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us world cup cities
Will the 2026 FIFA World Cup be a game-changer for soccer in the United States?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the first tournament to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. A total of 16 cities across these nations will host the matches, offering a unique experience for soccer fans.
The United States will host the majority of the matches, with 11 venues selected, including iconic stadiums like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, which will host the final.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams competing across 16 host cities.
- The United States will host 11 matches, with the final taking place in New York/New Jersey.
- Iconic stadiums like SoFi Stadium and MetLife Stadium will host matches.
- The tournament will offer a unique experience for soccer fans across three countries.
- The host cities will provide world-class facilities and attractions for fans.
The Historic 2026 FIFA World Cup
A total of 16 cities across these three nations will host the tournament, offering a unique experience for soccer fans. The state-of-the-art stadiums will elevate the fan experience and provide a setting for memorable moments.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a historic moment as the first tournament to be hosted by three countries simultaneously.
- This expanded format will feature 48 teams, creating the largest World Cup tournament ever with 80 matches.
- Mexico's Estadio Azteca will host World Cup matches for the third time, having previously hosted in 1970 and 1986.
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Overview of Host Countries and Cities
The2026 FIFA World Cupis the first to be hosted by three different countries.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams competing across 16 stadiums. The United States is leading the hosting effort with 11 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
Mexico and Canada are also hosting, with Mexico City's Estadio Azteca set to host the opening match, and Canada hosting in Toronto and Vancouver. The selection process involved evaluating stadium quality, infrastructure, and transportation networks.
This continental approach minimizes travel distances and showcases North America's diverse landscapes.
New York/New Jersey: Home of the Final
New York/New Jersey will be the epicenter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as MetLife Stadium hosts the final. This region is set to witness a massive influx of fans and a significant economic boost from the event.
MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium is a state-of-the-art venue, capable of hosting large-scale events like the World Cup final. With its advanced facilities and massive seating capacity, it's the ideal location for the tournament's culminating match.
It will host a total of eight high-profile matches, including the final on July 19, 2026.
Matches and Events
The matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium include games from the group stage to the knockout rounds, offering fans multiple opportunities to experience the World Cup atmosphere. The final match, Match 104, is expected to be watched by a global television audience exceeding 1.5 billion viewers.
- MetLife Stadium will host a total of eight matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, culminating with the tournament final on July 19, 2026.
- The venue's match schedule includes games from the group stage through to the knockout rounds.
- Match 104, the World Cup Final, will be the most-watched sporting event of 2026.
- Beyond the matches, the New York/New Jersey region will host numerous fan festivals and cultural events.
- Security operations for the matches at MetLife Stadium will be among the most extensive ever implemented.
Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium Showcase
Los Angeles is set to shine as a premier host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with SoFi Stadium at the forefront. This state-of-the-art venue is ready to host significant matches, including those featuring Team USA.
SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium has been designated as one of Team USA's primary venues for the 2026 World Cup. It is renowned for its cutting-edge facilities and massive capacity, making it an ideal location for high-profile soccer matches.
For more information on SoFi Stadium's involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit SoFi Stadium's official news page.
Team USA's Home Base
Los Angeles has been selected as Team USA's home base, leveraging the city's vast soccer fanbase to create a significant home-field advantage. The benefits include familiar climate conditions and reduced travel for the team.
- SoFi Stadium has been designated as one of Team USA's primary venues for the 2026 World Cup.
- The selection of Los Angeles as Team USA's home base leverages the city's massive soccer fanbase.
- Playing in Los Angeles allows the US team to benefit from familiar climate conditions.
- The US Soccer Federation has begun coordination with local training facilities.
- Los Angeles' selection reflects the city's growing importance in American soccer.
Dallas: AT&T Stadium Semi-Final Host
As part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Dallas's AT&T Stadium will host a series of matches that promise to electrify the crowd.
AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and massive capacity, making it an ideal venue for high-stakes international soccer matches.
With its retractable roof and advanced technology, the stadium provides an optimal environment for both players and spectators.
Key Matches
The stadium will host nine matches throughout the tournament, including group stage, round of 16, quarter-final, and a semi-final match.
- AT&T Stadium will host nine matches throughout the tournament, culminating with a high-stakes semi-final.
- The venue's match schedule includes contests from the group stage through to the knockout rounds.
- Match 101, the semi-final, represents one of the most significant sporting events ever hosted in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
- The stadium will also host crucial round of 16 and quarter-final matches.
- FIFA's selection of AT&T Stadium for nine matches makes it one of the most prominent venues of the entire 2026 World Cup tournament.
Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Semi-Final Venue
Atlanta is gearing up to host some of the most thrilling matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The stadium is set to become a focal point for football enthusiasts, hosting eight matches throughout the tournament.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a state-of-the-art venue, equipped to handle high-profile events like the World Cup. It will host matches from the group stage to the knockout rounds, providing Atlanta fans with a comprehensive World Cup experience.
