The joy of every football fan, the fulfilment of every player’s career – FIFA WORLD CUP – is set to take centre stage again in 2026.
This 23rd edition of the world’s biggest sporting event will take place in 16 stadiums across three countries – the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Since its inception in 1930, there have never been up to 48 teams participating in the final show as we will have it in 2026.
That’s not all, apart from Japan/Korea 2002 World Cup, up to 16 stadiums have not hosted the tournament in recent times. So, there’s a lot to look out for in this quadrennial global soccer show
2026 FIFA World Cup format
Instead of the usual 32 teams that compete in the World Cup finals, FIFA has expanded the list to 48. This means that the winner will have more games to play and more countries will have the opportunity to feature.
The 48 teams will be grouped into 12 with four teams in each. In all, 104 matches will be played with an additional knockout stage introduced to the existing format.
World Cup 2026 will be in June. However, while the exact dates for each fixture haven’t been confirmed, the final is expected to take place on July 19, 2026.
Kate Richardson, an expert who has been following the 2026 World Cup stories and developments opined that betting activities are expected to surge during this period with fans staking high on their teams and players.
Sportsbooks like Funbet with exciting offers will experience more sign-ups than ever, says the sports guru.
She, however, advised players and fans to take a review of Funbet or any other sportsbook seriously before making any financial commitments.
Host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada
As mentioned earlier, the USA, Canada, and Mexico are the three North American countries that will host the next World Cup.
According to Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, “The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a game-changer for football in North America.”
Below are the cities in these countries where the approved stadiums are located.
| Country | Cities |
|---|---|
| USA | Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle |
| Mexico | Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey |
| Canada | Toronto, Vancouver |
Most of the games will be played in the USA because out of the 16 cities to host the tournament, 11 are from the country.
Stadiums for the 2026 World Cup
World Cup stadiums are usually state-of-the-art, with reasonable capacities and amenities to accommodate fans. Below are some of the FIFA-approved stadiums in the three host countries.
In the USA
1. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Here is the home of Atlanta United FC of MLS and Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. The Georgia-based multi-purpose stadium has a projected capacity of 75,000, making it a suitable option for big matches.
2. Gillette Stadium, Boston
The last FIFA tournament the Foxborough stadium hosted was the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to host at least 65,000 fans. It is the home of the New England Patriots of the NFL and MLS’s New England Revolution.
3. AT&T Stadium, Dallas
Here is the biggest NFL stadium with a 94,000 capacity. Also known as The Death Star, this is the stadium used by the Dallas Cowboys for their home games, and the last major tournament it hosted was the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
4. NRG Stadium, Houston
Sitting at the heart of Texas, this stadium has been the favourite venue for USA’s men’s team. It has a capacity of 72,000 and it’s the home stadium for Houston Texans that play in the NFL.
5. Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
The Guinness World Records recognize this Missouri stadium as the venue for the loudest outdoor sports globally.
Nicknamed Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City Chiefs make deafening noise at this place, which is also the home front for KC Current and Sporting KC.
6. SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Completed in 2020, this stadium is the home venue for Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams. It’s one of the recently completed USA stadiums to host the 2026 World Cup.
Interestingly, it will host the opening and closing matches of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and it’s where the host matches will be played.
7. MetLife Stadium, NY
If it’s about attractions, world-class shops, and mouthwatering restaurants, give it to the Big Apple.
Just across the Manhattan River, this stadium, notable for hosting college footballs, ice hockey, including Super Bowls, will host the 2026 World Cup Final. It has a capacity of 82,500.
8. Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
With a hosting capacity of 65,000, this multipurpose stadium is no stranger to national and international games.
From Super Bowl to Formula 1, fans troop here to witness their teams play and ride. The last renovation took place in 2016, gulping over $350 million.
9. Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Summer 2025 👀 https://t.co/SJGHDVk9aO
— LincolnFinancialFld (@LFFStadium) September 28, 2024
Welcome to the land of Liberty Bell, a formal USA capital, Philadelphia. The stadium was opened in 2003 with an exciting game between Manchester United and Barcelona. It has a capacity of 69,327.
10. Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area
World Cup matches are not the only major events this stadium will host in 2026; It’s also going to play host to Super Bowls and a massive celebration of the city’s 250th birthday.
This 71,000-capacity Santa Clara stadium is one of the most famous for celebrations and outdoor activities in San Francisco.
11. Lumen Field, Seattle
Seattle is known for nature attractions and the Lumen Field stadium has a capacity of 69,000. It is the home stadium of the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Seahawks.
In Canada
12. BMO Field, Toronto
This is where Canada will play its home games, and it’s a 45,000-capacity stadium recently renovated to deliver an electric football experience to fans and players. Apart from being the national team’s favourite, it’s the home stadium for Toronto FC.
13. BC Place, Vancouver
The second stadium to host the World Cup in Canada is BC Place. This was where most of the 2010 Olympic activities in Vancouver took place.
It is also the home stadium for Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) and can accommodate 54,000 people.
In Mexico
14. Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Located in the capital city of Mexico, this stadium is not new to World Cups. It hosted it in 1970 and 1986 and has been expanded to an 83,000-capacity venue. It’s the home stadium for the Mexican national team, Club America, and Cruz Azul.
15. Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
Nicknamed “The Steel Giant,’ Estadio BBVA is a 53,460-capacity stadium surrounded by mountains. The stadium’s design brings the action very close to the fans.
16. Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
This stadium sits in Zapopan, Guadalajara, and has a capacity of 48,000. It hosted the Copa Libertadores and Pan American Games final in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Below is a table showing the 16 stadiums hosting the World Cup, their capacities, and the World Cup games they will host.
| Stadium | Capacity | Matches | Notable Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife, NY | 87,157 | 7, 17, 41, 56, 67, 77, 91, 104 | Final |
| AT&T | 92,967 | 11, 22, 43, 57, 70, 78, 88, 101 | Semi-final |
| Mercedes-Benz | 75,000 | 14, 25, 38, 50, 72, 80, 95, 102 | Semi-final |
| SoFi (U.S home) | 70,240 | 4, 15, 26, 39, 59, 73, 84, 98 | Quarter-final |
| Lumen Field | 69,000 | 16, 32, 52, 63, 82, 94 | – |
| Gillette | 70,000 | 5, 18, 30, 45, 61, 74, 97 | Quarter-Final |
| NRG | 72,220 | 10, 23, 35, 47, 65, 76, 90 | – |
| Arrowhead | 76,640 | 19, 34, 58, 69, 87, 100 | Quarter-Final |
| Hard Rock | 67,518 | 13, 37, 49, 71, 86, 99, 103 | Quarter-Final |
| Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia | 69,328 | 9, 29, 42, 55, 68, 89 | – |
| Levi’s | 70,909 | 8, 20, 31, 44, 60, 81 | – |
| Estadio Akron | 48,071 | 2, 28, 48, 66 | – |
| Estadio Azteca | 87,523 | 1, 24, 53, 79, 92 | Opening Match |
| Estadio BBVA | 53,460 | 12, 36, 54, 75 | – |
| BMO Field in Toronto | 45,736 | 3, 21, 33, 46, 62, 83 | – |
| BC Place | 54,500 | 6, 27, 40, 51, 64, 85, 96 | – |
Conclusion
The qualifiers for this biggest sporting event are already underway, and 45 other nations are expected to join the US, Mexico, and Canada who are automatically qualified as the hosting countries.
Every stadium is putting the finishing touches to ensure a memorable event and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) continues to monitor the progress.
The big question remains, “Which country will win the 2026 World Cup?” Time will tell.