FIFA Under Pressure to Confirm Venue for 2026 World Cup Final
There are signs that the 2026 World Cup final could be held indoors for the first time, putting pressure on FIFA chiefs to confirm the venue. New York’s MetLife Stadium was initially considered the front-runner, as an East Coast venue would allow for a mid-afternoon kick-off, prime time in Europe. However, the high temperatures in mid-July in the Big Apple could result in stifling conditions and a slow-paced game.
As a result, Dallas is emerging as a potential alternative. The Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, known as the world’s largest air-conditioned room, offers a retractable roof and a controlled temperature of 70F. This would allow for a kick-off at 2pm local time, accommodating European audiences and potentially leading to a faster game.
Dallas and Miami are being considered as alternatives for FIFA’s main tournament base away from New York. Argentina won the last World Cup in Qatar in December 2022, and the final was held in the winter during the European football season. The victory marked Argentina’s third World Cup win and served as a fitting finale for captain Lionel Messi.