"A MILLION WAYS IT COULD GO WRONG!" Is the MetLife Stadium right to host 2026 WC final? | ESPN FC

The Futbol Americas duo Sebastian Salazar and Herculez Gomez debate whether New Jersey's MetLife Stadium was the right choice to host the 2026 World Cup Final.
✔ Subscribe to ESPN+: espnplus.com/soccer/youtube
✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoESPNFC

[@vmofficial9]

I don’t think FIFA is gonna worry about lower TV revenue if a WC final gets delayed. Viewers ain’t going anywhere

[@samlee86421]

Time zone is key for the big audiences in Europe, Africa and Middle East. Trying to watch NBA, UFC or NFL on the west coast is painful for everyone outside of the Americas

[@yester9037]

Final should be in Mexico City, a place with a football soul.

[@ItsGioLopez]

Mexico is already getting the opening game. Need to be fair with the other host countries as well.

[@latinoheateddieguerrero7644]

Only the Mexicans feel that way. USA Soccer > México fútbol

[@Rayado_26]

I agree

[@yonggeun4222]

@@Rayado_26nah it should be at canada

[@HumbleNarcissist0]

@@latinoheateddieguerrero7644 Lmao, no one believes that. Soccer isnt even the 3rd most popular sport in the country and Mexico has been host totwo of the best World Cups

[@anonymous2428]

i live in nyc can’t imagine how it’s gonna be here in 2026 in the summer

[@lucaporro3803]

Gonna be crazy

[@josem9689]

I think timezone and public transit is what put it over the top. LA and Dallas have the better stadiums

[@covfefe9646]

There is no public transportation to the stadium lol it’s not in manhattan it’s in New Jersey. LA is going to have transportation from the airport practically straight to the stadium

[@josem9689]

@@covfefe9646 yea there is. You can take train/rail from Secaucus through NJ Transit. You could also take a bus from port authority. There’s also 3 airports in the metro area that will help with getting people into the metro area.

[@andrewquigley8938]

Yes there is you can take a train. Wait to just lie and be ignorant lmao. Too bad you guys don't have the final. @@covfefe9646​

[@andrewquigley8938]

These dudes know nothing about jersey too lmfao. New Jersey has an awesome footballing culture too.@@josem9689

[@jaimetenaCITY]

They should have built a stadium in Alaska. In the middle of the beautiful mountains! EPIC FINAL!!!!!!

[@DontH8Ivan]

I’m not defending MetLife cause the cowboys stadium is def nicer but Seb saying Dallas is a better city than NYC is wild lmfao

[@rwb2011]

Dallas is not a better city than New York City Dallas does not have transportation and is way hot

[@daconnoisseurrex1752]

NYC!!

[@franka5928]

@@rwb2011that’s what he is saying. Read it again

[@ITrendzI]

As a californian something that upsets me way more than it should is how SoFi and Kroenke couldn't plan for potential soccer events. Its SoCal, its Los Angeles, Mexico consistently sells out soccer games, you knew the world cup was going to happen. Why not have it in the initial phases of the plan to implement a way for it to work? Of course it would've cost more but now we are seeing the repercussions of those decisions. My thoughts were that the U.S has gotten away with allowing narrow field games for so long they thought they could get away with it but no. Im glad for once FIFA didn't sacrifice the integrity of the game for profit. But i am also sad that LA/SoCal will most likely never host a world cup final/Copa America final

[@ruidean72]

LA hosted the 1994 World Cup Final at Rose Bowl. C'mon, be fair about it.

[@adamgt4037]

Also SoFi is still one of the main Stadiums for the World Cup

[@rg65box]

Such optimism.

[@facomori3110]

Berhalter out, call Piojo Herrera.

[@mo12j1j5]

Nooo, he will make USA good.

[@Batman-em2he]

The guy on the white clearly has never been to cowboys stadium.

[@wrathchildamerica2104]

Happy to have it somewhat local but not too crazy about MetLife Stadium that stadium should of had a dome on it from jump

[@shastonc]

mid to late July heat in the northeast DOES NOT compare to the July heat & humidity in Texas lol.

[@StylistecS]

No but AT&T has a roof. MetLife does not.

[@Aggie4life77]

I get that they want it in NY because it’s the biggest most urban city in the country. Also one of the biggest cities in the world. I’m not even mad and was a bit shocked that DFW was in the running. I will tell why it was though. It’s in the center of the country(southern though), close to Mexico, time zone is only an hour behind NY, great stadium. Last but not least, southern cities(Coast to coast)over the years have become increasingly more popular for major events. There’s a lot to that that I won’t go into, but I wanted to put that out there. NY will always be what it is, but it’s not it for major events.

