The upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest tournament yet, showcasing an impressive 16 venues across three host nations. Each stadium tells its own story, encapsulating the unique culture, history, and aspirations of its city. The names listed below align with FIFA’s official designations, avoiding commercial titles that conflict with FIFA’s venue branding regulations.
Vancouver
Tournament name: BC Place Vancouver
Common name: BC Place
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Opened: 1983 (renovated in 2011)
Tournament capacity: 54,000
World Cup 2026 matches:
- Australia vs. Turkey, 13 June
- Canada vs. Qatar, 18 June
- New Zealand vs. Egypt, 21 June
- Switzerland vs. Canada, 24 June
- New Zealand vs. Belgium, 26 June
- Round of 32, 2 July (1B vs. 3EFGIJ)
- Round of 16, 7 July (W85 vs. W87)
What to know: BC Place boasts an iconic architectural design, highlighted by its cable-supported retractable roof, the largest of its kind in the world. This feature was added during a major renovation following the 2010 Winter Olympics, replacing an older fixed roof. When open, the cables cast a unique shadow on the pitch, which some find charming while others view it as a distraction. However, it is expected that the roof will remain closed during the tournament to prevent uneven sunlight from affecting the imported natural grass.
The venue regularly hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS) and the BC Lions (CFL).
Memorable non-soccer event: BC Place made history by hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics, marking the first time an Olympic opening ceremony was held indoors. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky famously lit the Olympic cauldron during the event.
Memorable soccer match: The stadium was the site of the 2015 Women’s World Cup final, where Carli Lloyd’s stunning hat-trick led the U.S. to a 5-2 victory over Japan, capturing their first title in 16 years. An impressive attendance of 53,341 was recorded, tying the record for the most goals scored in any World Cup final.
Tournament name: Seattle Stadium
Common name: Lumen Field
Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
Tournament capacity: 69,000
- Belgium vs. Egypt, 15 June
- USA vs. Australia, 19 June
- Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar, 24 June
- Egypt vs. Iran, 26 June
- Round of 32, 1 July (1G vs. 3AEHIJ)
- Round of 16, 6 July (W81 vs. W82)
What to know: Located on the former site of the Kingdome, Seattle Stadium is unique for its placement in the heart of a U.S. city. Its innovative design includes a roof that covers most of the seating areas and a special bleacher section known as the Hawk’s Nest, offering uninterrupted views of the city skyline. The stadium also features public art, including the piece titled Earth Dialogue by Native American artist Bob Houzous, which emphasizes humanity’s bond with the earth.
Regular tenants include the Seattle Sounders (MLS), Seattle Reign (NWSL), and Seattle Seahawks (NFL).
Memorable non-soccer event: Since 2011, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network has captured crowd-induced tremors, particularly during the 2011 ‘Beast Quake’ run by Marshawn Lynch, which registered as a 2.0 magnitude quake, along with two Taylor Swift concerts in 2023.
Memorable soccer match: In May 2022, Seattle made history as the first MLS team to win the Concacaf Champions League, defeating Pumas in front of 68,741 fans, which also triggered seismic activity after the Sounders scored three goals.
Bay Area
Tournament name: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Common name: Levi’s Stadium
Location: Santa Clara, California, United States
Tournament capacity: 71,000
- Qatar vs. Switzerland, 13 June
- Austria vs. Jordan, 17 June
- Turkey vs. Paraguay, 19 June
- Jordan vs. Algeria, 22 June
- Paraguay vs. Australia, 25 June
- Round of 32, 1 July (1D vs. 3BEFIJ)
What to know: This venue replaced the legendary Candlestick Park, known for its storied past. Although Levi’s Stadium is a modern facility recognized for its sustainable design and excellent sightlines, it has received criticism for its upper deck, which can expose fans to intense sunlight during afternoon games, leading to heat-related incidents.
Regular tenants include the San Francisco 49ers (NFL).
Memorable non-soccer event: The stadium has hosted the Super Bowl on two occasions, first in 2016 and again in 2022. The latter featured Bad Bunny as the halftime performer and attracted a crowd of 70,823, witnessing the Seahawks defeat the Patriots.
Memorable soccer match: The venue marked the beginning of the Copa América Centenario in 2016, with Colombia defeating the USMNT 2-0, thanks to goals by Cristián Zapata and James Rodríguez.
