The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just a football tournament; it will be history. For the first time, three countries—the United States, Canada and Mexico—will jointly host the world’s biggest sporting event. And 48 teams will participate in this tournament instead of 32 for the first time. Which will give the football world a new experience. The football festival will be held in 16 cities of FIFA World Cup 2026 venues in North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
There is only one question on the minds of millions of football fans worldwide now—which stadium will the ball roll into? Which city will you go to see your favourite team play? This article is designed to answer all those questions. This is not just a list of venues but a complete guide for you. It will help you with the football culture, the history of the stadiums and the information you need to travel. So, let’s go on a virtual tour to discover the 2026 World Cup venues.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Venues
Host countries: United States, Canada, Mexico
Total teams: 48
Total matches: 104
Total venues: 16
Duration: June 11 – July 19, 2026
US venues: 11 cities host football celebrations
Most of the tournament’s matches—from the quarter-finals to the final—will be held in the United States. Eleven cities across the country are gearing up to welcome the world.
1. New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
Stadium: MetLife Stadium
Capacity: 82,500
Key match: Final (July 19, 2026)
“The City That Never Sleeps” is set to host the 2026 World Cup final. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this state-of-the-art stadium has hosted major events such as the Super Bowl and the Copa America. The lights of Times Square, the greenery of Central Park, and the diverse culture here are additional attractions for visitors. New York’s football culture is old but has grown thanks to its multiethnic population.
2. Dallas, Texas (AT&T Stadium)
Stadium: AT&T Stadium
Capacity: 80,000 (expandable)
Key Matches: Semi-Finals
“The Lone Star State,” Dallas, Texas, is not only known for its Cowboys culture but is also a sports-mad city. The AT&T Stadium is famous for its huge retractable roof and giant video screens. It is one of the most expensive and technologically advanced stadiums in the world. Nine matches, including the semi-finals, will be held in Dallas, making the city one of the main centres of the tournament.
3. Los Angeles, California (SoFi Stadium)
Stadium: SoFi Stadium
Capacity: 70,240 (expandable)
Key matches: Quarter-finals and the first match for the United States
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is an architectural marvel located in the Hollywood city of dreams. Its transparent roof and 360-degree video board offer an unforgettable experience for spectators. The opening match of the US national team will be held here, adding a different dimension to the tournament. The city’s glamour, beautiful beaches and the presence of clubs such as LA Galaxy and LAFC have enriched the football culture of Los Angeles.
4. Atlanta, Georgia (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Capacity: 71,000
Key Matches: Semi-Finals
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium is famous for its unique camera shutter-like roof. It is home to Atlanta United, one of the most successful clubs in MLS, with attendance records set for almost every match. The stadium’s atmosphere and the city’s historical significance (the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.) make it an ideal venue for the World Cup.
5. Miami, Florida (Hard Rock Stadium)
Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
Capacity: 64,767
Key Matches: Quarter-finals and third-place play-off
Miami conjures up images of sea, sun and festivities. Since the arrival of Lionel Messi, the city’s football craze has become known worldwide. The Hard Rock Stadium has been renovated several times to prepare for the World Cup. The vibrant Latin culture and beautiful weather will be a great experience for the audience.
6. Kansas City, Missouri (Arrowhead Stadium)
Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium
Capacity: 76,416
Important match: Quarter-finals
Kansas City, known as the “Heart of America,” is famous for its barbecue and jazz music. However, Arrowhead Stadium is known for its screaming fans, which also made it into the Guinness World Records. Although it is originally an American football stadium, it will be renovated for the World Cup. The sincerity of the people here and their passion for the game make the city a unique venue.
7. Boston, Massachusetts (Gillette Stadium)
Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Capacity: 65,878
Important Match: Quarter-Final
Boston is a city steeped in American history. It is home to institutions like Harvard University and MIT and has a strong sports culture. Gillette Stadium in Foxboro is home to the New England Revolution (MLS) and the New England Patriots (NFL). Hosting the World Cup will mark a new chapter for this historic city.
8. Houston, Texas (NRG Stadium)
Stadium: NRG Stadium
Capacity: 72,220
Houston, famous for its NASA Space Centre, is a hub for science and technology. NRG Stadium is also known for its retractable roof and modern facilities. Houston’s large immigrant population, especially Latin American, has made the city’s football culture vibrant.
