The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will be the biggest football event in history. Fans from every continent will gather to watch two nations compete for glory. This tournament spreads across the United States, Canada and Mexico. It brings together millions of passionate supporters in one massive celebration.
The Final takes place at one of North America’s most famous stadiums. Ticket demand already breaks all previous records. Here is everything you need to know about the date, kickoff time, venue and how to secure your spot.
- 📅 Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- 🏟️ Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- 👥 Capacity: 82,500
- ⚽ Tournament: June 11 – July 19, 2026
- 🌍 Teams: 48 (expanded from 32)
- 🎫 Tickets: $60 – $6,730 (regular) | $3,500 – $73,200 (hospitality)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Date and Start Time
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final happens on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The tournament starts on June 11 and runs for 39 days before this grand finale crowns the new world champion.
FIFA has not announced the exact kickoff time yet. Reports from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy suggest the match will start around 3:00 PM Eastern Time. This timing works perfectly for global audiences. American fans get afternoon viewing. European supporters enjoy primetime evening slots. Asian viewers can tune in during late night or early morning hours.
Global Kickoff Times:
| Region | Time |
|---|---|
| Pacific Time (US West Coast) | 12:00 PM |
| Eastern Time (US East Coast) | 3:00 PM |
| British Summer Time | 8:00 PM |
| Central European Time | 9:00 PM |
| India Standard Time | 12:30 AM (next day) |
FIFA will confirm the official kickoff time after the tournament draw on December 5, 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
MetLife Stadium: The 2026 World Cup Final Venue
The Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The stadium sits just 10 miles west of New York City. It ranks as one of the largest and most modern sports venues in North America.
Stadium Facts:
- Capacity: 82,500 seats
- Opened: 2010
- Cost: Over $2 billion
- Official World Cup name: “New York New Jersey Stadium”
MetLife Stadium serves as home to two NFL teams – the New York Giants and the New York Jets. The venue has hosted major events before. Super Bowl XLVIII took place here in 2014. The Copa América Centenario Final happened here in 2016. The stadium also hosted the FIFA Club World Cup Final in 2025.
FIFA picked MetLife Stadium for several strong reasons. The location near New York City brings global media attention. Three major airports sit within 25 miles of the stadium. The area offers thousands of hotel rooms at different price levels. Public transportation connects the stadium to Manhattan and surrounding areas.
The stadium underwent changes to meet FIFA standards. Workers removed 1,740 corner seats to widen the playing field. Natural grass replaces the usual artificial turf for World Cup matches. Broadcast facilities received major upgrades. These changes finished in May 2025.
MetLife Stadium hosts 8 total World Cup matches. Five group stage games happen here. One Round of 32 match and one Round of 16 match also take place at this venue. The Final on July 19 caps off the stadium’s role in the tournament.
Stadium Map and Fan Travel Guide
MetLife Stadium sits in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford. Fans can reach the venue through multiple transportation options.
By Train (Recommended)
The NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line offers the best choice. Take any train from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction. Switch to the Meadowlands shuttle that drops you at the stadium gates. The ride from Secaucus takes only 10 to 13 minutes. Trains run every 10 to 20 minutes starting 3.5 hours before kickoff. Round trip costs about $10 to $15 from Penn Station.
By Bus
Coach USA operates the 351 Meadowlands Express directly from Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to the stadium. Round trip costs $14. Travel time runs 30 to 45 minutes based on traffic.
By Air
Newark Liberty International Airport sits closest at 15 miles away. JFK International Airport lies 25 miles from the stadium. LaGuardia Airport sits 20 miles away. All three airports connect to NJ Transit rail service.
By Car
Stadium parking costs $40 per vehicle with advance purchase required. Traffic gets extremely heavy on game days. Most experts strongly recommend public transportation over driving.
Where to Stay
Secaucus provides the most convenient base with direct train access to the stadium. Normal hotel prices range from $150 to $400 per night. Expect rates to double or triple during World Cup.
Manhattan gives the complete tourist experience with world-class dining, shopping and landmarks. Hotels range from $250 to $800 per night. The commute takes 45 to 60 minutes. Book accommodations 9 to 12 months in advance.
Teams and Road to the Final
The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams for the first time. A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 cities in three countries. This makes it the largest tournament in football history.
The tournament format includes:
- 12 groups of 4 teams each
- Top 2 teams from every group advance
- The 8 best third-place teams also move forward
- 32 teams total reach the knockout stage
Teams must win 8 matches to lift the trophy. This is one more than previous tournaments. The knockout stage features a Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals on July 9 and 10, Semifinals on July 14 and 15, and the Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
Argentina enters as defending champion from Qatar 2022. This could be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup at age 39. Brazil seeks redemption after their 2022 quarterfinal exit. Traditional powers like Germany, France, Spain and England will compete fiercely.
The Final Draw takes place on December 5, 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
How to Get FIFA World Cup Final Tickets
Tickets for the Final will be extremely difficult to secure. Roughly 1 billion people worldwide want to attend but only 82,500 seats exist. FIFA reserves 40 to 50 percent of tickets for corporate partners, media and VIP guests. This leaves about 40,000 to 50,000 seats for regular fans.
Ticket Prices:
| Category | Seat Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Centerfield, Halfway Line | $6,730 and up |
| Category 2 | Corner Sections | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Category 3 | Behind Goals, Upper Sections | $890 to $1,500 |
How to Buy Tickets:
The only way to buy tickets legally is through FIFA.com/tickets. The process uses a random selection lottery system. You must register a verified FIFA ticketing account with valid ID and payment method. Applications open in phases starting late 2025. FIFA sends email notifications if you receive a time slot to purchase tickets.