Los Angeles
Tournament name: Los Angeles Stadium
Common name: SoFi Stadium
Location: Inglewood, California, United States
Tournament capacity: 70,000
- USA vs. Paraguay, 12 June
- Iran vs. New Zealand, 15 June
- Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 18 June
- Belgium vs. Iran, 21 June
- Turkey vs. USA, 25 June
- Round of 32, 28 June (2A vs. 2B)
- Round of 32, 2 July (1H vs. 2J)
- Quarter-final, 10 July (W93 vs. W94)
What to know: With an investment nearing $5 billion, SoFi Stadium has rapidly emerged as a premier venue for significant events on the West Coast. Its most distinctive feature is a semi-transparent canopy that spans approximately one million square feet, enveloping the stadium while allowing natural light to filter through. Despite the warm California climate, the stadium uses artificial turf to withstand wear from two NFL teams.
Regular tenants include the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers (NFL).
Memorable non-soccer event: This stadium is set to host the opening ceremony and swimming competitions at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with the swimming venue designed to accommodate 38,000 spectators, making it the largest for any Olympic swimming event.
Memorable soccer match: The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup final attracted a record crowd of 72,963, marking the highest attendance for a soccer match at the stadium since its opening. Santiago Giménez’s goal helped Mexico secure their ninth Gold Cup title.
Guadalajara
Tournament name: Estadio Guadalajara
Common name: Estadio Akron
Location: Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Tournament capacity: 48,000
- South Korea vs. Czechia, 11 June
- Mexico vs. South Korea, 18 June
- Colombia vs. Democratic Republic of Congo, 23 June
- Uruguay vs. Spain, 26 June
What to know: While the interior of Estadio Guadalajara may appear unremarkable, its exterior design is perhaps the most visually striking of all World Cup venues. Modeled after an erupting volcano, much of the stadium is seamlessly integrated into a grass-covered hill, with fans accessing it through underhangs beneath the slope.
Regular tenants include CD Guadalajara (Liga MX).
Memorable non-soccer event: The stadium set an attendance record during a boxing match in 2023, where Canelo Álvarez faced John Ryder in front of 51,000 enthusiastic fans.
Memorable soccer match: One of the first friendly matches after the stadium’s opening in 2010 featured Manchester United against Chivas, where Javier “Chicharito” Hernández scored the initial goal before switching teams for the second half.
Mexico City
Tournament name: Mexico City Stadium
Common name: Estadio Banorte (commonly referred to as Estadio Azteca)
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Tournament capacity: 83,000
- Mexico vs. South Africa, 11 June
- Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, 17 June
- Czechia vs. Mexico, 24 June
- Round of 32, 30 June (1A vs. 3CEFHI)
- Round of 16, 5 July (W79 vs. W80)
What to know: This legendary stadium, originally built for the 1968 Olympics, is not only distinguished by its size but also by its extensive history. After undergoing several renovations, it now seats 87,500, securing its position as the eighth-largest soccer venue in the world. Notably, it is the first stadium to host two World Cup finals, in 1970 and 1986. The atmosphere during Mexico’s matches is known for its intensity, fueled by a passionate fanbase and the stadium’s elevated location at 7,200 feet.
Regular tenants include Club América, Cruz Azul, and Atlante (Liga MX).
Memorable non-soccer event: Numerous legendary artists have graced this stadium, including Michael Jackson, who attracted over half a million fans across five nights in 1993, and U2, who drew nearly 283,000 attendees in 2011.
Memorable soccer match: The stadium has been the backdrop for countless unforgettable moments, including Brazil’s 4-1 win over Italy in the 1970 final and Diego Maradona’s iconic performances during the 1986 tournament, featuring the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal.
Monterrey
Tournament name: Estadio Monterrey
Common name: Estadio BBVA
Location: Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico
Tournament capacity: 53,500
- Sweden vs. Tunisia, 14 June
- Tunisia vs. Japan, 21 June
- South Africa vs. South Korea, 24 June
- Round of 32, 29 June (1F vs. 2C)
What to know: This stadium offers breathtaking views of the stunning Cerro de la Silla mountain, creating a picturesque backdrop for fans. Its design prioritizes sustainability, featuring a cantilever roof that enhances airflow and blocks sunlight to maintain a comfortable interior.
Regular tenants include CF Monterrey (Liga MX).
Memorable non-soccer event: The venue has hosted numerous concerts, including Bad Bunny, who performed to sold-out crowds during his 2022 tour.
Memorable soccer match: Inter Miami faced disappointment here on April 10, 2024, when they fell 3-1 to Monterrey in a Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-final.
Houston
Tournament name: Houston Stadium
Common name: NRG Stadium (formerly Reliant Stadium)
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Tournament capacity: 72,000
- Germany vs. Curaçao, 14 June
- Portugal vs. Democratic Republic of Congo, 17 June
- Netherlands vs. Sweden, 20 June
- Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, 23 June
- Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, 26 June
- Round of 32, 29 June (1C vs. 2F)
- Round of 16, 4 July (W73 vs. W75)
What to know: Opened at the turn of the 21st century, this stadium was the first NFL venue to feature a retractable roof. Designed by Populous, it creates a bright and airy atmosphere, with the roof opening mechanism taking approximately seven minutes. For the World Cup, the roof is expected to remain closed.
