where are world cup 2026 games

3 min read 14-03-2025

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a landmark event, jointly hosted by three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This makes it the first World Cup to be held across three nations, promising a unique and expansive tournament experience. But where exactly will the matches take place? Let's explore the host cities and stadiums selected to stage this historic event.

Host Cities and Stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will see matches played across 16 different cities, distributed across the three host nations. This broad geographic spread aims to bring the excitement of the World Cup to a wider audience across North America.

United States

The United States will host the lion's share of the games, with 11 host cities:

Atlanta, Georgia: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (NFL)
Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium (NFL)
Boston, Massachusetts: Gillette Stadium (NFL)
Baltimore, Maryland: M&T Bank Stadium (NFL)
Cincinnati, Ohio: Paycor Stadium (NFL)
Dallas, Texas: AT&T Stadium (NFL)
Denver, Colorado: Empower Field at Mile High (NFL)
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico: Estadio Akron (Liga MX)
Houston, Texas: NRG Stadium (NFL)
Kansas City, Missouri: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (NFL)
Los Angeles, California: SoFi Stadium (NFL)
Miami Gardens, Florida: Hard Rock Stadium (NFL)
Nashville, Tennessee: Nissan Stadium (NFL)
Orlando, Florida: Exploria Stadium (MLS)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Lincoln Financial Field (NFL)
San Francisco, California: Levi's Stadium (NFL)
Seattle, Washington: Lumen Field (NFL)

Many of these stadiums are already established NFL venues, ensuring high capacity and world-class facilities. Several are also used for other major sporting events and concerts, showcasing their suitability for a global event like the World Cup.

Mexico

Mexico will host a number of games in three iconic cities:

Guadalajara, Jalisco: Estadio Akron (Liga MX)
Mexico City: Estadio Azteca (Liga MX) - iconic stadium, previously hosted World Cup finals
Monterrey, Nuevo León: Estadio BBVA (Liga MX)

These stadiums have a rich history of hosting major football matches, and their passionate fans are sure to create a vibrant atmosphere. Estadio Azteca, notably, has hosted multiple World Cup games in the past, including the 1970 and 1986 finals.

Canada

Canada will welcome World Cup action to three cities:

Edmonton, Alberta: Commonwealth Stadium
Toronto, Ontario: BMO Field (MLS)
Vancouver, British Columbia: BC Place (CFL)

While slightly smaller than some of the US venues, these stadiums offer modern facilities and will provide a unique Canadian experience for fans and players alike.

What to Expect from the 2026 World Cup

The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, will necessitate the use of multiple venues across a vast geographical area. This unique arrangement promises an exciting and diverse tournament experience. Fans from across North America and beyond will have the opportunity to witness the world's best footballers compete in iconic stadiums and vibrant cities. The tournament's widespread reach is expected to further boost the popularity of football in North America.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many games will each city host?

A: The exact number of games each city will host has not yet been officially announced by FIFA. However, we expect the larger stadiums in the US to host more games, particularly the knockout stages.

Q: Will all the games be played in NFL stadiums?

A: No, while many games will be in NFL stadiums, some will be played in MLS and CFL stadiums, demonstrating the widespread commitment of North America to hosting this event.

Q: How can I get tickets to the World Cup?

A: Ticket sales information will be released by FIFA closer to the tournament date. Keep an eye on their official website for updates.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. With its expanded format and spread across three nations, it's set to be the most geographically diverse World Cup yet. The selection of host cities and stadiums showcases the commitment of Canada, Mexico, and the United States to hosting a world-class event.