The FIFA World Cup is the biggest event in international football, bringing nations together to showcase their skills and passion for the game. In 2026, the world will witness the tournament's grandeur once again.
The largest sporting event in history will continue to grow. The final World Cup as we have known it till now was held in Qatar in 2022. The FIFA World Cup will increase from 32 to 48 teams in 2026, allowing more nations to participate in the most eagerly awaited event on Earth. Additionally, there will be three host nations.
The United States, Mexico, and Canada will all host World Cup games in 2026, giving North America the opportunity to host this thrilling competition after several editions that focused on Asia, Europe, South America, and Asia. Let's look at each of the stadiums for the 2017 FIFA World Cup right now.
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How Many Teams Will Play in the 2026 World Cup?
In the 2026 World Cup, a total of 48 teams will participate. This marks a significant expansion from the previous tournaments, which featured 32 teams. The decision to increase the number of participating teams was made by FIFA, the governing body of international football, in order to promote inclusivity and provide more opportunities for teams from various regions to compete on the global stage.
The increased number of teams will bring added excitement and diversity to the tournament, as more nations will have the chance to showcase their skills and represent their countries. The expanded format will require an adjustment to the tournament schedule and the qualifying process, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all participating teams.
With 48 teams in the mix, the 2026 World Cup promises to be a truly global celebration of football, capturing the attention and support of fans from around the world.
Please note that this information is accurate as of my knowledge in 2023, and any further updates or changes regarding the tournament format would require verifying with the latest official sources or FIFA announcements.
Where Will the 2026 World Cup Be Hosted?
For the first time in tournament history, a FIFA World Cup will be contested in three countries when the 2026 event takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first time since 2002 that the event has multiple hosts, with South Korea and Japan being the last countries to share the honors.
How Many Venues Will Each Country Have?
The United States will, unsurprisingly, have the most host cities. Finally, although not all of them being regularly utilized for soccer matches, it not only has the largest territory in the area but also some of the world's best stadiums.
A total of eleven US cities—New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Seattle, San Francisco/Bay Area, and Los Angeles—were chosen to host the majority of the games.
Mexico will host the event in three different cities: Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. On the other side, Toronto and Vancouver in Canada will host 2026 World Cup games.
What stadiums will the 2026 World Cup be played in?
With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, we take a closer look at the stadiums that will serve as the captivating stages for this monumental sporting event.
- AT&T Stadium
- Estadio Azteca
- MetLife Stadium
- Arrowhead Stadium
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- NRG Stadium
- Levi's Stadium
- SoFi Stadium
- Gillette Stadium
- Lincoln Financial Field
- Lumen Field
- Hard Rock Stadium
- Estadio BBVA
- Estadio Akron
- BMO Field
Which Stadiums In USA For World Cup 2026?
It's critical to remember that several of these stadiums weren't initially under consideration but were nonetheless chosen. On the other side, the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, Nashville, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Washington, Orlando, and Denver were ultimately disregarded.
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1. Lumen Field
- Location: Seattle
- Address: 800 Occidental Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98134
- Capacity: 69,000 spectators
- Home team: Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Sounders (MLS), OL Reign (NWSL)
Lumen Field, home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, has shown to be a superb venue for Major League Soccer soccer matches. The partial roof, which helps keep noise within the building, has helped Sounders fans create electrifying atmospheres at some of the league's most popular games.
2. Levi’s Stadium
- Location: San Francisco Bay Area
- Address: 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054
- Capacity: 70,909 spectators
- Home team: San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
Levi's Stadium, which was constructed less than ten years ago, has benefited greatly from local technical advancements. This location has established a reputation for providing the best cellular and Wi-Fi support in only a few short years. It also made history as the first NFL stadium to have both new construction and operations and maintenance LEED Gold certifications. The stadium features an urban farm on the roof of its suite tower as well.
3. SoFi Stadium
- Location: Inglewood, California
- Address: 1001 Stadium Dr., Inglewood, CA 90301
- Capacity: 70,000 spectators
- Home team: Los Angeles Chargers (NFL), Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
The SoFi Stadium has only been around for a few years, yet it has already established itself as a popular venue for high-profile events. In addition to hosting the 2022 Super Bowl, this location was also picked by well-known performers to play in front of large crowds on the West Coast.
Although it doesn't have much soccer history (in August 2022, it hosted friendly matches between Liga MX and MLS clubs), the World Cup would be a good fit for this location because to its modern amenities, which are accentuated by the circular, double-sided television screen hanging from the roof.
4. AT&T Stadium
- Location: Arlington, Texas
- Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011
- Capacity: 92,967 spectators
- Home team: Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
The AT&T Stadium, a site that has recently opened, is now a standard for major athletic events. In addition to hosting the Super Bowl in 2011, which drew 103,000 spectators, it has also staged boxing matches that drew record-breaking numbers, particularly when Mexican legend Saul Canelo entered the ring.
