ontario - BMO Field

Vancouver, British Columbia - BC Place

Mexico

Guadalajara, Jalisco - Estadio Akron

Mexico City, Distrito Federal - Estadio Azteca

Monterrey, Nuevo León - Estadio BBVA

FIFA’s final decision

With the final decision yet to be officially announced by FIFA, AT&T Stadium in Dallas and MetLife Stadium in the New York City area remain the primary contenders for hosting the 2026 World Cup final. The final schedule for the World Cup is set to be released on February 4, 2024, which will confirm the host of the final match​​​​​​.

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