Ahead of hosting the 2026 World Cup final, MetLife Stadium has faced a fresh wave of criticism from fans and observers, who say the venue offers a hugely underwhelming experience.
As the spotlight turns to New Jersey this July, many supporters are already airing serious concerns online about the stadium.
What have people said about MetLife Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup?
While the stadium will stage the tournament’s showcase match, alongside several group and knockout ties involving major nations like England, backlash highlights perceived problems with accessibility and atmosphere.
Social posts have called out the venue’s car-centric layout, arguing it’s far from ideal for a global football final. Critics also say travel logistics, including limited pedestrian-friendly access and transport links, could leave travelling supporters frustrated rather than thrilled.
It doesn't even rank in the top 10 best-rated stadiums for the 2026 World Cup, according to Google Reviews.
One fan summed up their experience in stark terms: “I remember one night that was impossible to walk to the parking lot… that stadium is a huge mess.”
Meanwhile, journalist Sid Lowe – who attended multiple Club World Cup fixtures – bluntly commented: “A truly horrible experience.”
Recent discussions on forums also describe post-event chaos and cramped concourses, warning that what might be normal in American sporting culture clashes with what many international fans expect.
Some even labelled the MetLife as a “generic venue without charm,” with few elements that feel connected to football's rich history, unlike traditional World Cup settings and iconic grounds like the Camp Nou or Wembley Stadium.
FGG says: Far from a glowing endorsement, but hopefully lessons have been learned
It’s clearly not good news for MetLife to be trending for all the wrong reasons, barely months before the final.
While every major venue has its critics, the intensity of negative reaction, from both visiting fans and locals, should serve as a wake-up call for FIFA ahead of them taking over the stadium in May.
If the organisers, local hosts and transit planners can heed these warnings and address key concerns from the Club World Cup now, then it could improve the experience for supporters arriving from around the world.
But as things stand, hearing words like “horrible” about the host of football’s biggest match this year is far from ideal.