Tournament Schedule
The stadium's match schedule includes contests from the group stage through to the knockout rounds, culminating with Match 102, a semi-final that will determine one of the tournament finalists. The matches to be played are: Matches 14, 25, 38, 50, 72, 80, 95, and 102.
With global viewership expected to exceed 500 million for the semi-final, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be at the center of the action, hosting crucial round of 16 and quarter-final matches.
Seattle: Lumen Field Experience
Seattle's Lumen Field is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As one of the key venues, it will host significant soccer matches, including those featuring Team USA.
Lumen Field
Lumen Field, known for its electric atmosphere, is set to be a challenging venue for opposing teams. With a seating capacity of 69,000, it promises to be an intimidating ground for any team playing against Team USA or other top squads.
Team USA Matches
Team USA will play some of their group stage matches at Lumen Field, leveraging the passionate soccer fanbase in Seattle to create a significant home-field advantage.
Boston: Gillette Stadium Quarter-Final Host
Gillette Stadium is ready to welcome international soccer fans for the 2026 World Cup.
Gillette Stadium will host seven matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, including a quarter-final match that will determine the tournament's final four teams.
Gillette Stadium
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Gillette Stadium, located in Foxborough, is a state-of-the-art venue that will host several crucial matches during the 2026 World Cup. The stadium's capacity and facilities make it an ideal location for international soccer events.
Match Schedule
The stadium's match schedule includes Matches 5, 18, 30, 45, 61, 74, and 97, with Match 97 being a quarter-final game. These matches will showcase the best of international soccer.
Houston: NRG Stadium Games
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature multiple games at Houston's NRG Stadium.
NRG Stadium
NRG Stadium is a state-of-the-art venue that will host seven matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, offering Houston fans a chance to experience the tournament's excitement.
The stadium's capacity and central location make it an ideal venue for hosting teams from various regional clusters.
Tournament Fixtures
The matches scheduled at NRG Stadium include contests from the group stage through to the round of 16, featuring some of the tournament's most competitive teams.
- NRG Stadium will host seven matches throughout the 2026 World Cup.
- The venue's match schedule includes contests from the group stage through to the round of 16.
- While not hosting a quarter-final or semi-final, NRG Stadium's seven-match allocation ensures Houston will be a significant hub.
- The stadium's fixtures will likely feature some of the tournament's most competitive group stage matches.
- NRG Stadium's central location makes it an ideal venue for matches featuring teams based in both the eastern and western regional clusters.
Kansas City: Arrowhead Stadium Quarter-Final Venue
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring numerous matches to Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.
Arrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is set to host six matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, including a quarter-final that will determine the tournament's final four teams.
The stadium's state-of-the-art facilities and Kansas City's passionate fan base make it an ideal venue for the world's biggest football tournament.
Match Schedule
The games scheduled at Arrowhead Stadium include Matches 19, 34, 58, 69, 87, and 100, with Match 100 being the highly anticipated quarter-final.
The quarter-final match is expected to draw a global audience of over 300 million viewers.
Miami: Hard Rock Stadium and Third-Place Match
Miami is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup with Hard Rock Stadium as a premier location. The stadium will be a significant venue during the tournament.
Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium will host seven matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, including a quarter-final and the third-place match. The venue's quality and Miami's status as an international destination city made it an ideal choice.
Tournament Schedule
The stadium's schedule includes matches 13, 37, 49, 71, 86, 99 (Quarter-Final), and 103 (Third Place), offering Miami fans a comprehensive World Cup experience.
Philadelphia: Lincoln Financial Field Experience
Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field will be buzzing with energy as it hosts multiple 2026 World Cup matches.
Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is a state-of-the-art stadium that will provide an electrifying atmosphere for the 2026 World Cup. With its capacity to host numerous matches, it is an ideal venue for the tournament.
Match Schedule
The match schedule at Lincoln Financial Field includes six matches: Matches 9, 29, 42, 55, 68, and 89, featuring contests from the group stage through to the round of 16.
The key highlights of Lincoln Financial Field's involvement in the 2026 World Cup include:
- Lincoln Financial Field will host six matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, providing Philadelphia fans with multiple opportunities to experience the tournament's electric atmosphere.
- The venue's match schedule includes contests from the group stage through to the round of 16, showcasing teams from around the world on Philadelphia's international stage.
- While not hosting a quarter-final or semi-final, Lincoln Financial Field's six-match allocation ensures Philadelphia will be a significant hub throughout the tournament's group stages.
- The stadium's fixtures will likely feature some of the tournament's most competitive group stage matches, with FIFA typically assigning balanced matchups to venues with Philadelphia's capacity and prominence.
