Fútbol fever is officially sweeping across North America as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies. With the tournament set to kick off on June 11, 2026, and culminating in a grand finale on July 19, 2026, anticipation is mounting for what promises to be the biggest World Cup in history. For the first time, 48 teams will battle it out across 104 matches, hosted in 15 major cities spanning the United States, Mexico, and Canada. At the heart of this global spectacle is MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will play a starring role by hosting eight thrilling fixtures—including the highly coveted final.
MetLife Stadium’s World Cup journey begins with five electrifying Group Stage matches, each promising drama, skill, and national pride on full display. The action kicks off with a heavyweight clash between Brazil and Morocco (Group C) on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Fans can expect samba flair and North African resilience as both teams look to make their mark early in the tournament. Just three days later, on Tuesday, June 16, at 3:00 p.m. ET, European powerhouse France will lock horns with Senegal (Group I), bringing together a blend of tactical discipline and African athleticism.
The group stage drama continues on Monday, June 22, at 8:00 p.m. ET, when Norway faces Senegal in another Group I showdown. This match could prove pivotal for both teams’ hopes of advancing, and with Norway’s recent resurgence and Senegal’s established pedigree, sparks are sure to fly. The following Thursday, June 25, at 4:00 p.m. ET, sees Ecuador take on Germany (Group E) in a contest that pits South American passion against German efficiency. Rounding out the group stage fixtures at MetLife, Panama will challenge England (Group L) on Saturday, June 27, at 5:00 p.m. ET—a match that is sure to draw fans from both sides of the Atlantic and add to the tournament’s electric atmosphere.
But MetLife Stadium’s significance doesn’t end with the group stage. The venue will also host a crucial Round of 32 match on Tuesday, June 30, at 5:00 p.m. ET (Match 77), followed by a Round of 16 showdown on Sunday, July 5, at 4:00 p.m. ET (Match 91). Then, all eyes will turn to East Rutherford on Sunday, July 19, at 3:00 p.m. ET, when the world’s two best teams will clash in the ultimate battle for football supremacy—the FIFA World Cup Final (Match 104).
"The excitement is palpable," said a FIFA spokesperson, as quoted by Eyewitness News. "Fans from every corner of the globe are making plans to witness history at venues like MetLife Stadium, which will be at the center of the footballing universe next summer."
Ticket demand has reached fever pitch, and for good reason. According to recent reports, individual match tickets for the 2026 World Cup are currently on sale through FIFA’s official website, with prices ranging from $1,400 to $3,500 per ticket depending on the venue and the match. Hospitality packages, which guarantee premium seating and amenities, start at $5,300 and can soar to an eye-watering $68,000 per person for the most exclusive experiences. These packages include perks such as premium seats, gourmet food and beverages, and access to VIP lounges—but do not cover travel or accommodation expenses.
For those hoping to secure seats at a more accessible price point, there’s still hope. FIFA will hold a final ticket lottery—the Random Selection Draw—beginning December 11, 2025, and running through January 13, 2026. This lottery offers fans the chance to apply for lower-priced tickets, which, if selected, can range from $60 to $620 depending on seating category. As FIFA notes, "Prices and availability vary greatly depending on the team and venue," so flexibility and luck are key for bargain hunters.
Dynamic pricing means that ticket costs may fluctuate as the tournament approaches, with spikes expected as demand intensifies, especially after the final group draw on December 5, 2025. Those not lucky enough to win the lottery can also browse FIFA’s own resale marketplace or third-party platforms like StubHub and Gametime, where prices for some matches start around $275 per seat and climb steeply for marquee fixtures.
The expanded tournament format has added to the excitement, with the 48-team field divided into 12 groups (Groups A to L). The final draw, held on December 5, 2025, determined the groupings and set the stage for a series of mouthwatering matchups. Group C, for example, features Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, while Group I boasts France, Senegal, Norway, and a FIFA Play-Off Tournament winner. England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama make up a tantalizing Group L.
With MetLife Stadium hosting matches from several of these groups, fans in the New York-New Jersey region are set for a soccer bonanza. Local organizers have also announced an array of events and activities, including the official FIFA Fan Festival, designed to bring supporters together for live screenings, music, and cultural celebrations. For more details on regional festivities and schedules, fans can visit nynjfwc26.com.
Accessibility remains a top priority for FIFA, with detailed information about ticket categories, stadium amenities, and special accommodations available on the official website. Whether you’re planning to follow your national team, hoping to witness a footballing giant in action, or simply eager to experience the World Cup’s unique atmosphere, there are options to suit every fan’s needs—provided you act quickly.
As the world’s attention turns to North America, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to deliver unforgettable moments, upsets, and triumphs. MetLife Stadium, with its eight marquee fixtures, stands poised to make history as the stage where dreams are made—and sometimes shattered. With tickets in high demand and the final ticket lottery looming, now’s the time for fans to make their move and secure a place at the world’s greatest sporting event.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set, the schedule is packed, and the anticipation is sky-high. As teams and supporters alike prepare for a summer of soccer like no other, MetLife Stadium is ready to welcome the world. Stay tuned for further updates as the tournament draws closer and the excitement continues to build.
