FIFA Chooses To Host The 2026 World Cup In MetLife Stadium Instead Of Texas

In a move that surprised everyone, MetLife Stadium won the bid to host the 2026 World Cup Final.

Originally, reports had emerged that AT&T Stadium - the home of the Dallas Cowboys - would get the honor. But thanks to a wildly unexpected turn of events, MetLife in New Jersey will be the center of the soccer universe on July 19, 2026.

"Here we are for the biggest announcement in the history of announcements," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in an announcement. "Where will the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup be played? The winner is New York (and) New Jersey."

That’s right. FIFA consciously chose to pass on holding the final of the biggest sports even in the world in Texas, the heartland of America. 

Sure, New York City is close by. But for a lot of people, that's a significant downside. Not only does the city of Arlington have a better stadium, it has a much better barbeque scene to offer fans. That alone should make the decision rather simple!

FIFA had the opportunity of a lifetime to immerse foreigners in a quintessential American state, and they decided not to. If you can make it make sense, I’m all ears.

There’s another element that had me worried when I heard this news. Remember, earlier this year, Aaron Rogers tore his Achilles tendon on this same turf field. So is FIFA going to force the world’s best soccer players to fight for ultimate glory on a sketchy playing surface?

Thankfully, no. MetLife will change its surface before hosting any soccer games in a few years.

But for the sake of the visiting fans, I wish the final would happen in Texas. That state has the best of pretty much everything America has to offer for foreigners.