Skanska begins work on project for FIFA World Cup 2026

The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US (Photo: AdobeStock)

The project involves the demolition of four corners of pre-existing precast seating throughout the stadium and the installation of a new modular steel composite seating system.

The project also encompasses mechanical, electrical, audiovisual, and plumbing adjustments. Additionally, the project involves the removal of 1,740 permanent seats to expand the field’s dimensions for FIFA World Cup matches.

“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,” said Sean Szatkowski, executive vice president and general manager at 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.”

Skanska adds that the stadium and seating modifications will make the playing field bigger to meet the necessary FIFA size requirements, so the stadium can host eight games throughout the tournament, including the final.

To ensure minimal disruption to the existing stadium activity and team schedules, Skanska says that the construction will be carried out in two phases. Phase I began in January of this year and is expected to be completed by May 2024. Phase II will commence in January 2025 and is projected to be completed by May 2025.

In 2010, Skanska completed the construction of the 2.2-million-square-foot MetLife Stadium, which was the first facility built to accommodate two National Football League (NFL) teams, the New York Football Giants and New York Jets.