DALLAS — AT&T Stadium had been rumored and reported numerous times to have secured the 2026 World Cup Final.
Multiple instances over the years – even including Sunday morning – made it seem like the final's venue was the worst kept secret in the world. Well, apparently it was. Even as I type this story, it still shocks me a little that all the reports over the years were wrong.
The 2026 World Cup Final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ... not at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. You can see the sheer shock on my face – as well as my colleague Mike Leslie – as our team who were watching the match announcement broadcast filled in the rest of the room.
The reaction from North Texas leaders and professional athletes that make up the lore of DFW expressed a similar sentiment: visibly disappointed, yet optimistic for getting the most matches of any hosting venue.
The reaction on WFAA's YouTube coverage, which has more national reach, were much more content with the outcome. Our YouTube poll on the stream revealed a majority of viewers stating DFW should feel content with their selection of games.
Here's how the reaction was on social media:
For a full breakdown of the match schedule announcement, click here.
More World Cup coverage: