World Cup 2026 Venues: A Stadium Guide

The Story So Far

The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be a spectacle of unprecedented scale, spanning three North American nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament will shatter previous records, not just in terms of geographical reach but also in the sheer magnitude of its venues. With 16 host cities selected from a pool of ambitious bidders, the chosen stadiums represent a blend of cutting-edge modern arenas and historic grounds stee in football lore. Understanding these venues is key for any fan planning to follow the action, offering insights into travel, capacity, and the unique atmosphere each location will bring to the global tournament. This guide provides a practical look at what to expect from the World Cup 2026 venues.​

July 2022: The Announcement and Initial Selection

FIFA officially announced the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup in July 2022. This decision marked the culmination of a lengthy evaluation process. The United States will host 11 matches across its cities, while Canada and Mexico will each stage three matches. This distribution highlights the logistical challenges and opportunities ahead. For fans, this means a diverse range of travel considerations, from navigating major US metropolitan hubs to experiencing the unique cultural landscapes of Canadian and Mexican footballing heartlands. Each city's selection was based on a comprehensive review of infrastructure, existing stadium capabilities, and fan engagement potential. The goal was to select venues that could deliver a world-class experience while also accommodating the tournament's vast scale. 

August 2022 - December 2025: Venue Preparation and Infrastructure Upgrades

As the tournament progresses through November 2026, fans will experience the unique characteristics of each venue. Here's a practical guide to some of the key stadiums:

November 2026: The Tournament Unfolds - A Venue-by-Venue Look

Following the announcement, the focus shifted to venue preparation. Stadiums selected for the tournament are undergoing or will undergo significant upgrades. This includes enhancements to playing surfaces, seating capacity, broadcast facilities, and fan zones. For instance, venues like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, a site of past World Cup finals, are being modernized to meet current FIFA standards. Conversely, newer stadiums, such as SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, or AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, already boast state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, requiring fewer substantial changes. This period is critical for ensuring that each venue can provide a consistent, high-quality experience for players, officials, and supporters alike. Understanding these preparations can help fans gauge the fan experience and accessibility of each location.

United States Host Cities

• Atlanta, Georgia: Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Known for its retractable roof and vibrant atmosphere, it's a modern marvel designed for major events. Capacity: 71,000 (expandable).
• Boston, Massachusetts: Gillette Stadium. Home to the New England Revolution, it offers a classic American football stadium experience with potential for significant fan engagement. Capacity: 65,878.
• Dallas, Texas: AT&T Stadium. Famous for its massive video screen and impressive architecture, it's a technological showcase. Capacity: 80,000 (expandable).
• Houston, Texas: NRG Stadium. This venue features a retractable roof and is well-equip for large-scale events. Capacity: 72,200.
• Kansas City, Missouri: Arrowhead Stadium. A legendary NFL venue, it's expected to bring an electric, traditional sports atmosphere. Capacity: 76,416.
• Los Angeles, California: SoFi Stadium. A state-of-the-art facility, it represents the of modern stadium design and technology. Capacity: 70,000 (expandable).
• Miami, Florida: Hard Rock Stadium. Recently renovated, it offers a tropical setting and advanced amenities. Capacity: 65,326.
• New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium. Located near New York City, it's one of the largest stadiums in the US, promising a truly global feel. Capacity: 82,500.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Lincoln Financial Field. Known for its passionate fanbase, it offers a more traditional football stadium setup. Capacity: 69,879.
• San Francisco Bay Area, California: Levi's Stadium. A LEED Gold-certified stadium, focusing on sustainability and technology. Capacity: 68,500.
• Seattle, Washington: Lumen Field. Renowned for its intense atmosphere and passionate supporters, it's a true football ground. Capacity: 72,000.

Canada Host Cities

• Toronto, Ontario: BMO Field. A soccer-specific stadium that has seen significant upgrades, offering an intimate fan experience. Capacity: 45,736.
• Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Place. A multi-purpose stadium with a retractable roof, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Capacity: 54,500.

Mexico Host Cities

• Guadalajara, Jalisco: Estadio Akron. A modern stadium with unique architectural features. Capacity: 45,362.
• Mexico City: Estadio Azteca. A historic coliseum, this iconic venue has hosted multiple World Cup finals and carries immense footballing heritage. Capacity: 87,523.
• Monterrey, Nuevo León: Estadio BBVA. A visually striking stadium known for its mountain backdrop. Capacity: 53,500.

By The Numbers

• 16 Host cities across three nations.
• 48 Teams participating in the expanded tournament format.
• 82,500 Maximum capacity at MetLife Stadium, the largest venue.
• 1970 The last time Mexico hosted the World Cup final match at Estadio Azteca.
• 11 Matches scheduled for the United States, the most of any single host nation.

What's Next

The journey to the World Cup 2026 kickoff is ongoing. As the tournament draws closer, further details regarding match scheduling, ticketing, and specific fan experiences at each venue will be released. Fans should stay tuned to official FIFA channels and Score Group for the latest updates. The selection of these diverse stadiums sets the stage for a truly global celebration of football, offering a unique blend of modern facilities and historic grounds. Each venue will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the 2026 tournament, providing a platform for unforgettable footballing moments.