The host cities and stadiums that will be used for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada have been revealed – and they look incredible.
FIFA will host its quadrennial extravaganza in North America for the first time since the memorable 1994 tournament, 32 years previously. On that occasion, it was played exclusively in the United States.
Amongst other achievements, the 1994 World Cup was the most financially successful of any World Cup in history. Furthermore, over 3.5 million people attended games in person.
Those numbers are more incredible because only 52 games were played, compared to the 64 played in the 2018 edition, which broke the former record.
Most fans will now look forward to playing a World Cup in the summer months once again. The upcoming competition in Qatar will take place this winter.
On Thursday, FIFA announced which stadiums and host cities had won the rights to hold World Cup matches. A total of 11 US cities will host games, as well as two venues in Mexico and three in Canada.
Let’s take a closer look at some of them below:
SoFi Stadium
City: Los Angeles
Capacity: 70,240 (expandable to 100,240)
The SoFi Stadium is one of the most incredible stadiums in the United States. It is part of a sports complex in Inglewood, California.
The stadium hosted this year’s Super Bowl, and is due to host WrestleMania 39 in 2023. In addition, it will also be in use as the Olympic Stadium at the 2028 Summer Olympics. It was opened in September 2020, and is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching venues in the world.
Hard Rock Stadium
City: Miami
Capacity: 64,767 (originally 75,000)
F1 fans will know all about the Hard Rock Stadium. That is because the recent Miami Grand Prix, held in Miami Gardens, saw the cars race around one of the most picturesque stadiums in the country.
The stadium is relatively unusual because it was built in a rectangular configuration. This was at the request of Miami Dolphins founder Joe Robbie.
Opened in 1987, the Hard Rock Stadium hosts the Dolphins and the Miami Open tennis tournament. It also hosted WrestleMania 28, when John Cena took on The Rock.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
City: Atlanta
Capacity: 42,500 (expandable to 71,000)
There’s only one thing that stands out when looking at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, isn’t there?
Its roof contains what is described as a ‘pinwheel’ of eight triangular panels, allowing the retractable roof to be opened or closed. In addition, there is a huge video board around the rim of the stadium, and its interior isn’t too bad, either.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts MLS giants Atlanta United, and NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. It also played host to the Super Bowl in 2019.
MetLife Stadium
City: New York/New Jersey
Capacity: 82,500
You really couldn’t have a World Cup – or any major sporting event – in the USA without having New York involved.
One of the biggest stadiums to host a game in 2026, the MetLife Stadium is a spectacular sporting arena. The outside of the arena is also covered with stonework, which can change colours.
However, the stadium, which opened in 2010, may never have been built at all. That is because NFL giants New York Jets wanted to have the proposed West Side Stadium built in Manhattan. The arena would have formed part of New York’s bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, which, of course, was eventually won by London.
The MetLife Stadium has also hosted several international friendly matches involving the United States. In addition, it has played host to games involving Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Estadio Azteca
City: Mexico City
Capacity: 87,523
One of the most historic venues in world football, the Estadio Azteca has hosted two World Cup finals. Pele and Diego Maradona have won World Cups in the stadium.
However, in recent years, the ground has undergone some significant changes. The seating has been changed, and electronic boards have also been installed. Also a host of the 1968 Summer Olympics, the stadium will provide an incredible backdrop for what will hopefully be some more classic World Cup moments.
What are the other 2026 World Cup stadiums?
As well as the stadiums we have looked at, here are the other host cities and stadiums for the 2026 World Cup are as follows:
- Boston – Gillette Stadium (20,000 capacity for football – expandable)
- Dallas – AT&T Stadium (80,000 capacity – expandable to 105,000)
- Guadalajara – Estadio Akron (48,071 capacity)
- Houston – NRG Stadium (72,220 capacity)
- Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium (76,416 capacity)
- Monterrey – Estadio BBVA (51,000 capacity)
- Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field (69,879 capacity)
- San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium (68,500 capacity)
- Seattle – Lumen Field (37,722 capacity for football – expandable to 68,740)
- Toronto – BMO Field (30,000 capacity – expandable to 40,000)
- Vancouver – BC Place (54,405 capacity)
Featured Image Credit: Getty