Gianni Infantino visits MetLife Stadium for Patriots vs New York Jets NFL game
The president of FIFA continues his tour of the US as he visits some of the stadia that will be used in the 2026 World Cup which will be co-hosted with Canada and Mexico.
After having attended the AT&T Stadium for the game between New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 of the 2023-24 NFL season, last weekend, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino was at MetLife Stadium which is home to the Jets as faced New England Patriots in the week 3 clash.
“I have to say in America you are light years ahead compared to the rest of the world.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino at AT&T Stadium with Jerry Jones before today’s Jets-Cowboys game. @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/5GfKexoEFK
— Noah Bullard (@noah_bullard) September 18, 2023
Infantino has been assessing key areas such as infrastructure, access, communication and fan experience with both the homes of the Dallas Cowboys and the home of the NY Jets on a shortlist to be the venue for the 2026 World Cup final.
Ahead of the game, the electronic scoreboard announced the presence of the FIFA president with a message stating: “A warm welcome to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, here at MetLife Stadium”.
A warm welcome to @FIFAcom president Gianni Infantino here at MetLife Stadium pic.twitter.com/zdhCXUmMgJ
— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) September 24, 2023
What will be the choice for the final?
With Infantino and the FIFA delegation having visited both the AT&T Stadium and the MetLife Stadium, a decision could be forthcoming in the next few months as to where the final of the 2026 World Cup in North America will be staged.
The 2026 competition will be the first ever with 48 participating nations and is set to get underway on 11 June and winds up on 19 July.