Hospitality Packages:
These packages cost significantly more but guarantee tickets without lottery uncertainty. OnLocation serves as FIFA’s official hospitality provider. Prices range from $3,500 for basic single match experiences to $73,200 for ultra-premium packages.
Critical Safety Warning:
Only buy tickets from FIFA.com/tickets, FIFA.com/hospitality, your national football association or authorized FIFA travel agents listed on FIFA.com. Never buy from social media sellers, unauthorized websites or street scalpers. These are almost always scams.
2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show
The 2026 Final features the first-ever official World Cup halftime show. This breaks 96 years of tradition. FIFA announced a partnership with Global Citizen on September 28, 2024 to produce this entertainment spectacle.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin was announced on March 5, 2025 as a creative partner helping select the final performer lineup. The complete performer roster has not been announced yet. Rumors mention global stars like Bad Bunny, Shakira, Drake and Beyoncé. Official confirmation is expected in early 2026.
The show will last about 15 minutes during the halftime break. This brings Super Bowl-style entertainment production to football’s biggest stage.
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup Final 2026
- United States: Fox Sports broadcasts in English. You can watch it free over-the-air with antenna. Telemundo provides Spanish language coverage also free over-the-air. Streaming options include Fox Sports app, Peacock and FOX One.
- Canada: CTV, TSN and RDS carry complete tournament coverage including the Final.
- Mexico: Televisa Univision and TV Azteca carry full coverage nationwide. Streaming options include Vix and Azteca Digital.
- United Kingdom: BBC and ITV share broadcasting rights for all matches.
- Brazil: CazéTV streams all matches online.
Global: Travelers on flights or cruises can watch via Sport 24 (IMG Media). - Fan Zones: Official FIFA Fan Zones will open across all 16 host cities. These feature massive outdoor screens, food vendors and festival atmospheres. Times Square in New York City will host enormous watch parties and celebrations.
2026 FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony
The Closing Ceremony takes place at MetLife Stadium immediately before the Final kickoff. The ceremony celebrates the unity of the three host nations and marks the end of the first 48-team World Cup.
FIFA has not confirmed specific performers or themes yet. Fans can expect live music performances, cultural presentations showcasing North American art and traditions, and pre-match festivities building excitement for kickoff.
After the final whistle, the real ceremony begins. The new world champions will lift the FIFA World Cup Trophy on a special podium at midfield. Medal ceremonies honor both the winning team and runners-up. Trophy presentation includes confetti, fireworks and celebration in front of over 82,000 fans in the stadium and billions watching worldwide.
This moment represents the culmination of four years of qualifying, 39 days of tournament play and the dreams of an entire nation lifting football’s ultimate prize.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final FAQs
Can I buy tickets from my national football association?
Yes. FIFA allocates tickets to each qualified nation’s football association. These often require FA membership or come bundled with supporter packages. Check your country’s FA website after qualification.
Are World Cup Final tickets refundable?
Generally no. FIFA tickets are non-refundable except in very specific circumstances outlined in terms and conditions. Read all purchase terms carefully before buying.
Can I transfer my tickets to friends or family?
Only through FIFA’s official resale platform launching late 2025. Unauthorized transfers violate FIFA rules and may result in ticket cancellation. Never screenshot or share ticket barcodes.
What items are prohibited inside MetLife Stadium?
Large bags exceeding size limits, outside food and drinks, weapons, professional cameras with detachable lenses, drones, laser pointers and glass containers are banned. Check the official prohibited items list closer to the event.
What time should I arrive at the stadium on match day?
Arrive 3 to 4 hours before kickoff. This allows time for security screening, finding your seat, buying food or merchandise and soaking in pre-match atmosphere. Gates open about 2 to 3 hours before kickoff.
Is MetLife Stadium accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. The stadium is fully ADA compliant. Accessible seating, parking in Lots E, F and G, elevators, ramps and restrooms are available. Contact FIFA or MetLife Stadium for specific accommodation requests.
How long does a World Cup Final match last?
Standard match time is 90 minutes plus 15 minute halftime. The new halftime show may extend the break slightly. Total time runs about 2 hours. Extra time adds 30 minutes if scores are level. Penalty shootouts add another 15 to 20 minutes.
What is the weather typically like in New Jersey in July?
New Jersey experiences hot and humid summer weather in July. Average temperatures reach 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 to 29 degrees Celsius. MetLife Stadium is open-air with no roof. Bring sunscreen, hats and stay hydrated.
Will VAR be used in the Final?
Yes. Video Assistant Referee technology has been standard in World Cups since 2018. VAR will be used for all 2026 matches including the Final for reviewing goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity.
Can I bring my national flag to the stadium?
Yes. Flags are encouraged and part of World Cup atmosphere. Size restrictions apply. Flags must fit in allowed bag dimensions and cannot obstruct other fans’ views.
Who is performing at the 2026 World Cup Final halftime show?
The halftime show is confirmed but the artist lineup remains unannounced. Global Citizen and Chris Martin are leading its production.
Is Donald Trump attending the Final?
No official confirmation exists regarding his attendance.
How long will the halftime show last?
Around 15 minutes, following the standard halftime break.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on July 19, 2026 will be an unforgettable event. Create your FIFA account now and book accommodations early. This historic moment at MetLife Stadium represents football’s ultimate prize with billions watching worldwide.