When it comes to the MetLife Stadium hosting the 2026 World Cup final, it appears that FIFA could soon tell the New York/New Jersey area to fuggedaboutit.
The Sun reported that soccer’s international governing body will announce that AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas was selected over the home of the Jets and Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The official announcement is scheduled for Feb. 4, per ESPN.
However, officials in New Jersey and Dallas have told media outlets that they have not been informed of any decision by FIFA.
Sources told Fox 4 in Dallas that it has not been confirmed yet that AT&T Stadium will host the coveted game, and that there has been no communication with FIFA.
The Athletic reported that the Dallas bid committee said: “FIFA has not made any formal announcement” in regard to the venue decision.
Additionally, NJ.com reported that a source indicated to the outlet that New Jersey officials have been told that no decision has been made yet.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a noted soccer fan, said in October during a sit down with the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce that MetLife had a “50/50” chance to land the coveted games.
“But I’d say that’s a 50/50 proposition against Dallas, of all places,” Murphy said at the time. “But that is what it is. We think we’ve got all the compelling case you need to get the finals here.”
Dallas Sports Commission executive director Monica Paul told Fox 4 in a statement that the city remained “optimistic” about their chances to hold the finals in the area and “continue to work with FIFA leadership to lay the groundwork” in the run-up to the 2026 tournament.
FC Dallas president and chairman of the city’s World Cup bid told The Athletic that it would be an honor for Texas to get the final game.
“I’m hopeful for the final,” Hunt said. “My stated goal was to bring a World Cup final to Dallas. If we get a semifinal that will also be an incredible honor — or opening match. But to be able to host the World Cup final is something so special.
MetLife Stadium is no stranger to hosting massive events.
The East Rutherford stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVIII, WrestleMania and a number of international soccer matches since it opened in 2010.
New York Red Bulls officials had even briefly considered trying to move their match against Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami CF to MetLife Stadium last August.
The home of the Jets and Giants seats 82,500 and was toured by FIFA officials in 2021.
The venue is guaranteed to host games during the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
It will be the first time that the men’s World Cup has held matches in the area since Giants Stadium held seven contests during the 1994 tournament.
The since-demolished stadium also played host to another four games during the 1999 Women’s World Cup.