FIFA has officially announced that MetLife Stadium, the home of the New York Giants and Jets, will be the venue for the FIFA World Cup Final in 2026. This decision came as a surprise, as many expected the final to be held at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. However, all eyes will now be on New Jersey, or should I say, New York, for what is anticipated to be the most-watched soccer game of 2026.
While it was unexpected for MetLife to be chosen as the host for the final, it is not surprising that FIFA has mandated all host stadiums to undergo a name change. FIFA does not permit non-FIFA sponsors to display their branding, and since almost every venue in North America is associated with a brand, the governing body of soccer had to come up with new names.
FIFA did not take a particularly creative approach in this matter. For instance, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be known as Atlanta Stadium for the 2026 World Cup, and Gillette Stadium will be referred to as Boston Stadium. AT&T Stadium will be called Dallas Stadium, and so on. However, there is one unique name change among them, and it belongs to MetLife Stadium, which will now be called New York New Jersey Stadium.
Let me emphasize this once again. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will take place in a stadium called NEW YORK NEW JERSEY STADIUM. Imagine hearing it announced in various languages, with broadcasters from around the world introducing the game as “Welcome to the greatest sporting event in the world, the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium.”
Who is to blame for this situation? Look no further than the NFL. It is solely the league’s fault that we have not one, but two NFL teams claiming to represent New York while playing in an entirely different state. FIFA is simply playing along with this charade that the league has perpetuated for decades.
If I were one of the rare New Jersey natives who actually takes pride in calling the state home, I would be furious that “New York” is listed before “New Jersey” in the name of the make-believe “New York New Jersey Stadium.” However, it is understandable that FIFA wants to tie the final to New York rather than New Jersey.
Mark covers a wide range of sports, but he keeps a particularly close eye on the world of golf. He holds a degree in journalism and online media from the University of Tennessee, although you can be the judge of his mastery. When he is not working, there is a high probability that you will find him on the golf course.