For New Jersey and sports betting New York players, a big event is returning to the metropolitan area.
FIFA announced Thursday that New York/New Jersey has been selected as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of 11 venues in the United States and 16 overall in North America (three in Mexico, two in Canada).
Here are the venues:
- New York/New Jersey
- Kansas City
- Vancouver [B.C.]
- Seattle
- San Francisco
- Los Angeles
- Guadalajara [Mexico]
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- Houston
- Monterrey [Mexico]
- Mexico City
- Toronto
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- Miami
Getting Chosen Excites Governors
“With some of the most welcoming and diverse communities anywhere in the world, New York is a natural fit to host the FIFA World Cup,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a news release. “Our unparalleled cultural experiences and countless tourist attractions make us the ideal venue for the thousands of fans who will come to enjoy this historic competition. New York was made for the spotlight — we are ready to provide an unforgettable experience for millions around the globe, and I thank all who made this possible.”
New Jersey and New York are two states that have legalized mobile sports betting and the World Cup will be a major wagering opportunity for fans in the area.
“We are honored to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with our neighbors across the Hudson, and we are fully prepared to deliver the world-class experience that the beautiful game deserves,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who attended a watch party at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, along with New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
“Future generations of New Jerseyans will remember fondly that, on the heels of a global pandemic, the biggest sporting event in the world was hosted by the greatest region in the world. In addition to building upon our lasting global legacy, as a host region, we will also benefit from significant economic activity and impact, as well as opportunities to showcase the rich cultural diversity of our state. As we welcome the world today and every day, we are reminded that the values of inclusion and unity are not only foundational to the World Cup, but to who we are as New Jerseyans.”
Area Affords Numerous Practice Sites
The U.S. last hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup in 1994, when Giants Stadium played host to seven games, including a quarterfinal and semifinal match. The venue also hosted the opening match for the women’s FIFA World Cup in 1999.
In addition to matches played at MetLife Stadium (home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets), both states will host host FIFA Fan Fest sites around the region, with proposed training facilities for teams at Rutgers University (Piscataway), The Pingry School (Basking Ridge), Kean University (Union), Red Bull Football Club Training Facility (Whippany), and the New York City Football Club Training Facility (Orangeburg, NY).
BetMGM Sportsbook New York has set the current odds for the 2026 World Cup winner:
