North America will welcome another World Cup event with the men’s tournament arriving in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. When the USA last hosted the men’s World Cup in 1994, it was the highest-attended and highest-grossing event in the competition’s history. The 2026 event is set to easily surpass it.
It is expected that 16 venues across the three nations will be chosen to host games, with the possibility of that number rising to 18 upon FIFA’s announcement on June 16. The projections are a total of 10-12 venues will be chosen from the United States, two or three from Mexico, and two or three from Canada.
It has been confirmed that the United States will host 60 matches, including every match from the quarterfinals on through the final. Mexico will host 10 matches, and Canada will host 10 matches.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team structure, comprised of 16 groups of three nations. The top two teams in each group will advance to a 32-team single-elimination knockout stage bracket. The new format will increase the total games in the World Cup from 64 matches to 80 matches, but will leave the total games played by the two finalists at seven.
There has been plenty of jockeying throughout the host city bid process. Washington D.C. was initially part of the bidding, but after making the penultimate cut, merged its bid with Baltimore due to issues with FedEx Field. Meanwhile, in Canada, Montreal dropped out of the bidding process while Vancouver joined the field in their place.
At long last, final decisions will be made by FIFA for the cities and venues hosting matches at the jointly-hosted 2026 World Cup. The Sporting News brings you a closer look at each candidate city and stadium. All venues listed with turf fields will need to convert to a natural grass surface per FIFA regulations, either permanently or temporarily.
MORE: How will the 2026 FIFA World Cup work? A full breakdown of how expanded tournament will be formatted
World Cup 2026 host cities in USA
The final Word Cup venues in the USA will come from the following list:
Los Angeles (Rose Bowl and/or SoFi Stadium)
The Los Angeles bid is the only one to feature two stadiums. While the initial United Bid packet only included the Rose Bowl, it now officially includes the brand new SoFi Stadium as well. It’s not clear yet whether both stadiums will host matches or one will be culled if Los Angeles is indeed selected as a World Cup venue.
- Rose Bowl Location: Pasadena, Calif.
- Opened: 1922
- Capacity: 88,565 (record attendance 106,869)
- Regular tenant: UCLA Bruins
- Field Surface: Grass
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 1994 FIFA World Cup final (Brazil beats Italy 3-2 on penalties)
One of the world’s most famous stadiums, the Rose Bowl has been here before. The site of the largest soccer attendance for any U.S. national team match on home soil in history, the Rose Bowl saw over 94,000 pack in for the U.S. to face Romania in the 1994 World Cup. While the stadium is an old one, and can be essentially reduced to a concrete bowl, the Rose Bowl is a no-brainer given its location and its history.
- SoFi Stadium Location: Inglewood, Calif.
- Opened: 2020
- Capacity: 70,240
- Regular tenant: Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers
- Field Surface: Matrix Turf
- Field Size (yards): Undetermined
- Notable matches: None
SoFi Stadium is one of the modern stadium marvels. A stunning multi-billion dollar structure, the sparkling new venue meant to house the pair of NFL franchises in Los Angeles is fit for a king. It is the perfect foil to the historic but boring concrete mecca that is the Rose Bowl. LA’s official bid coordinator said they want to pitch the World Cup final to be hosted in SoFi Stadium, but match assignments will come at a later date, likely in 2023.
New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
- Location: East Rutherford, N.J.
- Opened: 2010
- Capacity: 82,500
- Regular tenant: New York Giants, New York Jets
- Field Surface: FieldTurf (can deploy temporary grass field)
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 2011 Int’l Friendly (Argentina 4, Brazil 3), 2016 Copa America Centenario final (Chile beat Argentina 4-2 on PKs after 0-0 darw)
Built in 2010, MetLife Stadium is hardly a stunning sight to behold, nor does it provide a high-quality fan experience, looking more like a metal cage. But FIFA couldn’t turn New York down, and while MetLife isn’t exactly in the heart of the city, it’s close enough. It also provides a high number of luxury boxes, which will please the FIFA brass.
While the Giants play on a turf field on a weekly basis, the stadium has previously deployed a temporary grass field for soccer matches, including for a USA friendly against Brazil back in 2010.
Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
- Location: Arlington, Tex.
- Opened: 2009
- Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to 105,000)
- Regular tenant: Dallas Cowboys
- Field Surface: Hellas Matrix Turf
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 2017 Gold Cup semifinal (USA 2, Costa Rica 0)
One of the most impressive and visually stunning stadiums in the United States, not to mention one of the largest, this venue’s inclusion was a must-have for FIFA. The retractable roof helps stave off the Texas heat, and the U.S. has history in the stadium as well. This venue could have an outside shot at the World Cup final, and will be a no-brainer as a selection.
Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
- Location: Atlanta, Ga.
- Opened: 2017
- Capacity: 71,000
- Regular tenant: Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United
- Field Surface: FieldTurf Core
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 75
- Notable matches: 2018 MLS Cup final (Atlanta United 2, Portland Timbers 0)
Of all the brand new stadiums in the United States over the last 20 years, this one might be the best of the bunch. An utterly gorgeous engineering marvel, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a fabulous place to watch a soccer match, and could host some of the most important matches in the event. It has multiple configurations built in, including retractable lower bowl seats to widen the field for soccer matches. Atlanta United held the MLS attendance record for years until Charlotte FC’s home opener broke it in 2022.
Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
- Location: Philadelphia, Penn.
- Opened: 2003
- Capacity: 69,796
- Regular tenant: Philadelphia Eagles, Temple Owls
- Field Surface: Bermuda Grass
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 2015 Gold Cup final (Mexico 3, Jamaica 1)
While the Linc isn’t considered one of the premiere soccer destinations in the United States, nor is it one of the must-see venues in the nation, it still has a consistent presence in the national sports landscape and has delivered with soccer in the past, hosting exhibition matches involving the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan, among others, plus Gold Cup matches. Philadelphia was left out in 1994, and now could have a chance to see the World Cup.
Seattle (Lumen Field)
- Location: Seattle, Wash.
- Opened: 2002
- Capacity: 68,740
- Regular tenant: Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders, OL Reign
- Field Surface: FieldTurf
- Field Size (yards): 116 x 75
- Notable matches: 2019 MLS Cup final (Seattle Sounders 3, Toronto FC 1)
The Pacific Northwest region is known across the nation for its cult soccer presence, and it’s only fitting that Seattle is thought likely to be featured among the World Cup venues. Surprisingly, there isn’t a ton of soccer history at Lumen Field outside of MLS, but that shouldn’t matter as the city will no doubt show up for World Cup matches at a gorgeous venue.
Boston (Gillette Stadium)
- Location: Foxborough, Mass.
- Opened: 2002
- Capacity: 65,878
- Regular tenant: New England Patriots, New England Revolution
- Field Surface: FieldTurf
- Field Size (yards): 116 x 75
- Notable matches: 2011 International Friendly (Spain 4, USA 0)
Gillette Stadium is one of the more storied venues in the United States, and it has been used for countless numbers of events across a host of different sports. While Gillette Stadium has hosted an MLS Cup final in the past, it has also seen the likes of Chelsea, AC Milan, Brazil, and others come through. It’s not the prettiest of venues, but it gets intense when the game is good. Unfortunately, word is this bid could be in trouble, with city officials clashing about financial assistance and other factors working against Boston’s candidacy.
Houston (NRG Stadium)
- Location: Houston, Tex.
- Opened: 2002
- Capacity: 72,200
- Regular tenant: Houston Texans
- Field Surface: Hellas Matrix Turf
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 2016 Copa America Semifinals (Argentina 4, USA 0)
Texas joins California and Florida as the only states with multiple bids, as Houston will see the World Cup come to town. While not the newest stadium among the candidates, NRG Stadium is a popular site for both club and international soccer in recent years, with both the U.S. and Mexican men’s sides playing games there. This is a battle-tested venue with a big market, and should be a lock for seeing its name called.
San Francisco (Levi’s Stadium)
- Location: Santa Clara, Calif.
