Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, work is underway on a renovation project at MetLife Stadium.

Global construction and development firm Skanska is overseeing the project, which began last month. The effort aims to meet FIFA size requirements to enlarge the playing field. As a result, work is taking place on the lower bowl of the stadium.

The joint bid between New Jersey and New York was first selected as a Host City in 2022. Since the work commenced at MetLife, the historic announcement came that the stadium would host the prestigious World Cup 26 Final as well as eight total matches.

The scope of the MetLife renovations include:

• Demolition of the four corners of existing precast seating throughout the stadium
• Installation of a new modular steel composite seating system with related comprehensive mechanical, electrical, audio visual and plumbing adjustments
• The removal of 1,740 permanent seats and the replacement of those seats on the modular system. The new seating will maintain current NFL seating quantities and layouts

For Skanska, the project marks a full-circle moment. Previously, the firm served as general contractor for the construction of the 2.2-million-square-foot MetLife Stadium.

“We are thrilled to continue building upon our long-standing partnership with MetLife Stadium and to play an integral role in ensuring the stadium is well-equipped to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup,” said Sean Szatkowski, executive vice president, general manager, Skanska USA Building.

The work aims to accommodate existing stadium activity and team schedules. As a result, according to the company, the construction will take place over two phases. Phase I is currently underway and projected for completion in May 2024.

Phase II is slated to begin in January 2025, with the project scheduled for completion in May 2025

“Having begun our initial work at MetLife Stadium in 2010, this latest undertaking poses the unique and exciting challenge of making the necessary adjustments needed to meet FIFA requirements,” said Szatkowski. “And we now know, this will include the honor of helping prepare the stadium to host the FIFA World Cup Final.”

Busy times

MetLife Stadium also played host to the recent 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union National Hockey League Stadium Series – the first in the Garden State. Click here for a recap – and to see the stadium as you’ve never seen it before.