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Lincoln Financial Field)
Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
Capacity: 69,796
Philadelphia is the birthplace of American independence. Lincoln Financial Field, locally known as “The Link”, is the home of the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL). The fans here are known for their passion. The world awaits what the football frenzy will be like in this historic city during the World Cup.
10. Seattle, Washington (Lumen Field)
Stadium: Lumen Field
Capacity: 69,000
“The Emerald City”, Seattle is known for its natural beauty and coffee culture (Starbucks was born here). But its football culture is even more famous. The Seattle Sounders (MLS) fans are known as the best in the league. Their “March to the Match” is a sight to behold. The atmosphere at Lumen Field can be tough for any team to play in.
11. San Francisco Bay Area, California (Levi’s Stadium)
Stadium: Levi’s Stadium
Capacity: 68,500
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Levi’s Stadium is a great example of technology and sustainability. It is one of the most environmentally friendly stadiums in the world. Due to its proximity to famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, it is a popular tourist destination.
Mexico’s Venues: Football Where Religion
Mexico is set to become the first country to host the World Cup thrice (after 1970 and 1986). Football is in the people’s blood.
1. Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
Stadium: Estadio Azteca
Capacity: 87,523
Important Match: Opening Match (June 11, 2026)
Estadio Azteca is not just a stadium but a living football history. Pele (1970) and Diego Maradona (1986) won the World Cup at this ground. Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” are immortalised in this ground. By hosting the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, Azteca will make history by becoming the first stadium in the world to host the opening matches of three World Cups.
2. Guadalajara, Jalisco (Estadio Akron)
Stadium: Estadio Akron
Capacity: 49,850
Guadalajara is Mexico’s cultural capital. The Estadio Akron is the home ground of Chivas de Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s most popular clubs. Its architecture and mountain-like grass slopes make it a unique stadium. It will also host Mexico’s first match.
3. Monterrey, Nuevo León (Estadio BBVA)
Stadium: Estadio BBVA
Capacity: 53,500
Known as “The Steel Giant”, this stadium is admired for its architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is one of the most modern stadiums in Latin America. Monterrey’s industrial identity is intertwined with its footballing passion.
Canada’s Venues: A New Dawn for Soccer in the North
Canada is set to host the men’s FIFA World Cup for the first time, a historic moment for the country.
1. Toronto, Ontario (BMO Field)
Stadium: BMO Field
Capacity: 30,000 (expanded to 45,000 for the World Cup)
Key Match: Canada’s First Match
Toronto is Canada’s largest and most diverse city. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, BMO Field is the home ground of Toronto FC (MLS). Its capacity is being expanded for the World Cup. It will host the first match of the Canadian national team, which will unite the entire country.
2. Vancouver, British Columbia (BC Place)
Stadium: BC Place
Capacity: 54,500
Located between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. BC Place Stadium, famous for its world’s largest retractable roof, is home to the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS). Its natural beauty and growing football culture will add a new dimension to the World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: When will the 2026 FIFA World Cup start and end?
Answer: The tournament will start on June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and the final match will be held on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
Question: How many teams will play in the 2026 World Cup?
Answer: 48 teams will participate in this World Cup for the first time.
Question: What is the new format of the tournament?
Answer: The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups, with 4 in each group. The top 2 teams from each group and the 8 best third-placed teams will qualify for Round 32. After that, the knockout stage will begin.
Question: How can I buy tickets for the World Cup?
Answer: The ticket sales process has not started yet. Football fans must regularly visit FIFA’s official website (FIFA.com). Ticket sales usually begin about a year before the tournament starts.
Question: Will I need multiple visas to travel to all three countries?
Answer: Yes, depending on your citizenship, you may need separate visas to enter the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Being familiar with each country’s visa policies is important before planning your trip.
Conclusion
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is not just a sporting competition but a grand reunion of three countries’ cultures, traditions and people. From the historic Azteca in Mexico to the state-of-the-art Sofitel Stadium in Los Angeles, each venue will bring new and exciting experiences to football fans. The vast geographical scope and the participation of 48 teams will make this tournament truly an unforgettable global festival. So if you are a dedicated football fan, start preparing now, because 2026 is about to write a new chapter in football history.
Hi, I’m M Saif, a digital marketer with a strong focus on SEO and content writing. I help businesses improve their online visibility, drive organic traffic, and create engaging content that converts. With a results-driven approach, I work on strategies that not only boost rankings but also deliver real value to audiences.