The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first to be hosted by three nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 16 host cities spread across North America, this is also the most geographically expansive World Cup ever. Here's your guide to every venue.
United States (11 Venues)
The USA hosts the majority of matches, including both semi-finals and the final. All 11 American venues are modern, high-capacity stadiums primarily used for NFL football.
MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, New Jersey
Capacity: 82,500 | Key Match: World Cup Final (July 19)
The jewel of the tournament. Located just outside New York City, MetLife Stadium will host the biggest match in football. It's also home to the NFL's New York Giants and Jets. Expect an electric atmosphere in the heart of the world's media capital.
AT&T Stadium — Dallas, Texas
Capacity: 80,000 | Key Match: Semi-Final
Known for its iconic retractable roof and massive video screen, AT&T Stadium is one of the most advanced sporting venues in the world. The Dallas heat in summer will be a non-factor thanks to full climate control.
SoFi Stadium — Los Angeles, California
Capacity: 70,240 | Key Match: Semi-Final
LA's gleaming SoFi Stadium, which hosted Super Bowl LVI, brings Hollywood glamour to the World Cup. The indoor-outdoor design offers protection from the California sun while maintaining an open-air feel.
Hard Rock Stadium — Miami, Florida
Capacity: 65,326 | Key Match: Quarter-Final
Miami's tropical climate and vibrant Latin American community make this an ideal World Cup host. Expect passionate crowds from Central and South American nations. The heat and humidity will test European teams.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
Capacity: 71,000 | Key Match: Group Stage & Knockout
Atlanta's state-of-the-art retractable-roof stadium is home to MLS's most passionate fanbase (Atlanta United). The city's growing football culture will make this one of the most atmospheric venues in the tournament.
NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas
Capacity: 72,220 | Key Match: Group Stage
Another retractable-roof venue in Texas, shielding players and fans from Houston's notorious summer heat. Houston's diverse population ensures strong support for teams from across the globe.
Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Capacity: 69,176 | Key Match: Group Stage
Philadelphia brings East Coast intensity to the World Cup. The open-air venue offers a classic football atmosphere, and the city's central location makes it accessible from Washington D.C. and New York.
Levi's Stadium — San Francisco Bay Area, California
Capacity: 68,500 | Key Match: Group Stage & Knockout
Located in Santa Clara, Levi's Stadium benefits from the Bay Area's mild summer climate. The tech hub setting brings a modern, global feel to the World Cup experience.
Lumen Field — Seattle, Washington
Capacity: 69,000 | Key Match: Group Stage
Seattle is one of America's strongest football cities, with passionate MLS support (Sounders FC). The Pacific Northwest climate — mild and rarely above 25°C in June — makes this one of the most comfortable venues for players.
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — Kansas City, Missouri
Capacity: 76,416 | Key Match: Group Stage
Arrowhead is famous for being one of the loudest stadiums in the world. Kansas City's central US location means manageable travel for teams, and the Midwest hospitality will welcome fans from around the world.
Gillette Stadium — Foxborough, Massachusetts
Capacity: 65,878 | Key Match: Group Stage
Located near Boston, Gillette Stadium brings New England charm to the tournament. The city's strong sports culture and university atmosphere create an engaged, knowledgeable fanbase.
Mexico (3 Venues)
Mexico's three venues bring World Cup history and Latin passion. Mexico has hosted the World Cup twice before (1970, 1986) and will become the first country to host matches in three different World Cups.
Estadio Azteca — Mexico City
Capacity: 87,523 | Key Match: Opening Match (June 11)
The legendary Azteca is the only stadium in the world to host two World Cup finals (1970, 1986). It will host the opening match of the 2026 tournament. At 2,240 metres above sea level, the altitude is a factor that benefits acclimatised teams. This is football's most iconic venue.
Estadio Akron — Guadalajara
Capacity: 49,850 | Key Match: Group Stage
Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest city and a passionate football market. The Akron is home to Chivas, one of Mexico's most popular clubs, and its unique volcanic-rock-inspired exterior makes it visually distinctive.
Estadio BBVA — Monterrey
Capacity: 53,500 | Key Match: Group Stage
Monterrey's modern BBVA stadium, framed by the Sierra Madre mountains, is one of Mexico's finest venues. The northern Mexican city brings industrial energy and football passion in equal measure.
Canada (2 Venues)
Canada hosts World Cup matches for the first time, marking a milestone for football development in the country.
BMO Field — Toronto
Capacity: 45,736 (expanded) | Key Match: Group Stage
Toronto's BMO Field has been significantly expanded for the World Cup. As Canada's largest city and one of the most multicultural places on earth, Toronto will deliver diverse, enthusiastic crowds for every match.
BC Place — Vancouver
Capacity: 54,500 | Key Match: Group Stage
Vancouver's retractable-roof BC Place offers protection from the Pacific Northwest weather. The city's stunning mountain backdrop and global outlook make it a fitting World Cup host. Vancouver's Asian diaspora community means strong support for teams from across the continent.
Betting Tip: How Venues Affect Matches
When placing your World Cup bets, consider these venue factors:
- Altitude: Mexico City's Azteca at 2,240m disadvantages teams not used to playing at height — European and Asian teams may struggle in the opening days
- Heat: Venues like Miami, Houston, and Dallas can reach 35°C+ in June and July — teams from cooler climates may fade in the second half
- Indoor stadiums: AT&T, SoFi, Mercedes-Benz, and NRG eliminate weather as a variable — conditions are neutral and consistent
- Travel distances: A team flying from Vancouver to Miami covers over 4,300km — check the match schedule for teams with back-to-back long trips
- Home support: US, Mexican, and Canadian cities with large diaspora communities will create de-facto home games for certain visiting nations
The 2026 World Cup venues are a mix of modern mega-stadiums and historic grounds, spanning two continents and three climate zones. It's going to be spectacular.