2026 World Cup Stadiums: Complete Guide to All 16 Venues

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will make history as the largest football tournament ever held. Three nations will host the event together for the first time: the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament features 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 stadiums.

This guide covers every stadium and what fans can expect from this historic tournament.

Tournament Quick Facts:

Dates: June 11 to July 19, 2026
Teams: 48 (expanded from 32)
Total Matches: 104
Host Countries: United States (78 matches), Mexico (13 matches), Canada (13 matches)
Final Draw: December 5, 2025 in Washington D.C.

Table of Contents

United States Stadiums (11 Venues)

The U.S. will host the majority of matches and all games from the quarterfinals onward. Each stadium brings its own character and features.

MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)

Capacity: 82,500
Opened: 2010
Key Match: World Cup Final on July 19, 2026
Total Matches: 8 (5 group stage, 2 knockout rounds, 1 final)

MetLife Stadium will host the biggest match of the tournament. The venue is home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets. Construction company Skanska is currently working on major upgrades to prepare for the World Cup.

Current Renovations: Workers are removing 1,740 seats in the lower corners. They will install modular steel seating that can be taken apart for soccer matches. The stadium needs these changes to meet FIFA’s field size requirements. All work happens in two phases to keep the stadium operational for NFL games.

Fun Fact: The stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 and the Copa América Centenario final in 2016.

SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)

Capacity: 70,240 (expandable to 100,000)
Opened: 2020
Key Match: USA opening game on June 12, 2026
Cost: $5.5 billion (most expensive stadium ever built)

SoFi Stadium represents the newest venue in the tournament. The Los Angeles Rams and Chargers both play their home games here. The stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympics.

Special Features: A massive dual-sided video board hangs over the field. The translucent roof covers the stadium but leaves it open-air. The design creates a unique indoor-outdoor feel.

Fun Fact: The stadium can expand to hold over 100,000 fans for major events.

AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)

Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to 94,000)
Opened: 2009
Key Match: Semi-final on July 14, 2026
Total Matches: 9 (most of any venue)

AT&T Stadium will see more action than any other venue. The Dallas Cowboys call this place home. Owner Jerry Jones built this architectural masterpiece to be one of America’s premier sports facilities.

Current Renovations: The Cowboys started a $295 million upgrade project. Workers are raising the playing surface to meet FIFA field regulations of 105 meters by 68 meters. They are also refreshing premium clubs and suites and upgrading technology systems. Work should finish by July 2025.

Fun Fact: The stadium’s center-hung video board was the world’s largest when installed. The venue can hold up to 105,000 people for special events.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)

Capacity: 71,000-75,000
Opened: 2017
Key Match: Semi-final on July 15, 2026

Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons share this state-of-the-art facility. The stadium opened just a few years ago with groundbreaking features.

Special Features: The eight-panel retractable roof opens like a pinwheel. A circular LED scoreboard wraps around 360 degrees. The stadium maintains climate control when the roof closes.

Fun Fact: The venue hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019.

Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)

Capacity: 68,500
Opened: 2014
Cost: $1.3 billion
Key Matches: Round of 16 and Quarterfinal

The San Francisco 49ers moved here from Candlestick Park. The stadium sits in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Eco-Friendly Design: Solar panels cover parts of the stadium. A green roof helps with temperature control. The venue earned LEED Gold certification for its sustainable design.

Fun Fact: The stadium hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas)

Capacity: 72,220
Opened: 2002
Key Matches: Group stage and Round of 16

The Houston Texans play their home games here. NRG Stadium made history as the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof.

Special Features: The roof can open or close based on weather. Climate control keeps fans comfortable during hot Texas summers.

Fun Fact: The stadium has hosted multiple Super Bowls and international soccer matches.

Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

Capacity: 76,416
Opened: 1972
Key Matches: Group stage and Quarterfinal on July 11

The Kansas City Chiefs have created one of sports’ most intimidating home environments here. Fans hold the Guinness World Record for loudest stadium crowd at 142.2 decibels.

Atmosphere: The design naturally amplifies crowd noise. Visiting teams struggle to communicate on the field during big games.

Fun Fact: The stadium recently underwent renovations while keeping its classic bowl design.

Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)

Capacity: 65,878
Opened: 2002
Key Match: Quarterfinal on July 9, 2026
Total Matches: 7 (5 group stage, 1 round of 32, 1 quarterfinal)

The New England Patriots and New England Revolution share this venue. The stadium sits about 30 miles from downtown Boston.

Current Renovations: A massive $225 million renovation project is already underway. For World Cup preparation, workers will temporarily remove corner seats to create space for FIFA requirements. The artificial turf will be replaced with natural grass for the tournament.

New Features: Construction crews are building 75,000 square feet of glass-enclosed hospitality space. A new 218-foot lighthouse with a 360-degree observation deck will replace the current one.

Fun Fact: The stadium hosted matches during the 2003 Women’s World Cup.

Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Capacity: 69,328
Opened: 2003
Key Matches: Group stage and Round of 16 on July 4

Locals call it “The Linc.” The Philadelphia Eagles pack this stadium with some of America’s most passionate sports fans. The Philadelphia Union also plays select games here.

