Khaberni - Media reports have confirmed that MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will host the 2026 World Cup final on July 19th (July), is causing widespread controversy among football fans, not just because of its significance, but also because of its location, history, and the surrounding atmosphere.
The Independent reported that the stadium, which seats about 82,000 spectators, is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, next to industrial areas and lands that were previously a disposal site for toxic chemicals, sparking criticism from some fans who described the place as not the ideal model for hosting "the biggest game in football".
It added: "Although the International Football Association chose this stadium as the venue for the World Cup final between the strongest national teams in the world, the criticism did not stop at the location but also included the surrounding infrastructure, as many followers complain about the weak public transport networks near the stadium, making travel to and from difficult on match day, compared to more traditional stadiums or those closer to the heart of major cities."
Despite the criticisms, supporters believe that this decision did not come from nowhere, as the stadium itself carries a history of hosting major events, including the Super Bowl final in 2014 and a number of massive concerts for global stars, which makes it capable of handling the celebrations of large football fanbases.
On the other hand, local residents express pride in placing East New Jersey on the map of the biggest event in football, considering that the state's cultural diversity makes it a suitable venue for such a global event, even if the atmosphere around the stadium is "not ideal" according to some expectations.