Regular tenants include the Houston Texans (NFL).
Memorable non-soccer event: The annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo occurs at NRG Stadium, drawing over 2.6 million visitors during its three-week run, showcasing top rodeo talent.
Memorable soccer match: The 2010 MLS All-Star Game saw Manchester United defeat the MLS All-Stars 5-2, marking a significant moment as United became the first international club to win against the MLS All-Stars in regulation.
Dallas
Tournament name: Dallas Stadium
Common name: AT&T Stadium
Location: Arlington, Texas, United States
Tournament capacity: 94,000
- Netherlands vs. Japan, 14 June
- England vs. Croatia, 17 June
- Argentina vs. Austria, 22 June
- Japan vs. Sweden, 25 June
- Jordan vs. Argentina, 27 June
- Round of 32, 30 June (2E vs. 2I)
- Round of 32, 3 July (2D vs. 2G)
- Round of 16, 6 July (W83 vs. W84)
- Semi-final, 14 July (W97 vs. W98)
What to know: Nicknamed Jerry World, this retractable-roof stadium holds the largest capacity of any World Cup venue. Its dome is among the tallest globally, supported by two massive arches. While the roof is expected to remain closed during the tournament, its design pays homage to Texas Stadium’s previous architectural plans.
Regular tenants include the Dallas Cowboys (NFL).
Memorable non-soccer event: In 2021, Canelo Álvarez’s fight against Billy Joe Saunders attracted 73,126 attendees, setting a record for the largest indoor boxing event in U.S. history.
Memorable soccer match: The first sporting event held at Jerry World was a 2009 Concacaf Gold Cup match between Costa Rica and Guadeloupe, which drew a crowd of 82,252.
Kansas City
Tournament name: Kansas City Stadium
Common name: Arrowhead Stadium (or GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium)
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Opened: 1972 (renovated in 2010)
Tournament capacity: 73,000
- Argentina vs. Algeria, 16 June
- Ecuador vs. Curaçao, 20 June
- Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 25 June
- Algeria vs. Austria, 27 June
- Round of 32, 3 July (1K vs. 3DEIJL)
- Quarter-final, 11 July (W95 vs. W96)
What to know: Kansas City chose to build dedicated venues for both the Chiefs and the Royals, as opposed to multi-purpose stadiums. Arrowhead Stadium, the oldest World Cup venue in the U.S., has stood the test of time, undergoing several renovations and preserving its distinctive design.
Regular tenants include the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL).
Memorable non-soccer event: The stadium has hosted six AFC championship games since 2018, with the Chiefs winning four and advancing to the Super Bowl.
Memorable soccer match: The Kansas City Wizards played here prior to relocating, winning a U.S. Open Cup title in 2004 and also facing Manchester United in a friendly match.
Tournament name: Atlanta Stadium
Common name: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Tournament capacity: 75,000
- Spain vs. Cape Verde, 15 June
- Czechia vs. South Africa, 18 June
- Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, 21 June
- Morocco vs. Haiti, 24 June
- Democratic Republic of Congo vs. Uzbekistan, 27 June
- Round of 32, 1 July (1L vs. 3EHIJK)
- Round of 16, 7 July (W86 vs. W88)
- Semi-final, 15 July (W99 vs. W100)
What to know: Mercedes-Benz Stadium features a unique pinwheel-style retractable roof and an expansive glass wall, offering breathtaking views for fans. It was designed for both NFL and soccer games, and its pricing for food and beverages is notably reasonable compared to other venues.
Regular tenants include the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS).
Memorable non-soccer event: The stadium hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019, where the New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams in one of the lowest-scoring Super Bowls in history.
Memorable soccer match: In 2018, Atlanta United celebrated their first MLS Cup victory at home, defeating the Portland Timbers and igniting jubilant celebrations among supporters.
Tournament name: Miami Stadium
Common name: Hard Rock Stadium
Location: Miami Gardens, Florida, United States
Tournament capacity: 65,000
- Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, 15 June
- Uruguay vs. Cape Verde, 21 June
- Scotland vs. Brazil, 24 June
- Colombia vs. Portugal, 27 June
- Round of 32, 3 July (1J vs. 2H)
- Quarter-final, 11 July (W91 vs. W92)
- Third-place match, 18 July (RU101 vs. RU102)
What to know: Hard Rock Stadium has undergone a significant transformation since its days as Joe Robbie Stadium. Initially open-air, it has since added a canopy to enhance the comfort of fans during South Florida’s extreme heat. Versatile in nature, it has hosted a variety of high-profile events, including Super Bowls and international soccer matches.
