The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be unlike any tournament that came before it. For the first time in history, three nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — will jointly host the competition across 16 cities and 16 stadiums. With 48 teams, 104 matches, and a timeframe stretching from June 11 to July 19, this is the most geographically spread World Cup ever staged.

Here is your complete guide to every host city and venue.

🇲🇽 Mexico — 3 Cities

Mexico makes history at this tournament. With its previous hosting of the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, Mexico becomes the first country to host or co-host the men's World Cup three times.

Mexico City — Estadio Azteca

Capacity: ~87,000 | Opening match: June 11

The most iconic stadium in World Cup history. Estadio Azteca has witnessed Pelé lift the trophy in 1970, Maradona's Hand of God and Goal of the Century in 1986, and countless defining moments of football history. The opening match of the 2026 tournament will take place here on June 11, featuring Mexico against South Africa.

No stadium carries more World Cup weight than this one. Walking into the Azteca for a World Cup match is a bucket-list experience.

Guadalajara — Estadio Akron

Capacity: ~48,000

Guadalajara is often regarded as the cultural center of Mexico — home of mariachi music, numerous festivals, and the best tequila in the world. Estadio Akron is a modern, intimate venue that previously hosted Copa Libertadores finals. The atmosphere here will be electric.

Monterrey — Estadio BBVA

Capacity: ~53,000

Mexico's industrial powerhouse in the north, right on the border with Texas. Estadio BBVA is one of the most visually striking stadiums in Latin America, set against the backdrop of the Cerro de la Silla mountain. A short drive from several US host cities, making it a natural crossover destination for fans.

🇨🇦 Canada — 2 Cities

Canada's debut as a World Cup host nation — and the country arrives with its best-ever national team, automatically qualified as co-host.

Toronto — BMO Field

Capacity: ~45,736

BMO Field opened in 2007 and serves as the home of Toronto FC in MLS. For the tournament, it will be expanded to accommodate World Cup crowds. Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities on earth — with large communities from virtually every competing nation, the atmosphere in the stands will be extraordinary.

Vancouver — BC Place

Capacity: ~54,500

BC Place is no stranger to major events, having hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The stadium has a retractable roof — an asset in Vancouver's famously unpredictable weather. The city itself is one of the most scenic in North America, with mountains visible from the downtown core.

🇺🇸 United States — 11 Cities

The USA hosted the 1994 World Cup and set attendance records that stood for decades. In 2026, eleven American cities across the country will host matches, from the northeast to the southwest.

New York / New Jersey — MetLife Stadium

Capacity: ~82,500 | 🏆 Final: July 19

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is scheduled to host the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets, it sits just west of Manhattan — one of the most recognisable skylines in the world. Hosting the final here guarantees the biggest possible stage for the most important match.

Dallas — AT&T Stadium

Capacity: ~94,000 | Semi-final: July 14

AT&T Stadium is an architectural masterpiece, boasting a retractable dome, temperature control, and a massive HD screen — with a seating capacity for over 92,967 spectators. As the Texan saying goes: everything is bigger here. It will host one of the semi-finals on July 14.

Atlanta — Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Capacity: ~75,000 | Semi-final: July 15

Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the other semi-final on July 15. One of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world, with a distinctive oculus roof design. Atlanta's food scene has exploded in recent years — arriving early is recommended.

Los Angeles — SoFi Stadium

Capacity: ~70,000 | Opening match for USA: June 12

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood was completed in 2020, making it the most recently built venue at this World Cup. It is home to both the LA Rams and LA Chargers, and is scheduled to host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the LA 2028 Olympic Games. Los Angeles is arguably the entertainment capital of the world — and the World Cup will feel right at home here.

Miami — Hard Rock Stadium

Capacity: ~65,000 | Third-place match: July 18

The third-place playoff will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 18. The Miami stadium regularly hosts the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open tennis tournament, in addition to NFL games. Miami's heat in July will be a major factor — this will be one of the most physically demanding venues for players.

Houston — NRG Stadium

Capacity: ~72,220

NRG Stadium features a retractable roof and state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, making the match day experience top notch. Houston's enormous and diverse population means this city will generate genuine, passionate support for matches from across the Americas.

Kansas City — Arrowhead Stadium

Capacity: ~76,000

Arrowhead Stadium holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar at a sports stadium. Home of the Kansas City Chiefs — one of the NFL's dominant teams — this venue knows how to generate atmosphere. The city's legendary BBQ scene is an additional reason to visit.

San Francisco — Levi's Stadium

Capacity: ~68,500

Located in Silicon Valley, this is the home of the San Francisco 49ers. The Bay Area is one of the most scenic regions in America, with the Golden Gate Bridge and iconic coastline nearby. A high-profile tech-savvy crowd will make this one of the tournament's most connected venues.

Seattle — Lumen Field

Capacity: ~68,740

Home of both the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and Seattle Sounders (MLS). Lumen Field is renowned for its volume — the roof design traps crowd noise to create a unique cauldron effect. Pacific Northwest weather in June should be pleasant, making this one of the more comfortable venues.

Boston — Gillette Stadium

Capacity: ~65,000

Home of the New England Patriots, one of the NFL's most successful franchises. Boston is one of the most historically rich cities in America, with a passionate sports culture that makes it a natural World Cup host. The stadium is located in Foxborough, about 40 kilometres from the city centre.

Philadelphia — Lincoln Financial Field

Capacity: ~69,000

The home of the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly's passionate, loud fanbase is well known — matches here will have an intensity that mirrors the city's sporting culture. Philadelphia is also a short train ride from New York, making it easy for fans based in the northeast to attend multiple matches.

Key Facts at a Glance

Stage City Stadium Date
Opening Match Mexico City Estadio Azteca June 11
Opening (USA) Los Angeles SoFi Stadium June 12
Opening (Canada) Toronto BMO Field June 12
Semi-final 1 Dallas AT&T Stadium July 14
Semi-final 2 Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium July 15
Third Place Miami Hard Rock Stadium July 18
Final New York/NJ MetLife Stadium July 19

The Scale of It All

This is not just a football tournament. It is a 39-day travelling festival across an entire continent, from the mountains of Monterrey to the Pacific coast of Vancouver, from the heat of Miami to the urban intensity of New York.

None of the stadiums used in the 1994 FIFA World Cup will be used in this tournament — everything is new, or newly renovated. The infrastructure is ready. The teams are qualified. The countdown is running.

Follow every match, every venue, and every result live at WC2026 Stats.