This facility stands apart from all others in America due to its distinctive retractable roof, despite the fact that its windows allow excessive amounts of light to enter the field. Since the current turf does not adhere to FIFA regulations, the field will need to be modified. It will likely need to be widened and grass installed.
5. NRG Stadium
- Location: Houston
- Address: 1 NRG Parkway, Houston, TX 77054
- Capacity: 72,220 spectators
- Home team: Houston Texans (NFL)
The NRG Stadium, a multi-use venue notable for holding cattle and rodeo shows in addition to NFL games, has also played host to several soccer matches. The 2010 MLS All-Star Game, matches for the Gold Cup and Copa America Centenario, a friendly between Manchester United and Manchester City (the only derby they have ever played outside of England), and other major soccer events have all taken place in this city. This was the first NFL arena with a retractable roof, and it cost $352 million.
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6. Arrowhead Stadium
- Location: Kansas City
- Address: 1 Arrowhead Drive, Kansas City, MO 64129
- Capacity: 76,640 spectators
- Home team: Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
Even though Arrowhead Stadium is older than the aforementioned locations, it is not to be pitied. The Chiefs' successful NFL team's home, which was built in the 1970s, underwent pricey renovations to make it as contemporary as possible. Arrowhead provides fans a terrific view from any seat, in addition to the video screens, VIP lounges, and bar concessions that make it a pleasant visit for guests.
This place has seen its fair share of soccer games too, being home to the USMNT in many World Cup qualifiers and also to the Kansas City Wizards—today Sporting Kansas City—between 1996 and 2008, apart from hosting the 2004 US Open Cup final. A fun fact to keep in mind is that Arrowhead holds a World Guinness Record for being the loudest venue ever.
7. Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Location: Atlanta
- Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Capacity: 75,000 spectators
- Home team: Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta United (MLS)
The Atlanta United stadium, one of the most impressive in the US, was built in 2017. With a 360-degree halo board that is larger than any other stadium video display in the world, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium advances the usage of technology.
This arena, which is easily accessible from the city's center, has a retractable roof that has become a local landmark, a canopy over the field, and a Window to the City that offers a breathtaking view of the Atlanta cityscape. In addition, this area has one of the noisiest atmospheres in the Major League Soccer.
Like many other stadiums in the country, this venue has attracted a number of popular events in just a few years of existence. It has seen the most important football games, hosting Super Bowl LIII and the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship.
8. Hard Rock Stadium
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Address: 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
- Capacity: 67,518 spectators
- Home team: Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Hurricanes (NCAA)
While the arena had already hosted major events since its inauguration in the 80s, the renovated Hard Rock Stadium is now a top destination for major sporting events. College football national championships, Formula 1, and the Miami Open have all made Miami Gardens a favorite landing spot. This stadium has also become the go-to spot for high-profile soccer games in south Florida, with international friendlies and preseason clashes between European giants taking place there.
9. Lincoln Financial Field
- Location: Philadelphia
- Address: 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19145
- Capacity: 69,328 spectators
- Home team: Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
The Lincoln Financial Field mostly serves as a football stadium, hosting games for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles and the NCAA's Temple Owls, but it has also hosted soccer matches, including the 2015 Gold Cup final between Mexico and Jamaica and matches between the Philadelphia Union and European teams.
Additionally, it has hosted numerous performances by well-known performers throughout the years, including four Taylor Swift events, three Beyonce performances, and twice by Coldplay.
10. MetLife Stadium
- Location: New Jersey
- Address: 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
- Capacity: 87,157 spectators
- Home team: New York Giants (NFL), New York Jets (NFL)
East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA:
MetLife Stadium, located in the New York Metropolitan Area, is set to be one of the host venues for the 2026 World Cup. This state-of-the-art facility, home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, boasts a seating capacity of over 87,000 spectators. Its iconic design and modern amenities ensure an immersive experience for both players and fans alike.
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11. Gillette Stadium
- Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Address: 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035
- Capacity: 70,000 spectators
- Home team: New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS)
This arena isn't technically in Boston, but it's only 40 minutes away, much like what happened with the MetLife Stadium. One of the greatest sporting dynasties has called Gillette Stadium home, with Patriots supporters turning this venue into a fortress during New England's home games.
This stadium has hosted significant soccer matches, including World Cup qualifications, Gold Cup, and Copa America games, in addition to having witnessed much NFL history. One of the locations for the 1994 World Cup was the demolished Foxboro Stadium, which is now the parking lot of its replacement.