Regular tenants include the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and Miami Hurricanes (college football).
Memorable non-soccer event: The venue has hosted six Super Bowls and was home to the Miami Marlins from 1993 to 2001, in addition to the annual Miami Open tennis tournament.
Memorable soccer match: During the 2024 Copa América final, Argentina emerged victorious over Colombia, although the event was overshadowed by significant crowd issues off the field.
Toronto
Tournament name: Toronto Stadium
Common name: BMO Field
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Opened: 2007 (renovated and expanded in 2016)
Tournament capacity: 45,000
- Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 12 June
- Ghana vs. Panama, 17 June
- Germany vs. Côte d’Ivoire, 20 June
- Panama vs. Croatia, 23 June
- Senegal vs. Iraq, 26 June
- Round of 32, 2 July (2K vs. 2L)
What to know: Initially built for Toronto’s MLS franchise, BMO Field has seen significant expansions and renovations to enhance its profile. The addition of a roof over many seats gives it a European ambiance, with over 17,000 temporary seats slated to be added for the World Cup.
Regular tenants include Toronto FC (MLS) and Toronto Argonauts (CFL).
Memorable non-soccer event: The 104th Grey Cup, Canada’s championship in football, took place here in 2016.
Memorable soccer match: BMO Field has been the site of the MLS Cup three times, with memorable victories for Toronto FC in 2016 and 2017.
Boston
Tournament name: Boston Stadium
Common name: Gillette Stadium
Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States
- Haiti vs. Scotland, 14 June
- Iraq vs. Norway, 16 June
- Scotland vs. Morocco, 19 June
- England vs. Ghana, 23 June
- Norway vs. France, 26 June
- Round of 32, 29 June (1E vs. 3ABCDF)
- Quarter-final, 9 July (W89 vs. W90)
What to know: This stadium replaced the old Foxborough Stadium, which hosted the 1994 World Cup. Its distinctive design includes a grand entrance and a mock lighthouse that provides panoramic views of the venue.
Regular tenants include the New England Patriots (NFL) and New England Revolution (MLS).
Memorable non-soccer event: Gillette Stadium has been the site of many significant moments, including several Super Bowl appearances by the Patriots.
Memorable soccer match: The 2002 MLS Cup featured a dramatic golden goal by Carlos Ruiz, marking the last time the rule was applied in the MLS Cup.
Philadelphia
Tournament name: Philadelphia Stadium
Common name: Lincoln Financial Field
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador, 14 June
- Brazil vs. Haiti, 19 June
- France vs. Iraq, 22 June
- Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire, 25 June
- Croatia vs. Ghana, 27 June
- Round of 16, 4 July (W74 vs. W77)
What to know: Lincoln Financial Field is notable for its distinctive steel structure and irregular seating arrangements, including the prominent Eagles Nest seating area. It is conveniently situated near major transportation routes.
Regular tenants include the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) and Temple Owls (college football).
Memorable non-soccer event: The stadium has frequently hosted the Army-Navy game, drawing notable attendance from U.S. presidents throughout its history.
Memorable soccer match: The first game held here was a friendly in 2003, featuring Manchester United against Barcelona, which set a record for a Philadelphia soccer match at that time.
New York/New Jersey
Tournament name: New York/New Jersey Stadium
Common name: MetLife Stadium
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Tournament capacity: 82,500
- Brazil vs. Morocco, 13 June
- France vs. Senegal, 16 June
- Norway vs. Senegal, 22 June
- Ecuador vs. Germany, 25 June
- Panama vs. England, 27 June
- Round of 32, 30 June (1I vs. 3CDFGH)
- Round of 16, 5 July (W76 vs. W78)
- Final, 19 July (W101 vs. W102)
What to know: As the venue for the 2026 World Cup final, MetLife Stadium has a rich history, having hosted one of the few Super Bowls in an open-air setting in cold weather. Constructed at an approximate cost of $1.6 billion, it features a striking facade of aluminum slats and a vast seating bowl.
Regular tenants include the New York Giants and New York Jets (NFL).
Memorable non-soccer event: The stadium made history by hosting Super Bowl XLVIII, which concluded with a decisive victory for the Seattle Seahawks.
Memorable soccer match: The venue has also hosted two notable finals, including the 2016 Copa América Centenario and the 2022 Club World Cup final.
- Photos supplied by Getty Images, Reuters and the Associated Press.
