FIFA World Cup 2026: Stadiums Across Three Nations

For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will be staged across three countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With 16 venues confirmed, the 2026 edition will be the biggest tournament ever organized, both in scale and reach. From legendary arenas like Mexico City’s Azteca to ultra-modern American stadiums, each host city is preparing to welcome the world.

Canada’s Contribution

Toronto Stadium (Toronto, Ontario)

Capacity: 45,000 | Opened: 2007
Toronto’s football-specific venue will host five group matches and one round of 32 game. Known for its steep stands and intimate feel, the stadium has long been a fortress for Canada’s national team. It previously hosted FIFA youth tournaments and the 2014 Women’s U-20 World Cup.

BC Place (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Capacity: 54,000 | Opened: 1983
A landmark on Vancouver’s waterfront, BC Place will stage five group matches, one round of 32 fixture, and a round of 16 clash. Famously, it hosted the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final, where the U.S. defeated Japan 5-2, highlighted by Carli Lloyd’s first-half hat-trick.

Mexico’s Legendary Arenas

Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)

Capacity: 83,000 | Opened: 1966
Football’s cathedral returns to the spotlight. The Azteca has hosted two FIFA World Cup Finals (1970, 1986) and will again be central in 2026. It will stage three group matches, a round of 32, and a round of 16 encounter. Regular tenants include Club América, Cruz Azul, and the Mexican national team.

Estadio Guadalajara (Zapopan, Jalisco)

Capacity: 48,000 | Opened: 2010
Home to C.D. Guadalajara, this modern spherical stadium has already seen continental success, including Chivas’ Concacaf Champions League victory in 2018. It will host four group matches in 2026, bringing elite football to western Mexico.

Estadio Monterrey (Guadalupe, Nuevo León)

Capacity: 53,500 | Opened: 2015
Monterrey’s state-of-the-art ground is notable for its LEED Silver certification, the first in the Americas. It has hosted Concacaf tournaments and concerts by global artists. For 2026, it will stage three group matches and a round of 32 game.

United States: The Global Stage

Atlanta Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)

Capacity: 75,000 | Opened: 2017
One of the most modern venues, Atlanta will host five group matches, a round of 32, a round of 16, and a semifinal. Known for its fan-focused pricing and 100-yard food concourse, it is home to both Atlanta United and the NFL’s Falcons.

Boston Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)

Capacity: 65,000 | Opened: 2002
Currently undergoing renovations, Boston’s venue will feature one of the world’s largest outdoor video screens. It will host five group games, a round of 32, and a quarterfinal.

Dallas Stadium (Arlington, Texas)

Capacity: 94,000 | Opened: 2009
The largest of the U.S. venues, Dallas will host five group games, two round of 32 ties, one round of 16, and a semifinal. Known for its massive interior screens, it is one of the world’s premier multi-event arenas.

Houston Stadium (Houston, Texas)

Capacity: 72,220 | Opened: 2002
With a retractable roof and passionate fan culture, Houston will stage five group matches, one round of 32, and one round of 16. It has previously hosted Copa América Centenario fixtures and MLS All-Star games.

Kansas City Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

Capacity: 73,000 | Opened: 1972
Renowned as the loudest outdoor stadium in the world, Kansas City will host four group matches, a round of 32, and a quarterfinal. It is home to both the NFL’s Chiefs and MLS’s Sporting KC.

Los Angeles Stadium (Inglewood, California)

Capacity: 70,000 | Opened: 2020
The newest World Cup venue, LA’s stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI and major concerts. It will stage five group matches, two round of 32 ties, and a quarterfinal, ensuring California remains a focal point of global football.

Miami Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)

Capacity: 65,000 | Opened: 1987
A multi-sport hub, Miami will host four group matches, a round of 32, a quarterfinal, and the third-place playoff. Known for versatility, it has previously staged NFL Super Bowls, F1 races, and international football.

New York / New Jersey Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)

Capacity: 82,500 | Opened: 2010
The tournament’s showpiece venue, it will host five group matches, a round of 32, a round of 16, and the final itself. Having staged Copa América Centenario’s final, it is primed for another iconic night.

Philadelphia Stadium (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Capacity: 69,000 | Opened: 2003
Philadelphia will host five group games and a round of 16 tie. The venue has history with U.S. national team matches and Concacaf Gold Cup finals.

San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Santa Clara, California)

Capacity: 71,000 | Opened: 2014
Home of the NFL’s 49ers, Santa Clara will stage five group games and one round of 32 fixture. It hosted the opening match of Copa América Centenario in 2016.

Seattle Stadium (Seattle, Washington)

Capacity: 69,000 | Opened: 2002
Known for its fortress-like atmosphere and Guinness World Record noise levels, Seattle will host four group games, a round of 32, and a round of 16. The stadium is also home to MLS’s Sounders, who won the 2022 Concacaf Champions League here.

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Stadium Overview by Nation

Country	Cities (Venues)	Matches Hosted	Largest Venue
Canada	Toronto, Vancouver	12	Vancouver (54k)
Mexico	Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey	11	Azteca (83k)
USA	11 host cities, 13 venues	40+	Dallas (94k)

Why Stadiums Matter in 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will not only set records for the number of host nations and participating teams, but also for the scale of infrastructure. Sixteen venues across North America will become focal points for global audiences. Stadium design, capacity, and atmosphere are not just logistical details—they shape the tournament’s identity.

For example, Dallas Stadium’s colossal video screens and 94,000-seat capacity will make it one of the most watched venues in the competition. By contrast, Toronto Stadium, with its compact 45,000 capacity and steep stands, offers an intimate, high-pressure environment for players. These contrasts are part of what will make the 2026 edition unique.

Comparing the Venues

The three host countries provide a blend of tradition and modernity. Mexico brings football heritage with the Azteca, which has hosted iconic finals in 1970 and 1986. Canada contributes football-specific venues that symbolize the sport’s growth in the country. Meanwhile, the United States supplies the largest share of stadiums, most of them multi-purpose arenas known for NFL, concerts, and other mega-events.

Largest and Most Iconic Venues of 2026

Stadium	City	Capacity	Notable Fact
Dallas Stadium	Arlington, USA	94,000	Will host a semifinal; features massive video board
Azteca Stadium	Mexico City, MEX	83,000	Only venue to host three World Cups
NY/NJ Stadium	East Rutherford	82,500	Hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
Atlanta Stadium	Atlanta, USA	75,000	Known for fan-friendly design, semifinal host
Vancouver BC Place	Vancouver, CAN	54,000	Hosted 2015 Women’s World Cup Final

This combination ensures that each stage of the tournament will be played in venues with character and history, enhancing the fan experience both in-stadium and on television.

Legacy Beyond the Tournament

The investment in stadiums and infrastructure is designed not only to stage the World Cup but also to leave lasting legacies in each host city. Canada’s inclusion signals the sport’s expansion northward, Mexico adds to its already rich football culture, and the U.S. leverages the tournament to cement itself as a football hub ahead of future global competitions, including the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The reuse of stadiums for local clubs, international friendlies, and other sports ensures that the impact of 2026 will extend well beyond a single summer. For instance:

• Seattle will continue to benefit from record-breaking Sounders support.
  
• Monterrey will expand its reputation as one of Mexico’s football capitals.
  
• Miami, already a global event city, strengthens its position as a multi-sport entertainment hub.