FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities and Stadiums Guide

History is about to be made as the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest World Cup ever. Starting on the 11th of June, it will span 3 countries, namely the USA, Mexico, and Canada. For the first time ever, there will be 48 teams competing across 16 cities and stadiums. With three nations hosting this soccer spectacle, it is set to be unlike anything we’ve seen before. 

From Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, every host city brings its own flavour, local culture, and unmatched matchday energy to the table. 

In this guide, we’re breaking down the 2026 World Cup host cities. We’re giving you a look inside the stadiums while sharing some interesting facts every fan should know before the tournament kicks off. 

Mexico City, Mexico – Estadio Azteca 

Having hosted two World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, the history of Estadio Azteca is unmatched. What’s more? It’s officially hosting this year’s opening ceremony and first match on June 11th.  

Mexico City is known for its street food, rich history, and obsession with soccer. So, between the legendary stadium and unbeatable local energy, there’s no better place to kick off the biggest World Cup in history. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 87,500 

• Opened: 1966 

• Home Teams: Club América and the Mexico National Team 

• Hosting: Opening match and multiple group and knockout games 

Guadalajara, Mexico – Estadio Akron 

Famous for its mariachi music and tequila, Guadalajara is often seen as the cultural centre of Mexico. But, it also happens to live and breathe soccer, having one of the most passionate fanbases in the country.  

Estadio Akron represents this obsession with soccer, with steep stands making you feel like you are on top of the action. For fans visiting from all over the world, this environment will be worth the trip alone. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 48,000 

• Opened: 2010 

• Home Team: Chivas Guadalajara 

• Hosting: 4 group stage matches 

Monterrey, Mexico – Estadio BBVA 

Monterrey blends modern city vibes with breathtaking natural scenery. Combine this with an ever-growing football culture, and you have the home of Estadio BBVA.  

Nicknamed “El Gigante de Acero” (The Steel Giant), this architectural masterpiece is one of the most beautiful places to watch a soccer game in the entire hemisphere. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 53,500 

• Opened: 2015 

• Home Team: CF Monterrey 

• Hosting: 4 matches  

Toronto, Canada – BMO Field 

Toronto, Canada’s biggest city, lives and breathes sports. It has a passionate soccer fanbase which is evident by BMO Field which just got an upgrade for the World Cup. This will be the first time Toronto will host FIFA World Cup matches, so get ready for energy unlike any other. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 45,736 

• Opened: 2007 

• Home Team: Toronto FC 

• Hosting: 6 matches including Round of 32 

Vancouver, Canada – BC Place 

Vancouver, with its mix of mountain views and waterfront skylines, is one of the most stunning places in Canada, making it a destination worth visiting. This, along with the fact that it hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in 2015, makes BC Place the stadium to be.  

So, between the world-class views outside and the electric atmosphere inside, it’s a venue built for the biggest soccer World Cup to date. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 54,500 

• Opened: 1983 

• Home Teams: Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions 

• Hosting: 5 group matches, Round of 32, and Round of 16 

New York/New Jersey, USA – MetLife Stadium 

Few places in the world match the energy of New York/New Jersey, making it a dream destination for visiting soccer fans. While MetLife Stadium usually hosts NFL matches and international concerts, it is set to host the final match of the soccer World Cup on the 19th of July. This massive stadium is the place to be during the crowning of the World Cup champions and will likely be sold out. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 82,500 

• Opened: 2010 

• Home Teams: New York Giants and New York Jets 

• Hosting: 8 matches including the final 

Los Angeles, USA – SoFi Stadium 

“Lights, camera, action” are the usual words uttered in Hollywood. But, for the FIFA World Cup, the SoFi Stadium will be the centre of attention, hosting the opening match for the USA leg on June 12th.  

This world-class, futuristic stadium will have millions of eyes on it, not only for its architectural glory but also for the energy it will contain within. So, it will become the ultimate high-tech stage for a historic night of American soccer. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 70,240 

• Opened: 2020 

• Home Teams: LA Rams and LA Chargers 

• Hosting: 8 matches, including USA’s opening match 

Dallas, USA – AT&T Stadium 

Dallas is the city that goes big on everything, including the size of the AT&T Stadium. Its classic Southern hospitality and its deep-rooted love of sports makes it the perfect hosting spot for the semi-finals of the soccer World Cup. So, as the stadium fills up, the ultimate high-energy stage for a match where everything is on the line will be created. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 92,967 

• Opened: 2009 

• Home Team: Dallas Cowboys 

• Hosting: 9 matches, including a semi-final 

Miami, USA – Hard Rock Stadium 

Miami is the ultimate mix of tropical weather, beaches, and nightlife. But what really sets it apart is the Latin American soccer influence, as seen by the huge Hard Rock Stadium.  

This multi-purpose venue has hosted the Formula 1 Grand Prix and is now hosting the bronze final of the World Cup. What’s more, is that the city’s electric energy is bound to make this third-place playoff feel like the peak of a summer festival. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 65,000 

• Opened: 1987 

• Home Team: Miami Dolphins 

• Hosting: 7 matches, including the bronze final 

Seattle, USA – Lumen Field 

Seattle might be famous for its coffee culture and tech giants, but it’s also home to some of the most passionate soccer fans in the USA. This is evident by Lumen Field, a stadium specifically designed to amplify sound. Because what’s better than 69,000 screaming fans? Well, 69,000 screaming fans amplified. Get ready for a spine-tingling atmosphere that truly shows off what Seattle is made of. 

Quick Stadium Stats: 

• Capacity: 68,740 

• Opened: 2002 

• Home Team: Seattle Sounders 

• Hosting: 6 matches, including group and knockout rounds 

Other FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities 

• Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium 

• Boston – Gillette Stadium 

• Houston – NRG Stadium 

• Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium 

• Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field 

• San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium 

Your Ultimate World Cup Journey Awaits 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be one unlike any other. Spanning over three nations, this cross-continental journey offers fans a mix of world-class soccer, incredible stadiums, and unforgettable cities. The lineup is legendary, and the countdown is officially on. The host cities are buzzing with anticipation for millions of fans to arrive from every corner of the world. 

Get ready to bet on the World Cup with bet.co.za.