New Jersey native Tim Howard believes his dwelling state is the plain option to host the 2026 World Cup closing, saying on Thursday the match “should” be staged at MetLife Stadium.
“Growing up here, playing on the streets of New Jersey and watching the 1994 World Cup – the New York/New Jersey region is the biggest football hotbed in North America,” Howard stated at a Premier League opening mini-pitch in Kearny. New Jersey.
And we’ve confirmed that point and time once more. In phrases of what New York/New Jersey means to the world, the truth that we are able to host the ultimate – for me it’s an absolute should.”
Howard, who performed for the New York/New Jersey MetroStars earlier than transferring to the Premier League with Man United and Everton, is the most recent in a rising refrain of figures advocating for the East Rutherford, New Jersey, web site the place the sport is performed. hosted.
In May, New York Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy teamed as much as marketing campaign for the largest soccer spectacle coming to the East Coast.
Tim Howard needs his dwelling state to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium
The former Everton goalkeeper (second from proper) attended a mini-pitch opening on Thursday
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (R) and Governor Murphy campaigned for the ultimate in May
“The biggest stage in the world, there’s no place like New York/New Jersey, we’re going to bring the World Cup here,” Adams stated in Manhattan’s Times Square.
“I think we’re going to have eight games. We must have the final here.’
Murphy added that eight games at the home of the NFL’s Giants and Jets would be equivalent to “eight Super Bowls.”
Of course, there shall be competitors to host the finals, with Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) and Dallas (AT&T Stadium) reportedly within the operating.
SoFi, the house of the NFL’s LA Rams, was beforehand advised it was too slender underneath FIFA guidelines.
And whereas the stadium was confirmed as considered one of 16 host venues for the event final 12 months, it could not be capable to host the ultimate after rising its width by as a lot as 20 metres.
If The times famous, such an enlargement in width would scale back SoFi to a capability of lower than 70,000 individuals – far lower than FIFA’s minimal requests for finals of 80,000 individuals.
That may tip MetLife into internet hosting the sport – a prospect Howard strongly hopes for.
Newcastle supervisor Eddie Howe, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy and Brighton supervisor Roberto De Zerbi attended the occasion
Joelinton (prime second from left), Bruno Guimares, Lewis Dunk and Bart Verbruggen have been additionally there
The discipline was put in at Washington Elementary School in Kearny, New Jersey
“When it comes to legacy, when I think about all the World Cup finals – what we can do in the New York/New Jersey area and leave a lasting legacy for the kids is something that’s one of the driving forces for me,” stated Howard, who performed in two World Cups for the USA.
“It’s one thing I personally imagine in, it’s what I attempt to give again to my dwelling state. And entry to soccer, entry to desires is priceless.’
Howard attended the occasion alongside Governor Murphy, Newcastle supervisor Eddie Howe and Brighton supervisor Roberto De Zerbi, in addition to gamers from each side together with Lewis Dunk and
The discipline, at Washington Elementary School, was funded by the Premier League, its associate EA Sports and the US Soccer Foundation.