World Cup Final Set for MetLife Stadium
The World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. ET, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This marks the first time since 1994 that a World Cup final will be held on American soil. The tournament itself expanded to 48 teams for the first time and was hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Spain secured their place in the final after a victory over France. They will face Argentina, who advanced after a comeback win against England. This will be Lionel Messi’s second consecutive final appearance, having won his first in Qatar in 2022. For Spain’s young talent, Lamine Yamal, it will be his first time playing in the final match.
The two players, Messi and Yamal, have not previously competed against each other on the field. However, a notable photograph captured them together when Yamal was an infant.
Venue and Playing Conditions
MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s Jets and Giants, will host its eighth match of the tournament. The stadium’s selection as the final venue was a decision made by FIFA, opting for the New York City area over Dallas. The venue’s capacity, listed at 80,663 people by FIFA, allows for a significant number of ticket sales, making it the largest U.S. host in terms of fan capacity for soccer, with only Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca being larger.
The match’s 3 p.m. ET kickoff time is intended to accommodate European audiences, aligning with prime time viewing overseas. This means a 9 p.m. start in much of Europe and 8 p.m. in Britain. However, this mid-afternoon timing in July raises concerns about playing conditions for athletes and fans due to potential heat. Temperatures have been a factor in several host cities, with the Northeast experiencing particularly high temperatures during knockout round matches.
Players have previously voiced concerns about conditions at MetLife Stadium. During last year’s Club World Cup, a series of hot games led FIFA to implement permanent hydration breaks this year. Argentina’s Enzo Fernández described the playing conditions at MetLife as “very dangerous.” The FIFPro global players union suggests delaying or postponing games if the ambient temperature exceeds 96.8 degrees, though no matches have been delayed for heat or humidity during this tournament.
The playing surface at MetLife Stadium has also drawn attention. While FIFA has generally been successful in installing temporary grass at stadiums that typically use turf, some players and teams have commented on the pitch in New Jersey. Concerns have been raised about the field feeling hard and the grass appearing short. Sweden midfielder Taha Ali remarked that the grass at MetLife felt the “closest to artificial” of any stadium, though he stated it was “no problem.” France coach Didier Deschamps suggested there might be “cement below the grass” after a previous match there, and Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior noted that “the grass dries out quickly” due to the weather and heat.
FIFA requires grass playing surfaces, which has presented challenges for NFL stadiums with turf. This summer, FIFA installed temporary pitches at all 16 host stadiums, regardless of their usual surface. The type of grass used varies based on climate, with MetLife Stadium receiving Bermuda grass, similar to warmer weather climates like Miami, despite its Northeast location. This choice was made to ensure the material could last through the final. MetLife is unique among the venues with Bermuda grass as it is the only stadium that is a turf field when not hosting the World Cup.
Individual Awards and Predictions
Beyond the team trophy, individual awards will be presented after the final. These include the Golden Ball for the best player, the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper, and the Golden Boot for the top goalscorer. Currently, Lionel Messi leads the goalscoring race with eight goals and four assists, with assists serving as a tiebreaker. Kylian Mbappe is second with eight goals and three assists, while Erling Haaland has seven goals, and Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane each have six.
Opinions on the final’s outcome are varied. Some observers favor Spain, citing their confidence, strong form, and tactical approach. They note Spain’s ability to control possession and their recent dominant performance against France. Others lean towards Argentina, highlighting their resilience and ability to stage comebacks throughout the tournament, as well as the impact of Lionel Messi on the team’s performance. The final is anticipated to be a fascinating match.
The final will be broadcast in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo. Streaming options are available through the FOX One app and Peacock for the Spanish broadcast, as well as YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV for subscribers. An estimated 82,500 fans are expected to attend the final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19.
Source: nytimes.com