“A hideous experience”… £1.2bn World Cup stadium slammed after thousands stranded post-match

MetLife Stadium has come under fresh criticism during the 2026 World Cup after another high-profile figure questioned whether the venue is suitable to stage football's biggest match.

The New Jersey venue is due to host the World Cup final in a couple of weeks, but concerns over transport and supporter experience continue to grow.

Simon Jordan delivers scathing MetLife Stadium verdict ahead of World Cup final

talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has labelled his visit to MetLife Stadium “a hideous experience” after attending a World Cup match at the venue now officially known as New York New Jersey Stadium.

Jordan's criticism follows reports that thousands of supporters were left stranded after Brazil's group-stage victory over Morocco, with transport issues again placing the spotlight on one of the tournament's flagship venues.

The stadium, which is scheduled to host the 2026 World Cup final on July 19th, has faced repeated criticism over the difficulty supporters have experienced travelling to and from the ground.

Additional controversy emerged after New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declined to reduce the $98 (£75) train fare for the dedicated service from Penn Station, leading to reports that some trains departed only partially full while fans searched for alternative ways home.

Reflecting on his own experience, Jordan said: “I thought it was a hideous experience going to MetLife. A hideous experience and not one that I would care to repeat.”

He added: “Walking onto the footprint of the MetLife and getting out of that, and taking the best part of an hour to come out of the footprint was hideous.”

While Jordan acknowledged comparisons with Qatar 2022 are difficult given the vastly different tournament formats and geography, he questioned whether the overall matchday experience reflected the standards expected of a World Cup final venue.

FGG says: Is MetLife Stadium fit for a World Cup final?

MetLife Stadium has delivered impressive crowds throughout the tournament, but the supporter experience extends well beyond what happens inside the ground.

With repeated complaints over the pitch, transport issues, accessibility concerns and severe post‑match congestion, questions over its suitability as a World Cup final venue are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

There is still time for organisers to improve operations before July 19th, but the closer the final gets, the greater the scrutiny will become if these problems persist.

If you’re following the tournament closely, make sure to check out the best betting sites for the World Cup.