New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to host FIFA 2026 World Cup Final, Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium set for opener

[GBModerator]

The opening match of the tournament will be staged at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11

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[fusilli]

Azteca-Metlife is the best&varied open/final combo. 

[thatsnotmypuppy]

I am still stunned that Vegas was not chosen as a host. Surely FIFA would have loved all those casinos they could launder their kickbacks through?

Plus the stadium is magnificent, ample hotel options for visitors... surely a missed opportunity.

[Rob2012]

21 hours ago, thatsnotmypuppy said:

I am still stunned that Vegas was not chosen as a host. Surely FIFA would have loved all those casinos they could launder their kickbacks through?

Plus the stadium is magnificent, ample hotel options for visitors... surely a missed opportunity.

I thought Vegas withdrew itself from consideration pretty early on - the mayor or the stadium owner deciding it wasn't worth the cost? Unless I'm misremembering.

[FYI]

Yes, Las Vegas withdrew (along with a couple of other U.S. cities at different points in the vetting process) from 2026 consideration. Citing that FIFA requirements for host cities were far more extensive than originally envisioned. Yet this is the same Las Vegas that wanted to go rogue to host the 2020 Olympics. lol

[stryker]

On 2/7/2024 at 4:16 PM, thatsnotmypuppy said:

I am still stunned that Vegas was not chosen as a host. Surely FIFA would have loved all those casinos they could launder their kickbacks through?

Plus the stadium is magnificent, ample hotel options for visitors... surely a missed opportunity.

No big deal. A high speed rail from L.A. to Vegas will be open by then. Perfect for the FIFA big wigs to whisk down to the desert and blow money in the casinos. It's a win win.