[@kingteros]

Im 10min away from the MetLife Stadium... Ill be saving on Hotel, Food & Transportation 😆 Maybe the American Dream Mall can benefit from this event LOL Lets Go!!!!

[@romeoparachico]

east coast citizens have to travel for a final every single year, put that in perspective. it’s about time they make a final here in nj

[@illphil6627]

Travel to where for what?

[@Chip_Fuse]

​@@illphil6627 a lil sumthin' sumthin'.

[@erinbyrnes5921]

Why does each host nation share their group stages among two stadiums? It seems strange to play two games at one stadium and then travel to a new stadium for their third.

[@Kyleterp1]

The final will probably start 4-5 pm ET which is 9-10 pm European time. A big time when lightning/thunderstorms hit. Thats the last thing they need. 95 degrees, humidity and that as well.

[@ValRhapsody]

so what do you want them to do? Dallas is not an iconic city like NYC or LA that people wanna visit

[@Kyleterp1]

@@ValRhapsody put it in a stadium that there wouldn’t be any issues, holds more people and is a better stadium overall. The biggest game in the world deserves the best stadium in the best conditions possible. America is much more than New York(New Jersey), La and Miami. MetLife stadium is an awful stadium and isn’t even in New York

[@ezraezra2928]

From the looks of thumbnail about MetLife Stadium's historic games between 2:16 and 3:18, why you didn't include Lionel Messi's heartbreak moment with Argentina after losing the Copa America Centenario on penalties to Chile? That's a shame!

[@soccerman364]

They literally mentioned it in the video 😂

[@reeseprince8]

Do you think metlife will be updated tho?

[@lukegerr]

MetLife isn’t a great stadium but saying it should be at SoFi is wild

[@latinoheateddieguerrero7644]

LA weather in July or NJ weather in July? It should have been in LA.

[@chocobocooki3]

Arlington not Dallas. I don't know who allowed that bullshido. Thank you Herc. Also thank you Herc for not letting it go that it's going to NY because of money. Seb take off that yellow Brazil and put on a Blue.

[@tyreek.6815]

What are you even saying lmfaoo

[@chocobocooki3]

@@tyreek.6815 iykyk

[@bigjoeofthe707]

I had thought Arlington would be it since that stadium can expand to 100K and I figured with FIFA looking to make that big money they would froth at the mouth at 100K attendance for a World Cup. But for the NYC area someone months ago mentioned to me that he felt MetLife Stadium would be it since it’s a huge multi-culture city and home of the United Nations headquarters.

[@MichaelWalker-wu2pq]

Everyone keeps talking about New York City this and that being the most well known prolific city in America. No one disagrees with this but the game isn't in New York City or in the state of New York at all its in New Jersey! They could have had it in Dallas or Atlanta. Atlanta gives the option of a retractable roof. If the weather is too hot or pouring rain then it could be closed if the weather cooperates then it can be open. Also pricing wise Dallas and Atlanta are nowhere near as expensive as that region. Met Life Stadium is not anywhere near as good as the Dallas Cowboys stadium or Mercedes-Benz Stadium. I consider this a miss on FIFA's part.

[@mochoudhury7966]

It’s like 4 miles from Manhattan. Besides, Dallas Stadium is in Arlington, TX. NY/NJ over Dallas for an international event makes sense though I agree the ATT stadium is much nicer.

[@MichaelWalker-wu2pq]

@mochoudhury7966 I agree from a World perspective that the whole world knows about New York City, NY. It should be there from that perspective but from an in-person perspective, AT&T Stadium and Mercedes-Benz are much better world-class stadiums. Well, it is what it is, can't change it now.

[@SoLazy100]

Both Dallas and Atlanta are indoor stadiums (I don't care if Atlanta has a retractable roof, it will always feel closed), that just seems wrong to me for football.

[@MichaelWalker-wu2pq]

@@SoLazy100 Atlanta has a retractable roof.

