Renovations on MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are underway in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Swedish multinational construction and development company Skanska is undertaking the project to renovate the stadium’s lower bowl. Modifications to the stadium and seating will enlarge the playing field to meet the necessary FIFA size requirements, allowing MetLife Stadium to host eight games throughout the tournament, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
“We are thrilled to continue building upon our long-standing partnership with MetLife Stadium and to play an integral role in ensuring the stadium is well-equipped to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup,” stated Sean Szatkowski, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Skanska USA Building. “Having begun our initial work at MetLife Stadium in 2010, this latest undertaking poses the unique and exciting challenge of making the necessary adjustments needed to meet FIFA requirements. And we now know, this will include the honor of helping prepare the stadium to host the FIFA World Cup Final.”
The extensive renovations will remove four corners of existing precast seating throughout the stadium and replace it with a new modular steel composite seating system. Related mechanical, electrical, audiovisual, and plumbing systems will also be adjusted.
In addition to the seating changes mentioned above, the project will remove 1,740 permanent seats to enlarge the field’s dimensions for FIFA World Cup 26™ matches and replace them with a modular system to maintain current NFL seating quantities and layouts.
Skanska completed the 2.2-million-square-foot MetLife Stadium in 2010. It is a technologically advanced open-air stadium with seats for 82,500 spectators, including 222 luxury suite boxes. The facility was designed to accommodate two NFL teams, the New York Giants and New York Jets. It’s also a popular venue for concerts and other entertainment and sports activities.
To limit disruption to existing stadium activity and team schedules, the project will be completed in two phases:
- Phase I: Commenced January 2024 and is set for completion in May 2024
- Phase II: The second phase will commence in January 2025 and is projected to reach completion in May 2025.
According to Sports Business Journal, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which oversees MetLife Stadium, received $30 million in public funding for the World Cup renovation project in 2022.
The total cost of the stadium renovation was not disclosed.
