World Cup 2026: What cities will host USA, Mexico & Canada finals?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the first tournament hosted by three nations – the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This unprecedented collaboration will deliver the largest World Cup ever organized, featuring 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 host cities. With less than 500 days until kickoff, excitement is building for what promises to be an extraordinary celebration of football across North America.

Tournament Overview

The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11, 2026, with the opening match at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and conclude with the final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This expanded format represents a significant increase from the traditional 32-team structure, allowing more nations to participate on football’s biggest stage.

The tournament’s 16 host cities have been strategically divided into three geographical regions:

• Western Region: Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Guadalajara

• Central Region: Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Monterrey, and Mexico City

• Eastern Region: Toronto, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Miami

Host Nations and Cities

United States (11 Cities)

The United States will serve as the primary host, with 11 cities staging matches throughout the tournament:

1. New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) – The crown jewel of the tournament, MetLife Stadium will host the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026. With a capacity of over 82,500, this venue regularly hosts NFL games for the New York Giants and New York Jets. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, it’s one of the largest stadiums in the NFL and will be the site of eight matches during the tournament, including the championship game.

2. Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) – This state-of-the-art venue will host the United States’ opening match on June 12, 2026. SoFi Stadium is also scheduled to host the Opening Ceremony of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

3. Dallas (AT&T Stadium) – Located in Arlington, Texas, this venue will host nine matches, the most of any stadium in the tournament.

4. Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

5. Boston/Foxborough (Gillette Stadium)

6. Houston (NRG Stadium)

7. Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)

8. Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)

9. Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)

10. San Francisco/Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium)

11. Seattle (Lumen Field)

Mexico (3 Cities)

Mexico will make history as the first country to host the World Cup three times (after 1970 and 1986). The three Mexican host cities are:

1. Mexico City (Estadio Azteca) – This iconic venue has the honor of hosting the tournament’s opening match on June 11, 2026. Estadio Azteca will become the first stadium in history to host three different World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026). With a capacity of approximately 87,523, it has witnessed some of football’s most significant moments, including Pelé’s brilliance in 1970 and Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal in 1986. Mexico City will host five matches in total, including the opener, three group-stage games, and a quarterfinal.

2. Guadalajara (Estadio Akron) – This venue will host four group stage matches. Guadalajara previously hosted the 2011 Pan American Games.

3. Monterrey (Estadio BBVA) – Known as “The Steel Giant,” this modern stadium will host four matches, including three group stage games and a Round of 32 match. Its design allows fans to feel close to the action while enjoying views of the stunning Cerra de la Silla mountain.

Canada (2 Cities)

Canada will be hosting the men’s World Cup for the first time in its history:

1. Toronto – Canada’s first match will occur here on June 13, 2026. Toronto previously hosted the 2015 Pan American Games.

2. Vancouver (BC Place) – This venue will join Toronto in representing Canada on the global stage1.

Key Venues and Matches

MetLife Stadium (Final)

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the 2026 World Cup Final on July 19. This venue has an impressive resume, having previously hosted Super Bowl XLVIII, numerous soccer friendlies, outdoor ice hockey, college football, and concerts by artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones1.

The stadium features:

• Capacity of approximately 82,500 for football and soccer events

• 2.1 million square feet of space

• Over 200 suites across four levels

• Four 30 feet by 116 feet HD video displays

• A design that allows fans to see the full arc of a 90-foot punt without obstruction

Estadio Azteca (Opening Match)

The tournament will kick off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. This legendary stadium:

• Has a capacity of approximately 87,523

• Will be the first stadium to host three different World Cups

• Is situated at 7,200 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level, creating a unique challenge for visiting teams

• Has been the site of iconic football moments, including the “Game of the Century” between Italy and West Germany in 1970, and Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” against England in 19868

• Serves as the home ground for Club América and regularly hosts Mexico’s national team matches

Tournament Format and Schedule

The 2026 World Cup will follow this schedule:

• Opening Match: June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City

• USA’s First Match: June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles

• Canada’s First Match: June 13, 2026, in Toronto

• Final: July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

With 48 teams competing (an expansion from the previous 32-team format), the tournament will feature a total of 104 matches spread across the 16 host cities29. This expanded format will allow more nations to participate and create more exciting matchups throughout the competition.

Historical Significance

The 2026 World Cup represents several historical milestones:

• First World Cup hosted by three countries

• First men’s World Cup in Canada

• Mexico becoming the first nation to host the tournament three times

• Estadio Azteca becoming the first stadium to host matches in three different World Cups

The tournament returns to North America after 32 years, with the United States last hosting in 1994 and Mexico in 19869. This continental celebration of football will showcase the diverse cultures, landscapes, and stadiums across the three host nations.

Stadium Innovations and Preparations

Many venues are undergoing renovations and improvements in preparation for the tournament:

• Estadio Azteca is undergoing a two-year modernization process that began after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

• AT&T Stadium in Arlington will temporarily change its name for the tournament, a decision that has sparked some controversy among local residents

• MetLife Stadium, despite lacking a roof (which means it cannot host indoor events like the Final Four), features advanced technology including LED pylons at entrances and color-changing interior lighting that can switch between blue for the Giants and green for the Jets

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a groundbreaking tournament that unites three nations in celebrating the world’s most popular sport. From the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to the modern MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the diverse array of venues will showcase the best that North America has to offer.

As the first 48-team World Cup and the first tournament hosted by three countries, this edition will undoubtedly create new memories and moments that will be remembered for generations to come. With matches spread across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, football fans from around the world will have the opportunity to experience different cultures, cuisines, and atmospheres while witnessing the beautiful game at its highest level.

The countdown to June 11, 2026, continues, and the anticipation builds for what will surely be the largest and most inclusive World Cup in history.