Fun Fact: The stadium hosted group stage matches in the 2003 Women’s World Cup. Manchester United and Barcelona played the opening match when the venue first opened.

Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)

Capacity: 69,000
Opened: 2002
Key Matches: Group stage and Round of 16 on July 1

The Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders share this venue. The horseshoe design creates one of the loudest environments in sports.

Special Features: The partial roof amplifies crowd noise down onto the field. The open end provides stunning views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.

Fun Fact: The stadium holds the MLS attendance record with 69,274 fans at the 2019 MLS Cup.

Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida)

Capacity: 65,000-67,518
Opened: 1987 (major renovation completed)
Key Match: Third-place playoff on July 18, 2026

The Miami Dolphins call this stadium home. A $500 million renovation transformed the venue into a modern facility.

Multiple Uses: The stadium hosts NFL games, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open tennis tournament. The venue has welcomed countless international soccer matches and concerts.

Fun Fact: The stadium has hosted six Super Bowls throughout its history.

Mexico Stadiums (3 Venues)

Mexico brings incredible soccer history to the tournament. All three stadiums have hosted major international matches.

Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)

Capacity: 87,000
Opened: 1966
Key Match: Tournament opening game on June 11, 2026 (Mexico vs. opponent TBD)
Total Matches: Group stage and Round of 32

Estadio Azteca stands as the most legendary venue in World Cup history. The stadium will make history by hosting matches at three World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026). No other stadium has achieved this feat.

Historic Moments: Diego Maradona scored the famous “Hand of God” goal here in 1986. Pelé lifted the 1970 World Cup trophy on this field. The stadium hosted both World Cup finals.

Current Renovations: Major upgrades are underway to modernize the facility while keeping its historic character. Work includes structural improvements, better fan facilities and a new hybrid pitch. New hospitality zones and accessibility features will enhance the fan experience. The project should finish by the end of 2025.

Temporary Name Change: The stadium is currently called Estadio Banorte. Grupo Financiero Banorte provided a $105 million loan for renovations. This follows an earlier $75 million loan. FIFA will likely rename it Estadio Ciudad de México for the tournament.

Fun Fact: About 84.6% of the public dislikes the Estadio Banorte name according to surveys. Most people still call it Estadio Azteca.

Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, Nuevo Leon)

Capacity: 53,500
Opened: 2015
Key Matches: Group stage and Round of 32
Nickname: “El Gigante de Acero” (The Steel Giant)

The stadium actually sits in Guadalupe, not Monterrey proper. Club de Fútbol Monterrey plays home games here.

Scenic Views: The venue offers breathtaking views of Monumento Natural Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain). The modern design blends with the surrounding landscape.

Fun Fact: This is one of Mexico’s newest and most advanced stadiums.

Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Jalisco)

Capacity: 48,071
Opened: 2010
Key Matches: Group stage only (June 11 and June 23)
Tournament Name: Estadio Guadalajara

This stadium serves as home to Chivas de Guadalajara. The design reflects a volcano shape to match the local landscape.

Special Note: Estadio Akron is the only tournament venue that will not host any knockout stage matches. The stadium will be renamed Estadio Guadalajara during the World Cup.

Fun Fact: The second-smallest venue at the tournament still offers world-class facilities.

Canada Stadiums (2 Venues)

Canada hosts its first-ever men’s World Cup matches. Both stadiums showcase Canadian sports culture and modern design.

BMO Field (Toronto, Ontario)

Capacity: 45,000 (after expansion from 30,000)
Opened: 2007
Key Match: Canada opening game on June 12, 2026
Total Matches: Group stage only

Toronto FC calls this soccer-specific stadium home. The Canadian national team ended a 36-year World Cup drought here by beating Jamaica to qualify for Qatar 2022.

Current Renovations: Gensler Architecture & Design Canada is leading a major expansion project. Workers are adding approximately 17,500 temporary seats. The project costs about C$36 million. Construction should finish before the tournament begins.

Special Note: BMO Field will be the smallest venue at the World Cup. The intimate setting will create an intense atmosphere for Canada’s matches.

Fun Fact: The stadium was originally built for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

BC Place (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Capacity: 54,000
Opened: 1983 (major renovation in 2011)
Key Matches: Group stage and Round of 16 on July 7

The Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions share this multi-purpose venue. BC Place hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Historic Role: The stadium played a major part in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It hosted the final match of that tournament.

Current Renovations: Major upgrades are underway with costs between C$171 million and C$181 million. Work includes a new Field Club, renovated Edgewater Lounge and a new Corner Club. Workers are replacing the aging center video board and upgrading elevators. Team changerooms that weren’t updated in 2011 are getting full renovations.

Grass Installation: A natural grass pitch will be installed for the tournament. Officials are still deciding if this could become permanent.

Fun Fact: BC Place has the world’s largest cable-supported retractable roof.

Regional Organization

FIFA divided host cities into three regions to reduce travel time for teams and fans.

