NYNJ 2026 Welcomes FIFA To MetLife Stadium
FIFA officials visit MetLife Stadium and training sites as ongoing preparation for world’s biggest sporting event continue and NYNJ bid to host FIFA World Cup 26™ Final.
A delegation from FIFA visited New York New Jersey (NYNJ) on Wednesday to discuss preparations for the FIFA World Cup 26™. FIFA’s visit comes on the heels of a successful and action-packed summer of elite international sports events in the region, during which NYNJ showcased its world-class sporting facilities and hosting capabilities.
The series of events affirm the region’s preparedness to host premier matches, including the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final. The delegation from FIFA met with a robust group of representatives from both New York and New Jersey at MetLife Stadium.
The vast group of regional stakeholders have worked seamlessly together to plan for a successful FIFA World Cup 26™ for several years. They have also continued to execute massive events across the region on a weekly basis, including this past weekend’s NFL match between the New York Jets and New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium, which was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The region’s soccer fever heated up throughout the summer. On July 26, MetLife Stadium was the world-class stage for a friendly face-off between Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal in front of a sold-out crowd of 82,000, setting a record attendance for a soccer match at the stadium.
On July 28, the inaugural Premier League Summer Series thrilled fans at the Red Bull Arena, with Brighton & Hove Albion taking on Newcastle United. Messi Mania came on full display during the legend’s Major League Soccer regular season debut at Red Bull Arena on August 26 before a sold-out crowd of 25,000 cheering soccer fans.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said: “We are pleased to cap off an unforgettable summer of sport in New York and New Jersey with an official visit from FIFA. Our region’s ability to pull off major events and fill stadiums has been on full display. We are ready to welcome the world for matches and are committed to bringing the climax of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to New York and New Jersey.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, said: “There are few things as thrilling as watching a goal from your favourite team and nowhere more exciting to watch a soccer match than New York New Jersey.
“As this region’s summer of massive events has shown, no one has more experience or has demonstrated more operational excellence than our region in hosting large-scale events. Big events are what we do best, and we cannot wait to be chosen to host the World Cup Finals in 2026. I believe that we will win!”
As the region’s strengths continue to be highlighted through its passion for sports, transportation accessibility, and vast cultural attractions, NYNJ looks to make history by hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final. FIFA is expected to announce the location for marquee games, including the Final, later this year.
