FIFA is facing renewed pressure to relocate the 2026 World Cup final from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, following scathing criticism from pundits and players over the venue's accessibility and pitch quality. England's final group-stage match against Panama is scheduled at the 82,500-seat stadium, but growing calls suggest the showpiece event should be held at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium instead.
Jordan and McCoist lead criticism of MetLife
TalkSPORT co-host Simon Jordan described his experience at MetLife Stadium as "hideous," citing severe traffic congestion and poor transit logistics. "I thought it was a hideous experience going to MetLife. A hideous experience and not one that I would care to repeat," Jordan said. "Walking onto the footprint of the MetLife and getting out of that, and taking the best part of an hour to come out of the footprint, was hideous." He acknowledged that New Jersey had raised prices appropriately but argued the overall experience did not reflect an elite competition.
Former Scotland international Ally McCoist echoed the sentiment, praising Azteca Stadium's historical significance. "You could close your eyes, open them, and you can still see Rivellino crossing that ball for Pele. You can still see Diego Maradona. You can just smell it. It was fantastic. By the way, that is where the final should be," McCoist said.
Pitch quality concerns raised by France's Saliba
Arsenal defender William Saliba, who played at MetLife Stadium during France's 3-1 win over Senegal in their group opener, expressed surprise at the playing surface. "I must admit I was a bit surprised by the state of the pitch for the first match in New York. They even asked us whether we wanted to play with moulded studs or screwed-in studs, which is unusual as I only play with screwed-in studs, being a defender," Saliba said. "In the end, I preferred to play with screwed-in studs, but it’s clear the pitch was more like artificial turf and it was very hard. Once we’re there, we’ve got no choice. We have to play, and it’s the same pitch for both teams. But it’s clear the pitch wasn’t great."
Saliba's comments serve as a warning for England, who will face Panama on the same pitch this Saturday. The MetLife Stadium has installed natural grass for the World Cup, replacing the synthetic turf used by the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, but concerns persist over its quality.
Fan backlash on social media
Supporters have voiced anger on social media, comparing MetLife unfavorably to Azteca. One fan tweeted: "They really chose a parking lot to host the final instead of this holy football temple." Another added: "World Cup Final should have been at el Azteca not that trash a** MetLife."
MetLife's World Cup schedule
MetLife Stadium is set to host five group-stage matches, including England vs. Panama, before the knockout rounds. It will also stage a Round of 32 match—potentially featuring France against a third-placed team from Groups C, D, F, G, or H—and a Round of 16 encounter prior to the July 19 final. Despite the backlash, FIFA has not indicated any plans to change the venue.
