Choosing between MetLife Stadium and the more modern, glamorous SoFi Stadium might seem like a no-brainer, but FIFA officials might have a different perspective.
A report by The Times, echoed by TMZ, suggests that FIFA is questioning whether SoFi Stadium, home to the Rams and Chargers, can accommodate the 2026 World Cup final due to its current dimensions.
To meet FIFA’s requirements, the field at SoFi would need to be extended by approximately 63 feet. Typically, addressing this would involve removing seats, but SoFi is already about 10,000 seats short of the 80,000-seat capacity preferred for soccer events.
As a result, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, along with AT&T Stadium in Dallas, are emerging as top contenders for hosting the championship game if SoFi cannot address the issue.
MetLife Stadium, which has been chosen to host World Cup games along with other East Coast venues like Boston, Miami, and Philadelphia, will be part of the 48-team tournament with 60 matches held in the U.S. Canada and Mexico will each host ten matches. The location for the final has not yet been decided.
FIFA officials have inspected MetLife Stadium, which boasts an 82,500-seat capacity, along with potential practice venues. Despite hosting major events such as the Super Bowl and WrestleMania, MetLife has faced logistical challenges in the past. New Jersey officials anticipate the World Cup could generate nearly $500 million in economic impact for the region, factoring in expenses.