World Cup final to take place at the stadium least favored by NFL players
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey has been chosen to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, despite being voted the ‘worst in the NFL’ by players. This could potentially pose an issue for FIFA as the stadium is set to hold the pinnacle event, including the final, which is considered one of the most significant games in sports. The stadium, home to the NFL teams New York Jets and Giants, is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and has a capacity of 82,500 fans. According to a poll conducted by The Athletic in November 2023, 18.4 per cent of players voted MetLife as their least favorite stadium to play in.
Players complained about the artificial turf and the overall atmosphere created by Giants and Jets fans. Even Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson expressed dissatisfaction with the playing surface during a game in October 2023, expressing frustration with its impact on the players. New Jersey officials, however, are ready to welcome fans from all over the world for the prestigious tournament. Governor Phil Murphy stated, “It will be a celebration of our diversity and our values,” while Mayor Eric Adams of New York City added, “This is the biggest stage you can be on on the globe and the diversity of all those in the city is going to really allow soccer to expand even further.”