[@andrewquigley8938]

Yeah i'm glad it's in NJ as much as I love metlife those stadiums are way better kept up@@MichaelWalker-wu2pq

[@wulozhero6684]

There is one reason a million things will absolutely go wrong. New effing Jersey

[@andrewquigley8938]

You know nothing

[@stevebarboza1929]

He’s just salty he didn’t get the final in California

[@Carefree716]

Not a big fan of MetLife but World Cup final has never been played in an indoor stadium. Not sure why its suddenly such a big issue

[@VISHRUTSHENOY]

Yes

[@isaacgeorge7288]

At least he's cool w it

[@da_figaro8723]

Mexico v Portugal Final

[@adamgt4037]

USA vs France (USA 2-0 Mexico Semis)

[@user-gz8nt9rb3z]

Final will likely be around lunchtime so Asia can watch. Unlikely to be storms at that time too.

[@CarlosMartinez-ou9gt]

Why would New York State be the wrong place??? NYC is the center for media and pop culture in North America that’s not far from this final

[@21jamills]

Stadium is pretty trash lol. I don’t disagee that NYC was the right choice tho.

[@rashaadjorden1187]

The World Cup final will be in New Jersey, not New York State.

[@loganleroy8622]

Well, it isn't in NY and the transit to the stadium itself is going to require just as much car travel as it would in Arlington. The only difference is that the car traffic is much, much worse in the NYC metro area than in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Plus the cost of securing lodging in that part of the country is enormously more expensive compared to Texas. You want a game in a location that actually reflects what the US is like? Then don't put it near New York City.

[@rashaadjorden1187]

@@loganleroy8622 I'm sure you realize the New York metropolitan area has much better public transportation than that in the Dallas area.

[@rashaadjorden1187]

@@loganleroy8622 Do you actually think corrupt and money hungry FIFA cares that the World Cup final won't be in a location that reflects what the U.S. is truly like?

[@Humanityiscomedy]

What's the stadium like?

[@tyreek.6815]

Not world class compared to the 4 other world class stadiums in the USA. Also the stadium is cursed with ACL injuries.

[@bryanfarnet2037]

Oh god, I hope they don’t start trying to make the goals bigger and splitting the games into 4 quarters again like they did in 94

[@mh9tv]

The 94 world cup final was at the rose bowl stadium.. would have been good if 32 yrs later they had the final there again

[@meenism]

Are you slow? That stadium is WAY too old and small for a World Cup final

[@yourmomssockdrawer]

​@@meenismToo small, who is the one that is slow?

[@21jamills]

@@meenismit’s not small but it’s definitely too old lol

[@supercrash804]

@@meenismit’s one of the biggest stadiums in America 😅

[@2themoon863]

The good thing about the Rose Bowl (and the Cotton Bowl for that matter) is that it’s already a FIFA compliant field in terms of width, nothing needs to be taken out-and in the case of the Cotton Bowl the number of seats is much larger than it was in 1994.

[@RomeDCarlo]

What about Miami?

[@javiercota9494]

Should be in LA sofi

[@randalljr17]

And Dallas is better?? At least NY/NJ has really good public transportation. And most of you have clearly not been to the nyc metro area during the summer. LA or Seattle would’ve been the best backup cities easily bc of history culture and passion not Vegas or Dallas. Also this is the best choice regarding international travel and the fact that nyc has so much novelty.

[@loganleroy8622]

Novelty? There's nothing new about it. It's the same tired, rundown, metropolis it was in the 70s. It's peak was over three decades ago now, it's time to move on, that city is dying. All of the growth is in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and Nashville.

[@randalljr17]

@@loganleroy8622 you clearly have not been there. There’s a reason why so many local and international tourists flock to the city. This is basically the United States hosting a party for the world to come. No one internationally is going to Dallas Atlanta or Nashville lol. Miami tho - absolutely.

[@loganleroy8622]

@@randalljr17 I have been there, I spent a week as a tourist in Manhattan and it is an overrated, overpriced tourist trap. A filthy, crime ridden city where the people are as impolite, insulated, and ignorant about the rest of the US as anywhere in the country. If you want a place to represent the worst kinds of people in the US, you need not look any further.

[@tyreek.6815]

@@randalljr17 Dallas was the best place to "host a party" bc the areas around the stadium are literally made for that. Even so AT&T stadium can have over 100k people. If you think soccer fans are saying ugh its not in new york so im not going to go then youre over yourself dude. The places where its held has nothing to do with international people going to see the games or even the cities. Dont tell no one they "havent been somewhere" when you say Hosting party then trash AT&T Stadium. You trash it yet tell us why AT&T has the semi finals and also the most games a world cup venue as ever hosted? Clearly you dont know what youre talking about and your opinion is filled with strong bias. GTFO with the Hosting party BS. Dallas is more than capable esp with the event city right outside of the 3 stadiums of which 2 are going to be fan fare for all the big games. I bet you during the big games BOTH of the baseball stadiums are going to be used as a viewing party if free... You really said no one internationally is going to these places like these people are going to the city themselves. They're going to the city where the games are held... if they do touristy things thats their own thing of which would make more money if they have to travel to those places anyways. Dont belittle people its weird and unnecessary, esp when you are also wrong.

