where will the world cup be played 2026

2 min read 14-03-2025

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be a truly unique event – the first ever to be hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This unprecedented collaboration promises a spectacular tournament spread across a vast and diverse landscape. But where exactly will the matches take place? Let's delve into the details.

The Host Cities: A North American Showcase

A total of 16 cities across the three host nations have been selected to host matches in the 2026 World Cup. This geographically dispersed approach aims to provide a truly continental experience for fans and players alike.

United States

The United States will host the lion's share of matches, with 11 cities chosen to showcase their world-class stadiums and vibrant sporting cultures. These are:

Atlanta, Georgia: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Boston, Massachusetts: Gillette Stadium
Dallas, Texas: AT&T Stadium
Houston, Texas: NRG Stadium
Kansas City, Missouri: Arrowhead Stadium
Los Angeles, California: SoFi Stadium
Miami Gardens, Florida: Hard Rock Stadium
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Lincoln Financial Field
San Francisco Bay Area, California: Levi's Stadium
Seattle, Washington: Lumen Field
New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium

These stadiums represent a mix of modern marvels and established sporting venues, ensuring a high standard of facilities for the tournament.

Mexico

Mexico, a passionate football nation, will host six matches in three spectacular stadiums:

Guadalajara, Jalisco: Estadio Akron
Mexico City: Estadio Azteca
Monterrey, Nuevo León: Estadio BBVA

The Estadio Azteca, a legendary venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, will again take center stage, adding a significant layer of history to the 2026 event.

Canada

Canada's inclusion marks a significant moment for the nation's footballing history. Three Canadian cities will host matches:

Toronto, Ontario: BMO Field
Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Place
Edmonton, Alberta: Commonwealth Stadium

These cities represent Canada's diverse sporting landscape and will undoubtedly provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the tournament.

Match Allocation and Tournament Structure

The exact allocation of matches to each city and stadium is still to be finalized. However, we know that the tournament will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, resulting in many more matches than previous World Cups. This expansion necessitates the use of multiple venues across the three host countries. The opening and closing ceremonies, and potentially some of the knockout stage matches, are likely to be held in larger stadiums in the USA.

A Truly North American Experience

The 2026 World Cup promises to be a truly North American experience, showcasing the continent's diverse cultures, passionate fan bases, and world-class sporting infrastructure. The distribution of matches across 16 cities in three countries ensures accessibility for a wider audience, making this World Cup a truly memorable global event. We can expect record-breaking attendances and a vibrant atmosphere as the world's best national teams compete for football's ultimate prize.