From New York to Mexico City: the 16 stadiums of the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a tournament full of firsts. For the first time, 48 nations will compete for the trophy, expanding the schedule to a total of 104 matches. It is also the first time that three countries (Canada, Mexico and the United States) will co-host the event.

From the historic heights of Mexico City to the high-tech arenas of the US: here’s everything you need to know about the stadiums for the 2026 World Cup.

The regional clusters

Spanning an area of almost 8,000 kilometres across four time zones, the 2026 World Cup faces a huge logistical challenge.

To ensure the tournament remains fair and to reduce its carbon footprint, FIFA has divided the 16 host cities into three geographical divisions: West, Central and East.

Region	Countries	Host cities
West	CAN, USA, MEX	Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, LA, Guadalajara
Central	USA, MEX	Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Monterrey, Mexico City
East	CAN, USA	Toronto, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Miami

During the group stage, teams will remain within their regional clusters, thereby avoiding long flights. This is also an advantage for fans. You can choose a region and watch all the matches there without spending a fortune on travel costs.

Technical challenges

Perhaps the biggest hurdle for 2026 lies in the playing surface: grass. FIFA stipulates high-quality natural grass, but seven of the eleven American venues and Vancouver currently use artificial turf for NFL and CFL matches.

The solution? A technical feat costing $4 million per stadium. Venues such as SoFi Stadium and Gillette Stadium are removing the artificial turf and gravel to install hybrid pitches. This consists of 95% natural grass reinforced with 5% synthetic fibres.

To keep the grass alive in covered or shaded environments, groundskeepers are using the Permavoid system: an underground air layer that utilises vacuum ventilation and grow lights to ensure the health of the pitch in any climate.

In addition, some stadiums are undergoing structural alterations because NFL pitches are narrower than FIFA standards. In stadiums such as MetLife and SoFi, seats are being removed from the bottom corners to widen the playing area.

Mexican stadiums

In 2026, Mexico will make history as the first country to host three FIFA World Cups. Three stadiums will be used for this tournament:

Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)

The Azteca, which welcomed Pelé in 1970 and Maradona in 1986, is undergoing a €110 million refurbishment to modernise it. The tournament’s opening match will take place here on 11 June 2026: Mexico v South Africa.

Guadalupe (Estadio BBVA)

The Estadio BBVA, also known as “El Gigante de Acero” (The Steel Giant), is famous for its wave-shaped roof that mirrors the Sierra Madre mountains. It is one of the most advanced venues in Latin America. Four matches will be played there during the 2026 World Cup, including group matches and a match in the round of 16.

Zapopan (Estadio Akron)

This modern football temple opened in 2010. It is the home ground of Liga MX side C.D. Guadalajara, popularly known as “Chivas”. What immediately catches the eye is the grassy hill surrounding the stadium. Estadio Akron will be the picturesque venue for four group matches.

Canadian stadiums

Canada has invested heavily in its infrastructure to meet international standards.

Toronto (BMO Field)

BMO Field holds a special place in the history of Canadian football. It was on this pitch that the country ended a 36-year absence from the World Cup by defeating Jamaica and thus qualifying for Qatar 2022. It is the smallest venue of the tournament, with a capacity of ‘just’ 45,000 seats.

Vancouver (BC Place)

BC Place, situated on the banks of False Creek with the Coast Mountains in the background, is one of the most breathtaking venues in the world of football. It served as the main stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics and is home to MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. For the 2026 World Cup, matches from the group stage, the round of 16 and the quarter-finals will be played here.

US stadiums

The most impressive stadiums of the 2026 World Cup are undoubtedly to be found in the United States.

New York / New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)

The venue for the World Cup final on 19 July 2026. This gigantic open-air stadium, home to both the New York Giants and the New York Jets of the NFL, can accommodate over 87,000 fans and will also host matches in the group stage and the round of 16.

Dallas (AT&T Stadium)

AT&T Stadium in Arlington is known to NFL fans as “The Death Star”. This venue will host the most matches (9) of any World Cup stadium. With a capacity of 94,000 spectators, a retractable roof and a massive LED screen, it is one of the most spectacular sports stadiums in the world.

Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)

The newest stadium. And with a price tag of €4.3 billion, it is also the most expensive sports complex on the planet. It is home to both the Los Angeles Rams and the LA Chargers (NFL) and will also be the centrepiece of the 2028 Olympic Games. Another highlight: the 360° Infinity Screen offers a unique viewing experience.

Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

A masterpiece of modern architecture. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium features a unique retractable roof consisting of eight overlapping panels that open and close like a camera’s aperture. It is home to both the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and the MLS club Atlanta United FC. Eight matches will be played at the stadium, including a semi-final.

Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)

Arrowhead Stadium is recognised by Guinness World Records as the loudest open-air sports stadium in the world. The stadium, home to the Kansas City Chiefs, MLS club Sporting KC and the NWSL team KC Current, will host matches in the group stage, the round of 16 and a quarter-final.

Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)

One of the most versatile sports venues in the United States. This is where the NFL’s Miami Dolphins play. The complex also hosts the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open tennis tournament. During the 2026 World Cup, group matches, a quarter-final and the third-place play-off will be played here.

Houston (NRG Stadium)

The stadium, home to the Houston Texans (NFL), features a retractable roof, which will be invaluable given Houston’s humid summer climate. Group stage matches, one round of 16 match and one quarter-final will be played here.

Foxborough (Gillette Stadium)

Gillette Stadium, located in Foxborough south of Boston, is currently undergoing renovation in preparation for the tournament. Matches were previously played there during the 2003 Women’s World Cup. Seven World Cup matches will be played at this stadium, culminating in a quarter-final.

Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)

‘The Linc’, as it is known to the people of Philadelphia, is home to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. The stadium will host group stage matches and the round of 16.

Santa Clara (Levi’s Stadium)

Levi’s Stadium is located in the famous Silicon Valley. Its proximity to the iconic San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge makes it a unique venue. Group stage and round of 16 matches will be played here.

Seattle (Lumen Field)

Lumen Field is the home stadium of the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and the Seattle Sounders (MLS) – one of the most successful clubs in American football. In preparation for the 2026 World Cup, it underwent a number of upgrades, including a new pitch and an expansion of the video screens.