Mexico Stadiums
With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, we take a closer look at the stadiums that will serve as the captivating stages for this monumental sporting event in Mexico:
1. Estadio Azteca
- Location: Mexico City
- Address: Calz. De Tlalpan 3465, Sta. Ursula Coapa, Coyoacan, 04650 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
- Capacity: 87,253 spectators (had capacity for 114,000 before renovations)
- Home team: Mexican national team, Club America, Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
Estadio Azteca is an iconic venue with a rich history. Situated in Mexico City, it has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in World Cup history. With a seating capacity of over 87,000, this legendary stadium will undoubtedly provide a vibrant atmosphere, showcasing Mexico's enduring passion for the beautiful game.
Though the capacity of this stadium was reduced in order to comply with health and safety measures, the Aztec remains an intimidating building. The stadium is still big and compact enough to create an electric atmosphere, which is why it is expected to be one of the most important venues in 2026. The Aztec will also be the first stadium to host games in three different World Cups.
2. Estadio BBVA
- Location: Monterrey
- Address: Av. Pablo Livas 2011, Col. La Pastora, 67140 Guadalupe, NL, Mexico
- Capacity: 53,460 spectators
- Home team: Rayados Monterrey (Liga MX)
The Cerro de la Silla is a stunning backdrop for Estadio BBVA Bancomer, which promises to enthrall World Cup spectators. The Liga MX team Monterrey's stadium was completed in 2015, so time hasn't had a chance to wear it down yet. The Aztec may have eliminated this location from contention for the Mexican national team, but its exposure during the 2017 World Cup will likely boost its image.
3. Estadio Akron
- Location: Guadalajara
- Address: Av. Circuito JVC 2800, El Bajio, 45019 Zapopan, JAL, Mexico
- Capacity: 48,071 spectators
- Home team: Chivas Guadalajara (Liga MX)
What Stadiums Will The 2026 World Cup Be In Canada?
The 2026 World Cup in Canada will utilize a selection of stadiums across several cities to host matches. There are two stadiums in Canada that have been selected to welcome World Cup matches, and these stadiums are: BMO Field (Toronto) and BC Place Stadium (Vancouver).
1. BC Place
- Location: Vancouver
- Address: 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8
- Capacity: 54,600 spectators
- Home team: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS), BC Lions (CFL)
Fans of the World Cup will probably have a terrific time at BC Place. This arena is situated in Vancouver's downtown, just a few blocks from pubs and eateries where spectators congregate before and after games. The USWNT's victory over Japan in the 2015 Women's World Cup final has already written soccer history.
This stadium's two bowls are covered by a retractable roof that opens and closes in about 20 minutes, proving its beauty or at least amazing architecture. The BC Place has many critics in the world of soccer despite its unique design and enormous video screen that hangs from the roof, which make it a visually appealing arena. Because of this, Vancouver had not initially intended to serve as the host city, but the British Columbian city won out over Montreal, which withdrew after the provincial government of Quebec withdrew its support.
2. BMO Field
- Location: Toronto
- Address: 170 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3CS
- Capacity: 45,500 spectators after expansion. Current capacity is 27,890 seats.
- Home team: Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
Even though this stadium is not accessible to Toronto by foot, visitors do not necessary need to take a car because the train stops just a short distance away. Having hosted U-20 World Cups and important MLS games because of Toronto FC, BMO Field has adequate experience staging high-profile events.
The most recent improvements to the stadium included 8,400 extra seats, brand-new facilities, and a roof that covers the stands near the touchlines. Before the World Cup, BMO Field will undergo another renovation, bringing its total seating capacity from roughly 28,000 to over 45,000.
Final Thoughts: 2026 World Cup Stadiums
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a monumental event, showcasing the world's finest footballing talents across North America. The selected stadiums will serve as iconic venues, hosting momentous matches and creating memorable experiences for players and fans alike. From the modern marvels of MetLife Stadium and the Rose Bowl to the historic charm of Estadio Azteca and Soldier Field, each stadium brings its own unique character to the tournament.
As the clock ticks closer to 2026, football aficionados eagerly anticipate the thrill, passion, and unity that the World Cup will bring to these magnificent stadiums.
Please note that stadium assignments for the 2026 World Cup are subject to change as preparations progress, and FIFA makes final determinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stadiums will the 2026 World Cup be in Canada?
Toronto – BMO Field, Vancouver – BC Place.
Which cities in Canada are hosting the World Cup?
Finally, the Canadian venues are Vancouver and Toronto. Read more about the host nations and cities for the 2026 World Cup.
What stadium will Toronto use for World Cup?
Toronto hosts event at BMO Field to showcase 2026 FIFA World Cup branding | CBC Sports.
What stadiums will the 2026 World Cup be played in?
Some of the 2026 world cup stadiums are: MetLife Stadium. AT&T Stadium. Arrowhead Stadium. NRG Stadium. Mercedes-Benz Stadium. SoFi Stadium. Lincoln Financial Field. Lumen Field.
How many stadiums will be used in the 2026 World Cup?
With the World Cup in Qatar drawing to a close, we look ahead to the 16 stadiums that will host games at the 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.