The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic moment in football history: it’s the first time the tournament is being co-hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, the venues have been chosen not only for capacity and infrastructure, but for global reach, legacy, and fan experience. FourFourTwo+2myKhel+2

A Continental Spread of Stadiums

Across North America, 16 stadiums in 16 cities will host the matches — 11 in the United States, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. Topend Sports+2FOX Sports+2

Mexico’s Historic Highlight

• The opening match of the tournament will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — capacity around 87,523. myKhel+2The National+2
• Mexico also features two other venues: Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey. Goal+1

Canada’s Two Hosting Cities

• In Canada, matches will be held at BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place in Vancouver. Goal
• Though fewer in number, these venues bring the tournament’s reach northward and engage the Canadian fan base like never before.

United States: The Majority of Venues

• In the USA, some of the standout venues include:
  • MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey) — will host the final. Wikipedia+1
  • AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas) — one of the highest-capacity venues. Sky Sports
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia) — modern facility, retractable roof. FIFA 2026 Futbol
• Other venues span from Los Angeles to Seattle, Miami to Philadelphia — giving the tournament a truly national footprint. The National

Why These Venues Matter

• Capacity & Infrastructure: With the expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches, venues needed to meet higher capacity and modern broadcast/transport standards. FIFA World Cup News+1
• Geographic Spread: By distributing across North America, FIFA ensures a diverse fan experience, more host-nation games, and broader economic impact.
• Legacy and History: Some venues already bear historic significance (like Estadio Azteca), while newer stadiums bring state-of-the‐art amenities.
• Fan Experience: The mix of cities allows fans to travel via major hubs, experience multiple matches, and explore more than just a single host city.

What To Watch Out For

• Travel Logistics: Fans planning to attend need to keep in mind that venues are spread across multiple countries and time zones. Canada, the U.S., and Mexico each bring different immigration/travel considerations.
• Accommodation & Transport: With 16 host cities, demand for rooms, local transport, and match-day access will be high. Early planning is key.
• Venue Naming & Sponsorship: Note that some stadiums will be referred to by alternative names during the tournament (due to sponsorship rules). For example, MetLife Stadium will be called “New York/New Jersey Stadium”. Wikipedia
• Historic Moments vs New Chapters: Venues like Estadio Azteca carry history (hosting finals in past tournaments) while others mark new era venues — giving fans both nostalgia and novelty.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 World Cup’s venues represent more than mere “match stadiums” — they’re a celebration of football across a continent. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling cities of the U.S., the vibrant culture of Mexico, or the welcoming corners of Canada, each venue brings its own flavour. For fans around the world, this spread offers excitement, travel possibilities and the chance to be part of a truly global sporting festival.