LA’s SoFi Stadium ‘makes last-ditch attempt to host 2026 World Cup final’, despite the venue ‘being ruled out by FIFA for any game at the tournament as it fails to meet capacity and pitch requirements’

Los Angeles‘ SoFi Stadium has made a last-ditch attempt to host the 2026 World Cup final, according to a report. 

The stadium, which is home to the NFL’s LA Rams and LA Chargers, was thought to be the one of the final three contenders for the honor of hosting the 2026 World Cup final, however, it was reported that it had been tossed aside by FIFA altogether due to regulation issues. 

But the venue is now open to making the necessary changes to keep itself in consideration, according to The Times.   

It was reported that FIFA’s issue with the stadium was that its field is not wide enough to accommodate a soccer pitch for an official tournament game.

SoFi – the most expensive stadium in the world – would have to remove sections of the stands closer to the field to ensure the field was wide enough, which would consequently see the 70,000-seat venue’s capacity drop. FIFA normally expects a stadium of 80,000 seats for a final.  

Owner Stan Kroenke was initially not willing to make chances to meet FIFA regulations 

But the venue has reportedly approached FIFA with proposals for changes to capacity 

Owner Stan Kroenke, who also owns Premier League team Arsenal and the Denver Nuggets, had reportedly opted against making the costly renovation. A move which was thought to have knocked SoFi not only out of the running to host the final but also a single game. 

However, Kroenke is now reported to be scrambling to make a late bid to be considered a World Cup host, according to The Times, with FIFA set to announce venues for the 2026 tournament on February 4.

The LA stadium has approached FIFA with proposals for changes that would increase its capacity. 

Meanwhile, FIFA is also said to be willing to compromise, taking a ‘pragmatic solution’ to adjust its requirements around space. 

The Times adds that New York has emerged as the slight favorite to host the final, despite contrary reports claiming Texas is the frontrunner.   

New York’s venue would be the Jets and Giants’ MetLife Stadium which is actually located in East Rutherford, New Jersey but the bright lights of the Big Apple are said to be an attractive selling point to FIFA as a home base for the tournament. 

New York’s MetLife Stadium has been reported to be the slight favorite to host the showcase

New York’s east coast time zone would also be a more logical option for broadcasting the game internationally.  

MetLife can also stage games on both natural grass and artificial turf with the World Cup final almost certain to take place on natural grass. 

However, it is an open bowl, which could prove to be a disadvantage in the sweltering summer temperatures of New York. 

Meanwhile, AT&T Stadium, the 80,000-seat home of the Dallas Cowboys, has a roof which could protect fans and players from the summer heat. 

It  is expandable to around 100,000 – something which will surely be utilized for the World Cup final. 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas

There were more than 93,000 fans there for the NFL playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, which the Cowboys surprisingly lost.

It cost around $1.3billion to build and the venue is in Arlington, 25 minutes from the center of Dallas. Organizers have said that a plan is in place to transport spectators from the city out to Arlington, which is only one hour behind New York. 

The next World Cup is going to be expanded from 32 teams to 48 for the first time, with a total of 104 games to be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The report adds that a 72-game group stage could be wrapped up in 15 days with the top two teams from each four-team group, as well as the eight best third-place teams, advancing to the knockout stages.