The final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set as the showpiece match of the tournament’s 23rd edition. It will take place at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey—specifically at MetLife Stadium, a venue just west of New York City. Below is a concise, people-first guide covering the confirmed date, venue naming, stadium profile, teams placeholder format, entertainment plans, and the official match rules you need to know.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 FIFA World Cup Final |
| Date | July 19, 2026 |
| Venue (local name) | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States |
| Venue (tournament name) | “New York New Jersey Stadium” (tournament-use name per sponsorship policy) |
| Proximity | ~10 miles (≈16 km) west of New York City |
| Capacity (listed) | 82,500 |
| Notable past events | Super Bowl XLVIII (2014), Copa América Centenario Final (2016), FIFA Club World Cup Final (2025) |
Venue Overview
MetLife Stadium has been home to the New York Giants and New York Jets since its opening in 2009. For the 2026 tournament, FIFA will refer to the site as “New York New Jersey Stadium.” The arena’s large capacity and history of hosting marquee events underscore why it was selected for the global finale.
Past Major Finals Hosted
- Super Bowl XLVIII (2014)
- Copa América Centenario Final (2016)
- FIFA Club World Cup Final (2025)
These events highlight the stadium’s ability to handle massive matchday operations, international media, and fan travel logistics—key considerations for the world’s biggest men’s national-team match.
Follow FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Schedule With Matches, Timings, Dates, and Venues.
Entertainment Program
The final also features a landmark halftime show.
- September 28, 2024: Global Citizen was announced as co-producer of the halftime program—marking the first halftime show in FIFA World Cup final history.
- March 5, 2025: Coldplay was confirmed to assist with the final list of performers and to organize a concert in Times Square during the final-weekend festivities.
This integrated entertainment slate adds a new dimension to the matchday experience while keeping the focus on the sport.
Teams (Bracket Placeholders)
The championship match will feature the winners emerging from the late-tournament bracket. As structured:
- Winner Match 101 vs Winner Match 102 (per the bracket notation provided)
- Match 104 appears in the bracket context as referenced in the official listing.
Finalist names will be inserted once the corresponding knockout matches are completed.
Match Details (Recap)
- Date: July 19, 2026
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium (tournament name: New York New Jersey Stadium)
- Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey (near New York City)
Official Match Rules
The final follows the standard tournament protocol for deciding a champion:
- Regulation time: 90 minutes.
- If level after 90’: 30 minutes of extra time.
- If still level: Penalty shoot-out to determine the winner.
- Named substitutes: Up to twelve may be listed.
- Substitutions during play: Up to five in regulation; a sixth is permitted in extra time.
- Substitution windows: Three opportunities in regulation; an additional window in extra time.
- Concussion protocol: One concussion substitution may be used; if taken, the opposing team receives an extra standalone substitution.
Why This Final Stands Out
- A proven, high-capacity venue with a track record of hosting international finals.
- A historic first: a halftime show co-produced by Global Citizen, with Coldplay involved in performer planning and a Times Square concert during the weekend.
- Clear, player-first match rules designed to decide a champion while protecting athlete welfare through concussion-related provisions.
Quick Reference Table
| Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| Final Date | July 19, 2026 |
| City/Region | East Rutherford, NJ (near NYC) |
| Stadium | MetLife Stadium / “New York New Jersey Stadium” |
| Capacity | 82,500 (listed) |
| Entertainment | Halftime show (Global Citizen); Coldplay involvement; Times Square weekend concert |
| Decider Protocol | Extra time → Penalties if required |
| Substitutions | 5 in regulation + 1 in extra time; concussion substitution available |