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Some of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 World Cup, from group stage battles to the spectacular final, will take place at MetLife Stadium, drawing soccer's greatest talents to New York and New Jersey this summer.
Home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, the second-highest total among all 16 host cities spanning the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Five group stage contests, featuring powerhouses like Brazil, France, England and Germany, set the stage before the knockout rounds bring a round of 32 and a round of 16 encounter to East Rutherford. The July 19 final serves as the crown jewel of the stadium's schedule, with more than 82,000 fans on hand to witness the 2026 world champion be crowned.
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So many unmissable fixtures promise a dazzling display of star power descending on New York and New Jersey, with five of the game's elite players all guaranteed to appear in at least one match at MetLife Stadium.
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1. Kylian Mbappé (France)
Match in NY/NJ: France vs. Senegal, June 16
It seems fitting to begin with reigning World Cup Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé. The striker claimed that individual accolade, along with a runners-up medal, in 2022 when France fell short against Argentina in Qatar.
Four years on from that heartbreaking defeat and eight years after Les Bleus captured their second World Cup crown, Didier Deschamps's side returns to the global stage boasting one of soccer's most devastating attacks, spearheaded by Mbappé. Despite a turbulent spell at Real Madrid for the 27-year-old, he arrives at the tournament on the back of a 42-goal campaign, appearing fully clear of the knee trouble that plagued his 2025–26 season.
Mbappé was kept quiet during France's two pre-tournament friendlies, but it's only a question of when — not if — he finds the net again, and his first chance comes at MetLife Stadium against Senegal. Should he score twice, Mbappé will surpass all others to become France's all-time top goalscorer.
2. Harry Kane (England)
Match in NY/NJ: Panama vs. England, June 27
On the subject of prolific strikers, Harry Kane is also scheduled to appear at MetLife Stadium in the group stage when England square off against Panama. The No. 9 netted an extraordinary 61 goals for Bayern Munich in 2025–26, a personal best heading into the most important tournament of his career.
The Three Lions enter as one of the pre-tournament favorites, desperately seeking their first major trophy since 1966. They have come agonizingly close to that long-awaited piece of silverware, most recently finishing as runners-up at the last two European Championships, but nothing would compare to hoisting the golden World Cup trophy this summer.
Much of England's ambitions hinge on Kane's performances, and there is arguably no player in the world Thomas Tuchel would prefer leading his attack than the captain, who is playing the best football of his life at 32.
3. Vinicius Junior (Brazil)
Match in NY/NJ: Brazil vs. Morocco, June 13
Brazil vs. Morocco stands out as one of the rare group stage fixtures packed with talent on both sides. Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz spearhead the challenge for the African side, while Vinicius Junior and Neymar Jr headline Carlo Ancelotti's Brazilian squad.
Brazil's all-time top scorer is undoubtedly the biggest attraction, having earned his World Cup call-up to the delight of an entire nation. Yet another injury setback looks set to rule Neymar out of the team's opener at MetLife, leaving Vinicius Jr to command the spotlight — something he is well accustomed to after eight seasons at Real Madrid.
The explosive winger has at times struggled to replicate his club form in a yellow shirt, but he carries plenty of confidence after registering 32 goal contributions for Los Blancos last season. Vinicius Jr also hit the ground running with the Seleção, producing a stunning goal and assist in the team's 6–2 demolition of Panama — a display he will be eager to reproduce under the lights as Brazil chase a record-breaking sixth World Cup title.
4. Erling Haaland (Norway)
Match in NY/NJ: Norway vs. Senegal, June 22
Alongside the marquee names from La Liga and the Bundesliga, MetLife Stadium will also welcome one of the Premier League's defining figures in Erling Haaland. The striker will spearhead Norway's challenge when they face Senegal in a contest that could determine the final standings in Group I.
Haaland is coming off an especially grueling 12 months at Manchester City, during which he made 56 appearances stretching back to last summer's Club World Cup. Even so, he found the net 41 times and added yet another Premier League Golden Boot to his collection.
Unlike at club level, Haaland does not have the same quality of support around him on the Norway side to compensate on an off night. The 25-year-old must deliver in every match if he hopes to guide his country to the round of 16 — their best-ever World Cup result — and potentially further still.
5. Jamal Musiala
Match in NY/NJ: Ecuador vs. Germany, June 25
Germany's last two World Cup campaigns ended in humiliating group-stage eliminations, far below the expectations of a nation with four stars adorning its crest. Jamal Musiala was still a teenager when he made his World Cup bow in Qatar, but he returns now with greater experience and silverware to his name, ready to help Die Mannschaft put its recent struggles behind it.
The Bayern Munich talisman has fully recovered from the horrific fractured fibula and dislocated ankle he sustained last summer and is primed for a tournament to remember. So much of Germany's attacking threat flows through the dribbling ability and nimble footwork of the attacking midfielder, who is equally capable of curling in a long-range effort when the occasion demands.
Indeed, Musiala recently made his first international appearance in nearly two years and marked the occasion with a goal, helping Germany cruise to a 4–0 victory over Finland in their opening pre-tournament friendly. The pressure intensifies on the world stage, but the 23-year-old has never been one to shrink from the big moment.