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In a major victory for the area, FIFA revealed the Host Region of New York New Jersey (NYNJ) will hold the World Cup 26 Final July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Heading into Sunday’s announcement, made during FIFA’s Match Schedule Reveal special on Fox, officials involved with the process expressed cautious optimism about MetLife Stadium’s chances of being selected for the final. Since the joint bid between the two states was first selected as a 2026 World Cup Host City, efforts have been underway by officials and stakeholders to make the case as to why MetLife and the surrounding area should serve as centerstage for the biggest sporting event in the world.

In the process, MetLife Stadium beat out top venues around North America, including SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., and AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, among others.

The excitement does not start and stop with just the final – MetLife (and thus New Jersey) will host eight matches in total during the FIFA World Cup 26. The biggest ever iteration of the tournament, the series will include 104 games featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Officials estimate the matches will generate some $2 billion in economic impact for the region, support over 14,000 jobs and attract more than 1 million visitors.

The full slate of 2026 World Cup matches at MetLife include:

• June 13 – Group Stage Match
• June 16 – Group Stage Match
• June 22 – Group Stage Match
• June 25 – Group Stage Match
• June 27 – Group Stage Match
• June 30 – Round of 32
• July 5  – Round of 16
• July 19 – Final

‘The whole world right in our backyard’

“Between New Jersey and New York City, we’ve got it all – world-class hotels, stadiums, theaters, attractions, transportation,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a video put out by the two states following FIFA’s major announcement.

“We’ve got you covered soccer fans,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

As a lifelong soccer fan, I am thrilled to announce that the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will be hosted by New Jersey and New York City! See you in 2026! #WeAreNYNJ #WeAre26 #FIFAWorldCup ⚽ pic.twitter.com/GfqiXtbYvL

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) February 4, 2024

“In fact, in many ways, we’ve got the whole world right in our backyard – with more than 600 languages and dialects spoken across our region,” Murphy continued. “There is nowhere that better captures the breadth and diversity of the world’s greatest game than New York City and our great Garden State.”

“The world’s biggest sporting event is coming to the world’s biggest stage,” said Adams.

“We’re looking forward to hosting several matches – and we just scored the winning goal,” said Murphy. “In many ways, it’s a homecoming right here in the birthplace of the American soccer tradition.”

A worldwide platform

Of course, this is not MetLife Stadium or the region’s first time handling a major event. The site hosts the New York Giants and New York Jets games each week, as well as the 2014 Super Bowl, WrestleMania 29 and 35, countless major concerts, and so much more.

The World Cup will provide a major economic boost to the area – and offer an unprecedented opportunity for businesses in the region to showcase themselves to the world.

“The Meadowlands has been hosting the world’s most notable events for more than 50 years. That tradition continues with FIFA’s announcement that MetLife Stadium will be host to the FIFA World Cup 26 Final! Under Gov. Phil Murphy, New Jersey proved its commitment by assembling a talented team to secure this huge win and we are so proud to have been selected,” Jim Kirkos, president and CEO, Meadowlands Chamber & Meadowlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, said in a statement following the announcement. “I am certain that FIFA has great confidence in the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee.”

Kirkos says his organization looks forward to providing a warm welcome and fabulous experience to visitors from around the globe as they visit for the World Cup.

“The Meadowlands knows how to do big things, and our destination is bigger and better than ever – filled with fabulous dining, incredible retail and attractions, and a wide array of entertainment that will delight the millions of visitors the FIFA World Cup 26 generates,” said Kirkos. “Bring it on!”

“As an advocate for this region, and a lifelong soccer fan, I am thrilled that FIFA chose to place their trust in New York New Jersey to host the historic FIFA World Cup 26 Final,” said Murphy in a press release after the announcement from the Host Region of New York New Jersey. “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our region; hosting the Final provides NYNJ an unparalleled platform to brilliantly showcase what we stand for – diversity, equality, access, and inclusion.”

“New Jersey is thrilled to host eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with our New York neighbors,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy, also a Democratic candidate for the New Jersey’s U.S. Senate seat in 2024. “Future generations will remember this momentous chapter of our region’s history as we provide an extraordinary experience for millions of fans in New Jersey and New York, and around the globe. On the heels of literally years of work by many, we look forward to the opportunity to showcase the best of our state, including our rich cultural diversity, as we welcome the world in 2026.”

“This is a memorable day for New York New Jersey,” said Bruce Revman and Lauren LaRusso, co-host city managers, for the NYNJ Host Committee. “Our region’s world-class venues, transportation accessibility, and iconic cultural attractions will deliver the ultimate fan and player experience. This will be an epic celebration throughout our diverse and vibrant community. We cannot wait to welcome the world and show off all that we have to offer.”

Seeing green

A number of notable area landmarks were lit up Lady Liberty green Sunday night to mark the occasion, including MetLife Stadium, American Dream, Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and the Javits Center.

Reaction has been pouring in from around the Garden State and across social media.

“It’s the biggest sporting event in the world – and we can’t wait for MetLife Stadium to be on the world’s biggest stage and the New Jersey State Police is ready! FIFA just announced NY/NJ was selected for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026,” New Jersey State Police wrote in a post on X. “NJSP has been planning with our FIFA partners for the World Cup to make the 2026 World Cup Final and the eight games leading up a great success!”

“The biggest stage of world soccer is coming to our home,” Jets Owner Woody Johnson wrote in a post on X. “Amazing news!”

“The World Cup Final is coming to NY and NJ,” the Giants wrote in a post on X. “A champion will be crowned in our home, @MetLifeStadium.

“It’s the biggest sporting event in the world – and we can’t wait for it to be on the world’s biggest stage,” @MetLifeStadium wrote in a post on X.

It’s the biggest sporting event in the world – and we can’t wait for it to be on the world’s biggest stage! #WeAreNYNJ #WeAre26 #FIFAWorldCup ⚽ Fans interested in pre-registering for FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets can do so at https://t.co/LgAwkDdZTh pic.twitter.com/ODNXUZLl1b

— MetLife Stadium (@MetLifeStadium) February 4, 2024

“The New York Red Bulls are thrilled that the 2026 FIFA World Cup Champion will be crowned just minutes away from Red Bull Arena. The history of soccer runs deep through our communities we are proud to represent,” the Red Bulls said in a statement. “In 2026, the sport of soccer will be on a global stage which will continue to elevate the game in North America. It’s an exciting time for all of us.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:21 a.m. Feb. 5, 2024, to include a statement from the New York Red Bulls.