New Jersey Governor Says NJ May Still Host 2026 FIFA Finals

One of the biggest sporting events in the world is returning to the United States for the first time in 32 years and New Jersey is still in the running to host the finals despite speculative reports that state otherwise.

After Wednesday's report from The Sun (a United Kingdom publication that is not considered a reliable news agency) stated that Dallas/Arlington, Texas would be the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals, multiple reports are coming in to refute that story.  New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy gave the Bergen Record the following statement about the situation:

"The World Cup is going to happen.  The question is where's the final and what does the schedule look like....I think our odds remain about where they've been. I would put it plus or minus 50/50."

Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul also gave a statement obtained as part of ESPN.com's reporting that they have not been notified about any decision either.  ESPN.com further reports that no host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been notified of any details ahead of the February 4th official announcement.

The televised announcement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be simulcast on FOX and Telemundo on February 4th.  Even though the World Cup dates back to 1930, this will be the first time the Soccer/European Football Tournament will feature 48 nations competing for the coveted trophy.

Among the 16 host regions, two of the three hubs are located in our area: Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  What rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be played in Philadelphia and Northern New Jersey will be revealed as part of the February 4th announcement.  What we do for sure is the World Cup Elimination Rounds and Finals will be hosted in the United States for the first time since 1994.