New Jersey Here We Come!
For the first time in nineteen years the Italian National Team is set to play in the United States! On March 21st Italy will face Venezuela at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida, then following a match against Ecuador at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. FIFA announced also that the 2026 World Cup Final will be held at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey! What are your thoughts? Do you think Italy will make it to the final game?
The Last Time Italy Played in the States
The last FIFA World Cup held in the USA was in 1994. This was the first time that the World Cup was ever held in the states and it marked a significant moment in the country’s soccer history. The Italian national football team performed very well this year, and reached the final game of the tournament. They were led by coach Arrigo Sacchi and featured several star players, including Roberto Baggio.
Italy advanced from the group stage and made their way through knockout rounds, eventually reaching the final. The final was played against Brazil at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on July 17th, 1994. The matched in a 0-0 draw after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Unfortunately for Italy, Brazil won the shootout 3-2, with Roberto Baggio famously missing the final penalty kick for Italy.
Despite the loss in the final 30 years ago, Italy’s performance has picked up rapidly and us Italians are hoping for another final game in the US with Italy crowned as the winners! Go Italy!