[@FloRiva2]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's never been a world cup final held in a stadium with a roof/dome

[@2themoon863]

No it wasn’t; all of the stadiums were outdoors. To answer the question, the first World Cup games indoors was the 1994 games at the Silverdome in Michigan-and that field was barely wide enough, so much so the the benches were actually in the first rows of the stands on one side.

[@portcybertryx222]

They should’ve featured Sofi more. La has more modern stadiums and facilities

[@tyreek.6815]

It wasnt fifa it was the ownership of sofi being selfish.

[@ItsGioLopez]

Jerseyyy stand up!

[@user-rp7rn2er7i]

La Gran Final has to be played in Mexico City in El Azteca

[@shinanguo4197]

Can they not build a roof?

[@loganleroy8622]

They cannot, no.

[@javierbeastslayer9893]

Do you think the 2026 World Cup should not play in MetLife Stadium or shorty Play in metlife stadium

[@AndyRealist]

Great we got the final it’s like 8 miles outside of nyc and we have some transit options NJ Transit train there buses also to and from nyc and other parts of New Jersey . Hosting it at AT&T stadium there barley any transit options so it was not suited to host a final bold move by fifa

[@EL_LeonFredo9]

What about the illegal migrants

[@juannumbaone9142]

Nothing represents America more than Texas, would’ve been nice to see the final in Dallas

[@icetredotnet6473]

7PM EST would be nice, should cool down, hopefully the football goods allow now storm

[@I_Evo]

Midnight/1AM kick-off time in Europe isn't going to work. 3 or 4PM EST is my bet.

[@PatrickRoy30]

So Canada and Mexico play in different parts of their country for the group games. Whereas the U.S. just stays on the west coast all tournament?

[@SoLazy100]

Look at a map. Mexico travels shorter distances than the US team. And Canada only travels once.

[@dybalasasojp5624]

@@SoLazy100dont change the fact the US has a midwest and east coast

[@SoLazy100]

@@dybalasasojp5624 They obviously want to limit distances travelled as much as possible.

[@PatrickRoy30]

@@SoLazy100 do you know how far apart Toronto and Vancouver are?

[@PatrickRoy30]

@@SoLazy100 “only once” yes, but it’s over 4200 kilometers

[@johneapen1239]

1994 Final was the most terrible final I have ever seen. The weather is a major concern

[@tonytellingitlikeitis5708]

Football should be played OUTDOORS, end of, no wonder why Infantino chose NY, maybe he just likes the fine dining @ NYC better lol But in all seriousness, after Pele's death, Metlife was chosen because the final will be played across the street from the old Giants stadium where Pele played his last match as a tribute to the great ambassador who spread the game to the USA, that is the truth.

[@tyreek.6815]

If you think thats why Metlife was chosen then i dream and pray that i get an innocent mind like you one day. Bc that is def no where to being close of why they chose metlife. lol

[@tonytellingitlikeitis5708]

@@tyreek.6815 You know nothing, Brasil is winning the World Cup across the street from where Pele played his last match.

[@chrisgray2824]

Final should be in Ann Arbor, Michigan

[@dybalasasojp5624]

Traverse city deserves it more

[@kellypringle9815]

This would be good. Make the field compliant with FIFA standards. Then, add a few more seats to the stadium.

[@Floww23]

One NY is the biggest city on this side of the planet and the most populated and yes is right there by NY you can see the Manhattan skyline right next MetLife Stadium Two it’s NYC there people from all over the world here you mad deal with 👅👅👅 also football shouldn’t be played under a roof this isn’t hockey or basketball

[@romeoparachico]

right choice was made. stop holding finals in cali, vegas, miami. it doesn’t matter about the history of a stadium. it should be decided on the last there was a final in metlife. metlife only gets wrestle mania only kids going to that

[@louihalwe7081]

Oow, "only kids be going to that." True 😂

[@EL_LeonFredo9]

You know their parents are wrestling fans too 😂

[@edenreyes4747]

Well it easy for the Europeans to watch the game

[@SuperJuniorquintero]

Me who lives in the New York City area, I feel personally that it should've been at AT&T stadium because it's expandable to 105,000 capacity. But of course FIFA has a history putting a championship final in a lesser capacity stadium. 😡😠

[@mariotrasvina2407]

Look everyone that talks about the USA… that live in Europe. They talk about about Hollywood and etc… they should have had it in LA and the LAX is there

[@tyreek.6815]

Its not in LA bc of the LA selfish rich people not because of fifa

[@reeseprince8]

No one in Europe talks about Hollywood lol

[@horus2ayiti]

Everything can’t be in LA all the time!

