“Sofi Stadium Is Beautiful, It [2026 FIFA World Cup Final] Had To Be There”- Ex-USMNT Star Herculez Gomez
The Super Bowl is just around the corner but it’s soccer that has taken America by storm. FIFA has announced important dates for the much anticipated 2026 World Cup, with the MetLife stadium in New York, New Jersey, hosting the final. However, in a contrasting opinion, former USMNT star-turner expert Herculez Gomez feels that the previously criticized SoFi stadium in Los Angeles could have been a great venue to host the event.
There was stiff competition for acquiring the world’s most viewed event with stadiums from Atlanta and Dallas also competing. However, the most cosmopolitan city in the world was given the nod due to its ease of transportation and connection for travelers and fans.
Reason for Herculez Gomez picking SoFi Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026
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Considering the fame, the only city that could come close to New York was LA, which Gomez lamented for not acquiring the rights. Speaking on the ESPN FC podcast, he said, “SoFi Stadium is a beautiful stadium; it had to be there. That’s where the World Cup Final, in my opinion, had to be. The fact that they didn’t have the foresight when constructing this stadium, to have the architectural foresight of planning world events, not just regional events, not just an event in LA, but something that would attract the world, is inconceivable.” pointing towards disappointment in efforts.
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The 70,000-person stadium boasts a mesmerizing look. Built 100 feet below ground level, the stadium has a two-sided video board suspended from one of the lightest stadium roofs. Although very new in the world of events, the stadium already hosted the Super Bowl LVI in 2023. Still, FIFA suggested a few important changes to host the World Cup matches.
Stan Kroenke, who also owns Arsenal, invested a humongous $5.5 billion in the arena. However, the American businessman rejected the demand by FIFA to broaden the field area by shredding the stand space. They built the stadium keeping the NFL in mind, and the USA turned out to be the host of the World Cup after the construction.
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Nevertheless, it will still host eight games of the World Cup, including the USMNT’s opening and ultimate group stage game. The MetLife Stadium, on the other hand, has an 82,500-seat capacity and has also had the experience of hosting big games previously. New Jersey was the home of the 2016 Copa America final and other international games, which proved to be an added advantage. However, both the SoFi stadium and the MetLife Stadium will need to change the turf into natural grass for the World Cup games.
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Sreeda U M