- Opened: 2014
- Capacity: 68,500
- Regular tenant: San Francisco 49ers
- Field Surface: Bermuda Grass
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 2016 Copa America opening game (USA 0, Colombia 2)
The San Francisco bid combines a great Northern California market with a beautiful, state-of-the-art stadium. It has hosted major Copa America and Gold Cup matches, making this almost a surefire selection for FIFA. It is also an eco-friendly stadium, which FIFA would love to sport as a feather in its cap.
Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
- Location: Miami Gardens, Fla.
- Opened: 1987
- Capacity: 64,767 (record attendance 80,120)
- Regular tenant: Miami Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes
- Field Surface: Bermuda Grass
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches 2014 International Friendly (Brazil 1, Colombia 0)
While Orlando is probably a better pure Florida soccer market and touts a better stadium, FIFA just can’t resist the allure of Miami. Hard Rock Stadium isn’t the glitziest of stadiums in this World Cup offering, but the market sure is. Miami has hosted a number of soccer matches in the past between high-profile teams, most of them either club or international friendlies. A $500 million renovation in 2016 helps put this bid over the top.
Baltimore & Washington DC (M&T Bank Stadium)
- Location: Baltimore, Md.
- Opened: 1998
- Capacity: 70,745
- Regular tenant: Baltimore Ravens
- Field Surface: Bermuda Grass
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 2013 Gold Cup quarterfinals (USA 5, El Salvador 1)
Originally Washington, D.C. and Baltimore had submitted competing bids, but in April, the two cities merged their bid. FedEx Field is known as one of the worst high-profile stadiums in the entire nation, and it was irreparably damaging the Washington D.C. bid.
Instead, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore will host matches while Washington D.C. will put on a fan fest, giving FIFA the best of what both nearby markets have to offer. Having a presence in the nation’s capital is surely enticing to FIFA, but with other east coast venues also considered locks, it’s unclear whether FIFA will ultimately turn this way.
Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)
- Location: Kansas City, Mo.
- Opened: 1972
- Capacity: 76,416
- Regular tenant: Kansas City Chiefs
This bid appears to be one teetering on the edge. Kansas City has hosted multiple U.S. National Team matches over the past few years, but it is not known as a destination for international visitors. That could change with a successful World Cup bid. Furthermore, the geography of the other bids leaves KC stuck in the middle of an east coast-west coast split. Kansas City has a tough road ahead, but is gaining steam according to various reports leading up to the announcement.
Orlando (Camping World Stadium)
- Location: Orlando, Fla
- Opened: 1936
- Capacity: 60,219
- Regular tenant: None (multiple CFB bowl games)
While Orlando, a 1994 World Cup host city, has proven its worth as a soccer market over the years, especially in the smaller Exploria Stadium, the city may lose out to the glitz and glamour that Miami has to offer just down the road. It’s a testament to the fans and city bid that it even made it this far in the bidding process, but there may not be enough to tempt FIFA who cares about more than just a great in-game atmosphere.
Denver (Mile High Stadium)
- Location: Denver, Colo.
- Opened: 2001
- Capacity: 76,125
- Regular tenants: Denver Broncos
While Mile High Stadium is a gorgeous venue and Denver offers a great mix of big market with excellent scenery, there’s one thing holding this bid back: the altitude. It’s unlikely FIFA wants to open the can of worms that the altitude presents from a sporting perspective with teams flying around the country in short periods of time. Denver also suffers from the same in-between geographical issue as Kansas City.
Nashville (Nissan Stadium)
- Location: Nashville, Tenn.
- Opened: 1999
- Capacity: 69,143
- Regular tenant: Tennessee Titans, Tennessee State
Ultimately, while Nashville is a solid contender, it falls just short in a few categories that other bids excel in. It’s not a top U.S. media market, the stadium isn’t considered a gem, and it has a budding soccer history that’s only starting to be written with the arrival of Nashville SC. When you look across the other bids, it’s difficult to find a place for Nashville when forced to take someone else off the list.
