EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will be held on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, closing the first 48-team tournament staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA confirmed the 82,500-seat venue and kickoff time for the competition's showpiece event.

Argentine President Javier Milei announced Friday he would not attend the match, citing scheduling reasons according to statements reported by Argentine media. His absence drew attention in the buildup to the final.

Global interest in the match extended far beyond the stadium. In Bengaluru, India, city authorities permitted eateries to remain open until 3:30 AM local time so fans could watch the finale, according to reports carried by the ANI news agency. Similar late-night viewing arrangements were reported across Asia.

FIFA and local organisers prepared for a capacity crowd, with heightened security and transport measures around the New Jersey site. The final concluded a competition that expanded to 104 matches across 16 host cities.

A FIFA spokesperson said the tournament had set attendance and viewership records, describing the North American edition as the largest World Cup in the competition's history.