Man walks 22km from Fifa World Cup 2026 final stadium to NYC for mental health

Men’s mental health campaigner Craig Ferguson has completed yet another remarkable challenge, proving that determination can overcome even the most persistent doubts.

The Scottish mental health advocate and football superfan recently walked from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to Central Park in New York City after being repeatedly told by Americans that the journey could not be done on foot.

Documenting the challenge on social media, Ferguson set out from the stadium, which will host the Fifa World Cup 2026 final, and completed the approximately 22.5km (14-mile) trek in just a few hours. 

“That right there is the MetLife Stadium, home of the World Cup Final, and for months now Americans have been telling me that you can’t walk to New York City from here,” Ferguson said in a video shared online.

“Well, if there’s one lesson you should learn in life, it’s that you should never tell a Scotsman what he can and cannot do.”

While he admitted that the route was not particularly practical, he said the challenge was intended to highlight a much larger mission.

“This isn’t a video to encourage other people to do the same thing. In fact, it’s quite stupid,” he joked.

“However, I’m trying to promote my walk across America, which has taken me 99 days to get here, to New Jersey. I’m finishing in Boston in time for Scotland’s World Cup campaign.”

The Tartan Trek across America

The walk formed part of Ferguson’s extraordinary cross-country fundraising initiative known as the Tartan Trek.

Over 104 consecutive days, Ferguson walked approximately 4,800km (3,000 miles) from Los Angeles to the East Coast of the United States, all while wearing a traditional Scottish kilt.

His journey was undertaken to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health through the Scottish charity SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health).

The challenge has gained widespread attention, particularly as it coincides with Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, observed globally in June.

MetLife Stadium prepares for Fifa World Cup 2026 final

MetLife Stadium will host the highly anticipated Fifa World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, July 19.

With a capacity of 82,500 spectators, it is the largest venue selected for the tournament and underwent significant modifications to accommodate Fifa’s requirements, including the installation of a wider natural grass playing surface.

The venue was chosen due to its vast regional population, excellent international media access and favourable broadcast scheduling, which maximises television audiences across Europe.

In line with Fifa’s sponsorship regulations, the stadium will be referred to as New York or New Jersey Stadium throughout the tournament.

Challenge complete

Ferguson completed his walk in New York City’s Central Park, successfully covering the full 22.5km distance and proving his doubters wrong.

Reflecting on the achievement, he said:

“I hope that shuts up some people. You can walk to MetLife. It’s just ridiculously long.”