Where Is the 2026 World Cup Being Held? Host Cities, Venues, and Everything You Need to Know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America, and it is going to be unlike anything the sport has ever seen. Spanning three countries, 16 cities, and 104 matches from June 11 to July 19, 2026, this is the biggest World Cup in history.

Whether you are a die-hard supporter planning to follow your national team across the continent or a casual fan hoping to catch a single unforgettable match, here is everything you need to know about where the 2026 World Cup is being held and which stadiums are hosting games.

A Historic Tournament Across Three Nations

For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The United Bid, which beat Morocco in a FIFA Congress vote back in 2018, was built on the promise of 23 already-constructed, world-class stadiums and the infrastructure to support millions of traveling fans.

The tournament will also be the first to feature 48 teams instead of the previous 32, with 12 groups of four teams each competing across the group stage before a 32-team knockout round determines the world champion. The expanded format means more matches, more drama, and more opportunities for fans to be part of history.

The opening match kicks off on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and the final takes place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area.

2026 World Cup Host Cities and Venues

United States (11 Cities)

The United States is home to the lion’s share of the action, hosting 11 cities and the majority of matches, including both semifinals and the final.

New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium

The crown jewel of the tournament. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the 2026 World Cup Final on July 19. With a capacity of around 82,500 for soccer, it will also host eight matches, including group-stage games featuring powerhouses like Brazil, France, Germany, and England. This is the marquee venue, and tickets here will be among the most coveted in sports history.

Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium (Inglewood)

One of the newest and most technologically advanced stadiums in the world, SoFi Stadium opens the USMNT’s campaign and hosts eight matches in total, including a quarterfinal. The Los Angeles area is no stranger to World Cup history, having hosted the men’s final in 1994 at the Rose Bowl.

Dallas – AT&T Stadium (Arlington)

Known simply as “The Death Star,” AT&T Stadium in Arlington is the largest NFL stadium at 94,000 seats. It will host seven matches and offer one of the most dramatic venue experiences in all of American sports.

Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the premier modern stadiums in the country. It will host eight matches in Atlanta, including a semifinal, making it one of the most important venues of the entire tournament.

Miami – Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host seven matches, including group-stage games featuring Brazil and Portugal, a quarterfinal, and the third-place match. Miami’s vibrant culture and diverse soccer fanbase make this a particularly electric destination.

San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara)

Located in Silicon Valley, Levi’s Stadium rounds out the California contingent with six matches. The venue is also slated to host the 2026 Super Bowl, cementing its status as one of America’s elite sporting arenas.

Houston – NRG Stadium

NRG Stadium in Houston boasts a retractable roof and a capacity of over 72,000. It will host seven matches, and its state-of-the-art facilities are well-suited for the intensity of a World Cup.

Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium

Arrowhead Stadium holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar at an outdoor sports venue. With a capacity of 76,000 for soccer fans, it will host six matches and promises an atmosphere unlike any other.

Seattle – Lumen Field

Lumen Field is home to both the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC, meaning the stadium has deep roots in soccer culture. It will host six matches in a city known for its passionate supporters.

Boston – Gillette Stadium (Foxborough)

Gillette Stadium, undergoing renovations ahead of the tournament, will host seven matches, including a quarterfinal. The Boston area hosted six matches at the 1994 World Cup and has a rich soccer tradition.

Philadelphia Lincoln Financial Field

Lincoln Financial Field rounds out the US host cities, hosting six matches in one of America’s most passionate sports markets.

Mexico (3 Cities)

Mexico makes World Cup history by becoming the first nation to host or co-host the men’s tournament three times.

Mexico City – Estadio Azteca

The most historic venue in the entire tournament. Estadio Azteca hosted the World Cup finals in both 1970 and 1986, witnessing legends such as Pelé and Diego Maradona in their primes. It will host the opening match on June 11 and six games in total, making it the perfect stage to open the grandest World Cup ever.

Guadalajara – Estadio Akron

With a capacity of just over 48,000, Estadio Akron is one of Mexico’s largest stadiums and previously hosted the 2010 Copa Libertadores final. Guadalajara is regarded as the cultural heart of Mexico, and its vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination.

Monterrey – Estadio BBVA

Monterrey’s modern Estadio BBVA is a stunning venue set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. Known for its atmosphere and architecture, it will be one of the most visually striking settings of the entire tournament.

Canada (2 Cities)

The 2026 tournament marks the first time the men’s World Cup has ever been played on Canadian soil.

Toronto – BMO Field

BMO Field is undergoing an expansion ahead of the tournament, increasing from 30,000 to approximately 45,500 seats. It is home to Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts, and the venue will host several group stage and knockout matches. Toronto’s multicultural energy will make it a genuine highlight for traveling fans.

Vancouver – BC Place

BC Place, the main venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics, has a retractable roof and a capacity of 54,000. Vancouver Whitecaps FC call it home. BC Place will host seven matches, including a quarterfinal and a round-of-16 tie.

Planning Your 2026 World Cup Experience

With the tournament running from June 11 to July 19, 2026, there is ample time to map out a travel itinerary that maximizes your experience. A few considerations worth keeping in mind as you plan:

Think geographically when choosing venues. Dallas and Houston are a manageable drive apart. The two California venues in the Bay Area and Los Angeles are an easy flight or a road trip away. The New York area and Boston venues are both accessible from the East Coast and could anchor a natural two-city itinerary.

Consider the atmosphere each city offers beyond the stadium. Mexico City brings unmatched historical weight. Miami offers beach culture and a soccer-obsessed Latin American fanbase. Vancouver pairs mountain scenery with a passionate sporting culture. Toronto brings cosmopolitan energy and one of the most diverse fan communities on the planet.

For international travelers, the tournament’s spread across North America creates a genuine opportunity to combine a World Cup trip with a broader exploration of the continent. The 38-day window gives fans enough time to catch multiple matches across different cities if the schedule and budget allow.

Final Whistle

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the greatest sporting event on the planet. Three countries, 16 iconic venues, 48 nations, and 104 matches make this an unprecedented celebration of the beautiful game. Whether you are dreaming of watching the final at MetLife Stadium, soaking in the history of Estadio Azteca, or experiencing the electric atmosphere at Arrowhead, there is a World Cup moment waiting for you.

Start planning early, stay on top of FIFA’s official ticket release schedule, and keep your options open across cities and match dates. The 2026 World Cup only happens once, and with venues this good spread across a continent this vast, the only wrong move is missing it entirely.