From kick-off times to stadium details, here is a complete guide to the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 2026 World Cup final is already marked in the diary and will be played on Sunday, 19 July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It will be the most anticipated match of the tournament, with the two best teams battling for the title. Set on the outskirts of New York, the venue will host the match that decides the new world champions.
The match kicks off at 3 pm in the United States. Across the African continent, the start times vary by region: it is 8 pm in Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone; 9 pm in South Africa; and 10 pm in Sudan. Finally, for fans in Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, the action begins at 11 pm. This schedule has been carefully selected to maximise the global audience whilst ensuring optimal playing conditions
MetLife Stadium has an approximate capacity of 82,500 spectators. Opened in 2010, it is one of the country’s most modern and versatile grounds. It regularly hosts NFL games and is home to the New York Giants and the New York Jets.
Although it is more closely associated with American football, the stadium has also hosted major international events. It hosted the final of the 2016 Copa América Centenario, when Chile beat Argentina. It has also welcomed major concerts and elite sporting competitions.
More recently, it staged the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0. That tournament also included semi-finals, a quarter-final and several group-stage matches at the same venue. All of this underlines its status as a venue ready for major occasions.
The 2026 World Cup will begin on 11 June and run until 19 July. It will be a historic edition, as it will feature 48 participating teams. The opening match will be played at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico, while the final will take place in the United States.
The semi-finals are scheduled for 14 and 15 July, while the third-place play-off will be held on 18 July. That leaves the final to bring the tournament to a close one day later.
For fans, the final at MetLife Stadium offers a chance to experience a unique event in an iconic setting. Its proximity to New York makes it a particularly attractive destination. Everything will be in place to ensure that the 2026 World Cup concludes with a spectacle befitting its stature.