Think the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup will lack star power? Take a look at the nations coming to play at least one first-round match at MetLife Stadium.
And if that’s not enough, Morocco (currently No. 8 in the world) will make an appearance, as will Norway, featuring one of the top young scorers in the game: Erling Haaland.
It’s an incredible collection of soccer nations, starting with traditional powers France, Brazil, Germany and England, who have combined to win the event 12 times, led by five from Brazil and four from Germany. And they all have storied histories of bringing a passionate fan base that helps make the event.
New Jersey will host six nations currently in the Top 15 of the FIFA World Rankings: France (No. 1), followed by England (No. 4), Brazil (No. 6), Morocco (No. 8), Germany (No. 10), and Senegal (No. 14).
For those in South Jersey, the action at Lincoln Financial Field is almost as strong. France and Brazil make an appearance, as does Croatia (No. 11), along with Ghana (No. 23).
And while MetLife Stadium will host the final (on July 19); the Linc gets a marquee match as well: It will host a game on the Fourth of July, when the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday.
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