FIFA faces mounting pressure to relocate World Cup final from MetLife Stadium

FIFA is facing intensifying calls to strip MetLife Stadium in New Jersey of the 2026 World Cup final, with broadcasters, former players, and participating footballers all raising serious concerns about the venue’s suitability.

TalkSPORT co-host Simon Jordan, who attended a match at the 82,500-capacity stadium, delivered a blunt verdict on the experience. “I thought it was a hideous experience going to MetLife,” Jordan said. “The idea that it was enjoyable, reflective of an elite competition, is hideous.” Jordan pointed specifically to the logistical difficulties of entering and exiting the stadium footprint, describing the process as taking the best part of an hour.

Former Scotland international Ally McCoist has added his voice to the chorus of dissent, arguing that the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City — also known as the Mexico City Stadium — would be a far more fitting host for the showpiece occasion. “You could close your eyes, open them, and you can still see Rivellino crossing that ball for Pelé,” McCoist said. “You can still see Diego Maradona. You can just smell it. It was fantastic. By the way, that is where the final should be.”

The pressure on FIFA is not limited to pundits. Arsenal and France defender William Saliba raised eyebrows after Les Bleus’ 3-1 group-stage victory over Senegal at MetLife, candidly admitting the pitch had caught him off guard. “I must admit I was a bit surprised by the state of the pitch for the first match in New York,” Saliba said, noting that players were even asked to choose between moulded and screwed-in studs — an unusual request at the highest level of international football.

MetLife Stadium is the home of NFL franchises the New York Giants and the New York Jets, and its playing surface is ordinarily synthetic turf. Natural grass has been installed for the duration of the World Cup, with the artificial surface set to return once the tournament concludes. Critics argue that the compromises required to make an NFL venue work for football are precisely why a purpose-built or historically significant stadium like the Azteca should have been chosen for the final.

England are scheduled to play their final group-stage match against Panama at MetLife Stadium, meaning the venue will remain central to the tournament regardless of the ongoing debate about the final. FIFA has yet to respond publicly to the latest wave of criticism.