- Lincoln Financial Field's central location along the Northeast Corridor makes it an ideal venue for matches featuring teams based in both the New York and Boston areas.
San Francisco Bay Area: Levi's Stadium Games
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring the excitement of international football to the San Francisco Bay Area, with Levi's Stadium as a key host venue. The San Francisco Bay Area is expected to be a significant hub during the tournament's group stages.
Levi's Stadium
Levi's Stadium is a state-of-the-art venue in Santa Clara, California. It will host six matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, offering fans multiple opportunities to experience the tournament's electric atmosphere. The stadium's location makes it an ideal venue for matches featuring teams based on the West Coast.
Tournament Fixtures
The matches scheduled at Levi's Stadium include: Matches 8, 20, 31, 44, 60, 81, covering contests from the group stage to the round of 16.
Mexican Host Cities and Venues
As part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosting trio, Mexico will showcase its top cities and stadiums. The country's rich football culture and modern venues will play a significant role in the tournament.
Estadio Azteca
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Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca is set to host crucial matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With its massive capacity and electric atmosphere, it's a fortress for Mexican football.
Guadalajara: Estadio Akron
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Guadalajara's Estadio Akron will host significant World Cup matches, offering a state-of-the-art experience for players and spectators alike. Its modern design and amenities make it an ideal venue.
Monterrey: Estadio BBVA
Monterrey's Estadio BBVA, known as "The Steel Giant," will bring its unique blend of modern architecture and natural beauty to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium's design allows fans to feel close to the action, with views of the stunning Cerro de la Silla mountain.
- Monterrey completes Mexico's trio of host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing its modern Estadio BBVA and stunning mountain backdrop to the tournament.
- Mexico's industrial powerhouse offers visiting fans a unique combination of business sophistication and natural beauty.
- Estadio BBVA represents the cutting edge of stadium design with its 53,460-seat capacity and architecture that places spectators close to the action.
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Canadian Host Cities and Venues
Canada's major cities will play host to exciting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The country's top stadiums are ready to welcome teams from around the globe.
Toronto: BMO Field
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BMO Field in Toronto is set to host World Cup matches with its state-of-the-art facilities. It's a great venue for the 2026 FIFA event.
Vancouver: BC Place
BC Place in Vancouver, with its retractable roof, will provide a comfortable environment for players and spectators alike. The stadium has a rich history, having hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games and the Women's World Cup final in 2015.
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With a capacity of 54,500 for World Cup matches, BC Place offers an impressive setting.
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Cities That Missed the Cut
The selection process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosts resulted in several major U.S. cities being overlooked. Despite strong bids, cities like Baltimore/Washington D.C., Cincinnati, Denver, Nashville, and Orlando were not selected.
The absence of Washington D.C., America's capital, from the final selection was surprising. Logistical challenges, such as the withdrawal of FedEx Field from consideration, might have contributed to this outcome. Chicago, a significant city and the longtime home of the U.S. Soccer Federation, declined to participate in the bidding process due to concerns about FIFA's financial demands.
| City | Reason for Not Being Selected |
|---|---|
| Baltimore/Washington D.C. | Logistical challenges |
| Cincinnati | Strong bid but not selected |
| Denver | Not chosen despite a competitive bid |
| Nashville | Failed to secure host status |
| Orlando | Not selected for the final lineup |
| Edmonton | Missed out on becoming Canada's third host city |
The selection highlighted FIFA's focus on stadium quality, transportation infrastructure, and geographical clustering. Some historically significant soccer markets were ultimately excluded from the final host city lineup.
What to Expect at the 2026 US World Cup Cities
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States promises to be an unforgettable experience. With state-of-the-art stadiums and infrastructure, the event will deliver an unprecedented tournament experience. At the same time, FIFA has strategically clustered host cities to minimize travel time for teams and fans.
Visitors can expect comprehensive fan experiences, including extensive fan festivals and cultural events. The 2026 World Cup represents a watershed moment for soccer in the United States, with the sport's popularity expected to reach new heights.
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FAQ
What are the host countries for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Which stadiums will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches?
The matches will be held at various stadiums across the host countries, including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
What is the significance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted by three countries?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first time three countries have jointly hosted the tournament, making it a historic event.
Which city will host the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The final match will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
What can fans expect from the 2026 FIFA World Cup experience?
Fans can expect an exciting tournament with top-notch teams competing at state-of-the-art stadiums across the host countries.
Are there any new stadiums being built specifically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
While some stadiums are existing venues, others like SoFi Stadium were built with major events like the World Cup in mind, showcasing cutting-edge facilities.
How many matches will be held in the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The United States will host the majority of the matches, with various stadiums across the country being utilized for the tournament.
Will the 2026 FIFA World Cup feature any new formats or expansions?
Yes, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams participating, making it a larger and more inclusive tournament.