The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is well and truly on, with the globe's biggest sporting event set to unfold across an unprecedented 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 48 nations set to compete, the tournament promises a festival of football spanning three nations. While the final team lineup will be confirmed by March 2026, the stage is already set for a spectacular summer, kicking off on 11th June 2026.
A Tri-Nation Spectacle: The Host Venues
The tournament represents a historic first jointly hosted by three nations. The bulk of the action, 11 venues, will be in the United States, with Canada and Mexico contributing two and three stadiums respectively. From the iconic heights of Mexico City to the high-tech marvels of the American NFL cathedrals, each venue brings its own unique character to the world's game.
England and Scotland have secured their automatic qualification, with Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland still in contention via the play-offs. Once the final 48 are decided, the focus will shift to the fixture list and the incredible arenas awaiting the teams and fans.
Key Stadiums and Their Roles
The 16 selected venues will host a total of 104 matches. Some arenas are slated for a heavier schedule, while others have been chosen for the most prestigious fixtures.
Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with its distinctive retractable roof and a capacity of 67,382, is set for a crucial role, hosting eight matches including one of the semi-finals on 15th July 2026.
However, the honour of hosting the most games goes to Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Texas. With a capacity expanded to over 92,000 for the World Cup, it will stage nine fixtures, including the other semi-final on 14th July 2026.
The tournament will both begin and end at venues steeped in football history. The opening match on 11th June will be held at Mexico City's legendary Estadio Azteca, the only stadium ever to host two men's World Cup finals. The competition will then culminate at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), which will host the final on 19th July 2026.
Canadian and Mexican Venues
Canada's two host cities, Vancouver and Toronto, will provide a significant platform for the national team. BC Place in Vancouver, with its massive retractable roof, will host seven matches, including two of Canada's group games. Toronto's BMO Field will be expanded to hold over 45,000 fans for its six scheduled fixtures.
Mexico's trio of stadiums offer distinct experiences. Alongside the iconic Azteca, Estadio Guadalajara (Akron) stands out with its unique volcanic crater design. Estadio Monterrey (BBVA) offers a stunning backdrop against the Cerro de la Silla mountain and will host four matches.
American Football's Cathedrals Ready for Soccer
The majority of the US venues are homes to National Football League (NFL) teams, now being adapted for world-class soccer. Boston's Gillette Stadium is undergoing a £170 million refurbishment ahead of its seven matches, which include a quarter-final.
Other notable venues include Los Angeles's SoFi Stadium, an indoor-outdoor marvel that will host eight matches, and Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, famed for holding the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar at an outdoor sports venue.
Miami's Hard Rock Stadium has been selected for the third-place play-off, while historic venues like Houston's NRG Stadium and Seattle's Lumen Field (which will host a US team group game) complete a coast-to-coast football journey.
With preparations advancing rapidly, these 16 stadiums across North America are being fine-tuned to welcome the world for a truly unique and expansive FIFA World Cup in 2026.
