The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final marks the grand conclusion of the 23rd edition of FIFA’s premier men’s football tournament. As anticipation builds worldwide, fans are already preparing to witness the most important match of the championship — the day when a new world champion will be crowned. This page details the final match date, time, venue, and official match rules as confirmed by FIFA.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Date and Time
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be played on July 19, 2026. This highly awaited event concludes a tournament that spans several host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final is expected to take place in the evening local time, ensuring maximum global viewership as billions tune in from around the world.
The final will decide the next world champion after a month-long competition filled with unforgettable matches, spectacular goals, and emotional victories.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 Final |
| Edition | 23rd |
| Final Date | July 19, 2026 |
| Host Nation for Final | United States |
| City | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Venue | MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium for FIFA branding) |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Venue – MetLife Stadium
The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. Situated about 10 miles (16 km) from New York City, this iconic venue is part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex. It is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL and has a seating capacity of 82,500, making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States.
FIFA will refer to the stadium as the “New York New Jersey Stadium” during the tournament, following their sponsorship guidelines. This venue has a rich history of hosting major global events, including:
- Super Bowl XLVIII (2014)
- Copa América Centenario Final (2016)
- FIFA Club World Cup Final (2025)
Its state-of-the-art design, crowd capacity, and accessibility make it the perfect location for the World Cup 2026 Final.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Match Rules
The match regulations for the final are set according to FIFA’s official competition framework. Below are the confirmed match rules and procedures that will govern the final:
- Match Duration: 90 minutes (two halves of 45 minutes each)
- Extra Time: 30 minutes will be played if scores are level after regulation time.
- Penalty Shoot-out: If the score remains tied after extra time, the winner will be decided by penalties.
- Substitutes:
- A team may name 12 substitutes on the bench.
- A maximum of five substitutions can be made during normal time.
- A sixth substitution is allowed in extra time.
- Teams are permitted three substitution windows, with a fourth during extra time.
- An additional concussion substitution is allowed, granting the opponent an extra substitution as well.
These rules ensure fair play, player safety, and a structured flow throughout the decisive encounter.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Path to Glory
Before the final takes place, 48 national teams will compete across 16 host cities in North America. Fans can explore complete tournament details, including team schedules, venues, and group stage fixtures at the official guides such as FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule and FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Channels.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, promises to be a historic sporting spectacle. With world-class facilities, clear regulations, and global anticipation, this final will celebrate not only football excellence but also unity among nations. Fans around the world are set to witness one of the grandest sporting moments ever staged in the United States.