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Your guide to the world cup 2026 final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, covering the venue, the road to the final and how to secure tickets.
The world cup 2026 final will crown the champion of football's first 48-team World Cup, and it takes place on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. As the climax of 104 matches across the USA, Canada and Mexico, the final is the most coveted ticket in world sport.
This guide covers the confirmed date and venue, how teams reach the final, ticket information and what to expect on the biggest day in football.
When and Where Is the World Cup 2026 Final?
The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, located just outside New York City in the New Jersey Meadowlands. With a capacity of more than 80,000, MetLife is one of the largest venues at the tournament and regularly hosts NFL games and major events, making it well-suited to the global spotlight of a World Cup final.
The stadium sits within easy reach of New York City via road and rail, drawing fans from one of the world's biggest metropolitan areas. Expect a festival atmosphere across the region in the days leading up to the match.
The Road to the Final
Reaching the final is a long journey under the new 48-team format. The tournament features 12 groups of four teams. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to a 32-team knockout bracket. From there, teams progress through the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals before the two survivors meet in the final.
That means a finalist will have played a demanding run of matches across multiple host cities. You can follow group qualification on our standings page and check the full bracket and schedule on our fixtures hub as the knockout rounds take shape.
Who Could Reach the Final?
It's far too early to predict finalists, but form and pedigree offer clues. Traditional powerhouses and in-form sides will be among the favourites. Keep an eye on the latest FIFA ranking to gauge contenders, and explore squads and group draws on our teams directory. Treat all predictions as previews, since nothing is decided until the matches are played.
How to Get World Cup 2026 Final Tickets
Final tickets are sold exclusively through FIFA's official ticketing platform and are the hardest to obtain. Because demand massively exceeds supply, FIFA typically allocates final tickets through random selection draws and to the qualifying nations' supporters. Hospitality packages offer a more reliable, though far pricier, route to guaranteed entry.
Be extremely cautious of resellers offering final tickets, as fraud spikes around marquee matches. Only buy through FIFA's official channels, including its official resale platform if you miss the primary sale. Prices for the final will be the highest of the tournament, with premium categories commanding a significant premium.
What to Expect on Final Day
Final day is an all-day occasion. Expect enhanced security, road closures and packed public transport around MetLife Stadium, so arrive several hours early. There will be an opening ceremony or pre-match entertainment, and the surrounding area will host fan activities. Bring a valid ID matching your ticket, dress for summer weather and follow stadium guidance on permitted items.
If you can't attend in person, you can follow every moment of the final live. Check our live page for real-time updates and download our app from the download page to get goal alerts the instant the action unfolds.
Conclusion
The world cup 2026 final on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium will be the unforgettable conclusion to the first 48-team World Cup. With the new format reshaping the road to the final, official FIFA channels the only safe place for tickets, and a global audience watching, it promises to be a historic occasion whether you're in the stands or watching from home.