Cincinnati (Paul Brown Stadium)
- Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Opened: 2000
- Capacity: 65,515
- Regular tenant: Cincinnati Bengals
While Ohio is a regular recipient of U.S. national team games, there just wasn’t enough allure for FIFA to select an Ohio stadium as one of the showcase cities. Cleveland was eliminated in a previous round by the United bid, and while Cincinnati made the cut then, it just doesn’t have enough to put forth for FIFA to want in, likely leaving it on the outside looking in.
World Cup 2026 host cities in Mexico
Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
- Location: Mexico City, Mexico
- Opened: 1966
- Capacity: 87,523
- Regular tenant: Club America
- Field Surface: Kikuyu Grass
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 1986 World Cup final (Argentina 3, West Germany 2), 1970 World Cup final (Brazil 4, Italy 1)
One of the most famous soccer venues in North America and even the world, Estadio Azteca has hosted countless major soccer events in the past. A veteran of the World Cup thanks to Mexico’s hosting of the event in 1986, Estadio Azteca has seen the likes of Diego Maradona, Pele, and countless other famous players compete on its pitch. The Azteca is one of just two venues in the entire world to have hosted multiple World Cup finals, along with the Maracana. It has an altitude factor like Denver, but the 2026 World Cup almost has to pass through the Azteca.
Monterrey (Estadio BBVA)
- Location: Guadalupe, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
- Opened: 2015
- Capacity: 51,000
- Regular tenant: CF Monterrey
- Field Surface: Grass
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 2015 Club Friendly (Monterrey 3, Benfica 2)
Nicknamed “The Steel Giant” for its massive silver roof, this is the newest of the three Mexican venues, and one of the newest of the entire World Cup bid. It is known for its ecological sustainability, using rainwater in the surrounding areas to irrigate the grass pitch. The stadium is also known for the fans’ proximity to the playing surface, with the distance marking the lowest allowable by FIFA regulations.
Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)
- Location: Zapopan, Guadalajara, Jalisco
- Opened: 2010
- Capacity: 48,071
- Regular tenant: CD Guadalajara
- Field Surface: Grass
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 2010 Club Friendly (Guadalajara 3, Manchester United 2)
Another Mexican stadium on the newer side, Estadio Akron is no stranger to controversy, with issues regarding both its construction and playing surface causing turmoil in the past. Now, however, the stadium is considered one of the best in the country, hosting one of the most successful teams in Liga MX. Still, it is new to the international football scene, with just a 2010 friendly between Mexico and Ecuador marking its only international match ever hosted.
World Cup 2026 host cities in Canada
Toronto (BMO Field)
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
- Opened: 2007
- Capacity: 30,000
- Regular tenant: Toronto FC
- Field Surface: Hybrid grass (natural grass reinforced with synthetic fibers)
- Field Size (yards): 115 x 74
- Notable matches: 2017 MLS Cup Final (Toronto FC 2, Seattle Sounders 0)
FIFA mandates that all World Cup venues seat at least 40,000 fans, which means that BMO Field would need expanding to fit the requirements. Plans for expansion have been submitted as part of the official bid if FIFA indeed decides to spread its wings across Canada with a selection of one of the nation’s largest Eastern cities.
Vancouver (BC Place)
- Location: Vancouver, British Colombia
- Opened: 1983
- Capacity: 54,500
- Regular tenant: Vancouver Whitecaps
- Field Surface: Polytan (turf)
- Field Size (yards): 117 x 75
- Notable matches: USA vs. Japan (2015 Women’s World Cup final)
A late addition to the field after Montreal dropped out, BC Place is a common soccer venue for the Canadian national team, and thus was a natural selection for FIFA. The 54,500 capacity has the ability to seat the required amount. Vancouver hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in 2015.
Edmonton (Commonwealth Stadium)
- Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Opened: 1978
- Capacity: 56,302
- Regular tenant: Edmonton Elks
While Edmonton is a common destination for the Canadian National Team, it falls significantly behind the other two Canadian bids and will likely be overlooked. FIFA will surely look to spread the two Canadian venues across the east and west coast, and Edmonton is stuck behind Vancouver for that west coast slot. The Canadian media have indicated as much of late. Edmonton’s exclusion would like;y mean 11 U.S. venues instead of 10.
