where is the 2026 world cup stadiums

Deyi Xiabing

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14-03-2025

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Where Will the 2026 FIFA World Cup Be Played? A Stadium-by-Stadium Guide

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, a joint venture between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be the largest and most geographically dispersed World Cup in history. For the first time, 48 teams will compete, necessitating a wider range of venues than ever before. This expanded tournament necessitates a vast network of stadiums, spread across three nations, each with its own unique character and history. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the confirmed stadiums hosting matches in the 2026 World Cup, exploring their locations, capacities, and significance.

United States:

The United States, as the primary host nation, boasts the lion's share of stadiums. Eleven venues have been chosen, representing a diverse range of cities and architectural styles. These stadiums are not only prepared to host top-tier football matches but also offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of American sporting culture.

• MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey): Home to the NFL's New York Giants and Jets, MetLife Stadium is a colossal venue, capable of holding over 82,000 spectators. Its familiar layout and experience of hosting major events make it a solid choice for World Cup matches. Its proximity to New York City also ensures excellent accessibility for fans from across the region and internationally.

• AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas): This retractable-roof marvel, home to the Dallas Cowboys, is renowned for its impressive architecture and capacity exceeding 80,000. Texas' vibrant football culture and the stadium's state-of-the-art facilities ensure a thrilling atmosphere for World Cup matches.

• SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California): The newest stadium on the list, SoFi Stadium is a futuristic architectural masterpiece. Home to the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, it boasts a capacity exceeding 70,000 and offers a cutting-edge fan experience. Its location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, a global hub, guarantees a diverse and energetic audience.

• Allegiant Stadium (Paradise, Nevada): Home to the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium is a relatively new addition to the football landscape. Its modern design and capacity of over 65,000, combined with Las Vegas' vibrant entertainment scene, create a unique and exciting atmosphere.

• NGR Stadium (Houston, Texas): Home to the Houston Texans, NRG Stadium is known for its imposing size and capacity of over 72,000. Houston's strong sporting heritage and the stadium's experience in hosting major events make it a suitable venue for World Cup games.

• Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California): Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Levi's Stadium is home to the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. This modern facility, with a capacity exceeding 68,000, combines cutting-edge technology with a comfortable viewing experience for spectators.

• Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington): Home to the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and MLS' Seattle Sounders FC, Lumen Field has a long history of hosting major sporting events. Its capacity of over 69,000 and the passionate fan base in Seattle promise an electrifying atmosphere during the World Cup.

• GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri): The home of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium is known for its boisterous atmosphere and passionate fan base. Its capacity exceeding 76,000 makes it a fitting venue for the World Cup.

• Soldier Field (Chicago, Illinois): A historic stadium with a rich footballing legacy, Soldier Field has undergone renovations to bring it up to modern standards. With a capacity exceeding 62,000, it offers a blend of tradition and modern amenities for World Cup attendees.

• Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tennessee): Home to the NFL's Tennessee Titans, Nissan Stadium offers a vibrant atmosphere and a capacity of over 69,000. Its location in Nashville, a city known for its music and energy, will add a unique character to the World Cup experience.

• BC Place (Vancouver, British Columbia): While technically in Canada, BC Place is included here for geographical proximity to the US and to highlight the multi-national nature of the tournament. This retractable-roof stadium in Vancouver holds over 54,000 fans.

Canada:

Canada will contribute three stadiums to the 2026 World Cup roster, each showcasing the nation's burgeoning football scene.

• BC Place (Vancouver, British Columbia): Already mentioned above, BC Place is a crucial venue for Canada's contribution to the tournament. Its location in Vancouver, a major city with a passionate sports following, adds to its appeal.

• Commonwealth Stadium (Edmonton, Alberta): Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Commonwealth Stadium offers a capacity of over 56,000. Its location in the heart of Canada's western provinces promises a unique World Cup experience.

• BMO Field (Toronto, Ontario): BMO Field, situated in Toronto, is the home of Toronto FC, a significant MLS team. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 30,000, showing that while some venues in the tournament will have high capacities, others are more intimate, offering a diverse range of experiences.

Mexico:

Mexico, a nation with a deep-rooted footballing passion, will host six matches in three iconic stadiums.

• Estadio Azteca (Mexico City): The legendary Estadio Azteca, a historical landmark in Mexican football, has hosted two previous World Cup finals. Its iconic status and capacity exceeding 87,000 make it a must-have venue for the 2026 tournament.

• Estadio Jalisco (Guadalajara): This stadium, located in Guadalajara, has a capacity of approximately 55,000. It’s a vital part of Mexican football history and will add to the diverse array of atmospheres at the tournament.

• Estadio BBVA (Monterrey): Home to CF Monterrey, Estadio BBVA is a modern facility with a capacity of over 53,000. Its sleek design and location in the vibrant city of Monterrey are significant draws.

The selection of these stadiums reflects a commitment to showcasing the diverse sporting cultures and infrastructures across the three host nations. The venues themselves represent a mix of established giants and newer architectural marvels, promising a visually stunning and memorable World Cup experience for fans worldwide. The geographical spread ensures widespread accessibility, bringing the excitement of the World Cup to a wider audience than ever before. Beyond the capacity and location, the atmosphere within each stadium, shaped by the local culture and passion for the game, promises to make the 2026 World Cup truly unforgettable.