Ian Wright tears into “ridiculous” MetLife Stadium for one reason after Spain’s World Cup final win

Spain may have lifted the World Cup, but the condition of the pitch at MetLife Stadium quickly became one of the biggest talking points after the final.

Former England striker Ian Wright was among those to criticise the playing surface, describing it as unworthy of football's biggest match.

Ian Wright criticises condition of 2026 World Cup final pitch

The former Arsenal and England striker has blasted the condition of the pitch at the home of the New York Giants after Spain defeated Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup.

Wright questioned the quality of the surface during ITV's live coverage, suggesting it had a negative impact on the spectacle in the early stages of the final.

“I've got to say, for a World Cup final, this pitch is ridiculous,” Wright said. “They shouldn't be on it.”

He added: “I hope they water it at half-time because it just looks bobbly and not easy to play on. It just looks like a terrible pitch for a World Cup final.”

Spain dominated large spells of the contest but were unable to break down Argentina during normal time despite their opponents failing to register a single shot.

The game remained goalless until extra time, when Ferran Torres finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute after Argentina had been reduced to ten men following Enzo Fernández's second yellow card in stoppage time at the end of normal time.

The state of the playing surface was widely discussed throughout the match, with supporters and pundits alike highlighting the uneven bounce and slower-than-expected conditions.

FGG says: It was criticism heard regularly during the tournament

Wright was far from the only figure to question the quality of pitches during the 2026 World Cup.

Several players, coaches and pundits, like France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, raised concerns over surfaces at different venues across the tournament, making it one of the most consistent talking points away from the football itself.

And it's hard to argue with that assessment.

The World Cup final should showcase football at its highest standard, but the condition of the pitch inevitably became part of the story.

With several other venues appearing to offer superior playing surfaces throughout the tournament, questions will inevitably be asked about whether MetLife Stadium was the best choice for the biggest game of them all.