[@johnsonbedford83]

Install a roof in MetLife, problem solved.

[@vmofficial9]

“The World Cup final deserves respect” Then it should be in Mexico.

[@meenism]

Im SO fkn excited because I literally live 2 minutes from MetLife Lol I can see it from my studio window. Ive never been to a World Cup game in my life and I can't wait to finally have a chance! Also Jersey is a BIG soccer state so it makes sense.

[@Youafool500]

Go make that dough, ticket prices will be crazy

[@sakenu16]

Hope your place is high enough to see over Metlife because you are not getting in.

[@MTAProdigy]

So much crying in the comment section lmfao, why have the final in stinky LA or Dallas? Two of the most boring places in the country

[@daconnoisseurrex1752]

Metlife!!!

[@chinitopogi7511]

Hope Portugal, France, Argentina, Germany, Spain, England (United Kingdom), would meet in the quarter finals. But please beat Argentina.

[@angelbonilla6751]

Cry more 😢

[@Yuh0847]

12/18/22 🕊️☔️

[@dybalasasojp5624]

Its not about big teams anymore. Underdogs will have their fairytale

[@rwb2011]

No

[@jiraiyafo]

East rutherford is a dump!!

[@infoguy1978]

@jiraiyafo- jealous?

[@rwb2011]

Nooo

[@Bronzehans]

Don’t worry, they will change stadiums when the grass isn’t fit in time.

[@edmor127]

The NYC metro area can cater to every fan from the world.....korean ,Chinese, French, Italian, Polish, German, Mexican, African, Irish...etc....we got it covered... culture food music everything...The World cup is more than games but the parties and the Celebration....its no contest....Only 80000 fans will have tickets...about 10 million will be watching screens from the NYC metro area which means viewing parties representing all cultures like never before....I cant wait!!!!!

[@edmor127]

@user-qb3og5iu3r exactly....they can eat some asian....or Irish....or Russian.....or Italian Cusine....Im sure Visitors dont wanna eat burgers and fries everyday.....

[@loganleroy8622]

If the world cup is about an opportunity for the rest of the world to discover the culture of the host country, then why would you want it to be in NY. 2010 was about discovering South African culture, 2014 was all about celebrating Brazil, 2022 was exploring what Qatar had to offer, so why would you not want to expose to the world what actual American culture is in the heart of the United States? NYC is just an empty shell. It's the reason people think the US has no culture, because they show up in NYC and think America doesn't have anything of its own to offer the world. What a waste to reward those entitled east coast elitists.

[@GatoDaddy147]

Who’s the clown on the right, somehow made himself less popular then seb

[@LukeeeMan16]

Crybabys

[@Batman-em2he]

Final should be in Dallas

[@rwb2011]

It’s too hot and no transportation Dallas is not a cool city

[@ruidean72]

I hope NY and other cities give out some free tickets to the illegal migrants.

[@rowbehr8]

That’s the excuses to give New Jersey the big final! East coast time! Back in 1994 the final was played at the Rose Bowl. The weather was great. Big mistake to award it to New Jersey instead of Los Angeles.

[@ItsGioLopez]

It’s going to be in the summer. The weather in the summer is great in Nj.

[@davidt3956]

Respect, in New Jersey? 🤣 Given this is FIFA, I'm assuming bribes were involved. As for history, the Dallas Tornado! I knew of kids from Texas who made all star tours of Mexico before you two were born.

[@Ruscococo1]

Final should be in Mexico

[@ryanjohnson6272]

The US is the main host. We should have the final

[@isaacgeorge7288]

They already hosted 2 finals, give another place a chance

[@MaizenBlue81]

@@isaacgeorge7288no

[@massinissadjadda3507]

I'm so happy it's in NY and the US but mexico should definitely host the final, everything is just amazing there for football.

[@PatrickRoy30]

Why on earth should it be in Mexico lol

[@brennan35]

Jersey sucks