World Cup final to be held at 'awful' US stadium

The MetLife Stadium, set to host the 2026 World Cup final, faces a barrage of criticism, with many deeming it the worst stadium in the United States. Situated in an industrial zone near the Meadowlands, an area historically used as a dumping ground, the stadium is a "dreary concrete colossus" far removed from urban centers. The journey to the stadium itself is described as reminiscent of the "Sopranos" intro, passing through the congested Lincoln Tunnel and a post-industrial landscape.

Players and fans consistently rank MetLife Stadium poorly in surveys. An anonymous poll of NFL players in 2023 placed it last among US sports arenas, with one player describing the "grass as sucking and the whole place is dreary." Another added, "The fans are awful. Everything about that stadium is awful." The Athletic, a sports publication, also ranked it last among all World Cup venues in the US, Mexico, and Canada. Ticket seller Seatpick found it to be the third-worst NFL stadium according to American sports fans.

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The grass sucks and the whole place is dreary.

This widespread dissatisfaction raises questions about FIFA's decision to select MetLife Stadium for the prestigious World Cup final. The venue's location, accessibility issues, and perceived negative atmosphere stand in stark contrast to the grandeur expected of such a global event. The stadium's surroundings, once vast wetlands, have a history steeped in industrial waste and even folklore of hidden bodies, adding a grim undertone to its selection. Despite its flaws, MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches during the tournament, including the highly anticipated final.

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The fans are awful. Everything about that stadium is awful.