Western Region: Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Guadalajara
Central Region: Monterrey, Mexico City, Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta
Eastern Region: Toronto, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami

Teams playing in the same group will mostly stay within their assigned region. This helps reduce jet lag and long travel days.

Tournament Format and Schedule

The 2026 World Cup introduces significant changes to the traditional format.

New Structure:

12 groups of 4 teams each
Top 2 teams from each group advance
8 best third-place teams also advance
Creates a Round of 32 for the first time
Knockout rounds continue from there

Match Distribution:

104 total matches (up from 64)
Tournament lasts 39 days (up from 32)
Teams reaching the final will play 8 matches (up from 7)

Qualification Status: The host nations (USA, Mexico, Canada) automatically qualified. Six CONCACAF teams total will compete. Teams from around the world are still playing qualification matches through March 2026.

Technology and Innovation

The 2026 World Cup will feature cutting-edge technology to improve the game and fan experience.

AI-Powered Officiating: Advanced AI systems will work with VAR technology. The system helps referees make faster and more accurate decisions. Offside calls and goal-line technology will be more precise than ever.

Connected Ball Technology: The official match ball is called the Trionda. Adidas designed it with sensors inside. The technology relays real-time data to VAR officials. AI helps process this information for quick decisions.

Ball Design: The name Trionda means “three waves” in Spanish. Red, green and blue colors represent the three host countries. The design honors Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Virtual Reality for Fans: Fans who cannot attend games in person can use VR technology. Virtual reality will make viewers feel like they are sitting in the stadium. This brings the World Cup experience to millions of people worldwide.

Sustainability Efforts

Many stadiums have adopted eco-friendly practices for the tournament.

Green Features:

Solar panels at multiple venues
Energy-efficient lighting and climate control
Water conservation systems
Sustainable building materials
Green roofs and natural landscaping

Levi’s Stadium and BC Place lead these sustainability efforts. Both venues earned recognition for their environmental design.

Fan Zones and Cultural Events

The World Cup experience extends beyond the stadiums.

Fan Zones: Host cities will create large public gathering spaces. Fans can watch matches on giant screens. Local food vendors and live music will create festival atmospheres. These zones celebrate global soccer culture.

Cultural Celebrations: Each host city will showcase its unique culture. Festivals, concerts and art exhibits will run throughout the tournament. The three nations will highlight their diverse traditions and cuisines.

Key Tournament Moments

Opening Matches:

June 11: Mexico at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
June 12: Canada at BMO Field, Toronto
June 12: USA at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Knockout Highlights:

July 9: Quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium, Boston
July 10: Quarterfinal at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
July 11: Quarterfinal at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
July 11: Quarterfinal at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

Final Weekend:

July 14: Semi-final at AT&T Stadium, Dallas
July 15: Semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
July 18: Third-place match at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
July 19: Final at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey

Special Note: Coldplay will help produce a halftime show for the final. This follows the tradition of NFL Super Bowl halftime performances.

Stadium Requirements

FIFA sets strict standards for World Cup venues.

Technical Specifications:

Minimum 40,000 capacity for group stage
Minimum 60,000 for quarterfinals and opening match
Minimum 80,000 for World Cup final
Field size: 105 meters by 68 meters
Natural grass required

Current Changes:

Eight stadiums normally use artificial turf. A University of Tennessee and Michigan State research team is working with FIFA. All venues will switch to natural grass for the tournament.

Indoor Venues:

Four stadiums have retractable roofs with climate control (Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Vancouver). SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has a translucent roof but no climate control.

Travel and Attendance

The three-country format creates unique travel opportunities.

Getting Around: Fans can experience three different countries in one tournament. Major airports serve all host cities. High-speed rail connects some eastern cities. Domestic flights make cross-country travel manageable.

Ticket Information: Official ticket sales will begin after the December 2025 draw. Prices will vary by match stage and location. FIFA will release more details about ticket availability closer to the tournament.

Attendance Records: Some stadiums can hold over 90,000 fans. The tournament could break attendance records. The combined stadium capacity exceeds one million seats for all matches.

What Makes This World Cup Special

Several factors make the 2026 tournament unique.

Historic Firsts

First World Cup with 48 teams
First hosted by three nations
First with 104 matches
Most stadiums since 2002
Longest tournament at 39 days

Geographic Diversity

Teams and fans will experience vastly different climates and cultures. Summer weather ranges from hot and humid in Miami to mild in Vancouver. Each region offers distinct food, music and local traditions.

Stadium Variety

The 16 venues range from historic Estadio Azteca to brand-new SoFi Stadium. Some are soccer-specific while others serve multiple sports. Indoor and outdoor options provide different atmospheres.

Access and Inclusion

The expanded format gives more countries a chance to compete. Smaller soccer nations can qualify more easily. This spreads World Cup excitement to more parts of the globe.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the biggest and most diverse tournament ever held. 16 incredible stadiums across three countries will host 48 teams and 104 matches.

Each venue brings something special. MetLife Stadium will crown a champion. Estadio Azteca will open the tournament with its legendary atmosphere. Brand-new stadiums like SoFi will showcase modern design and technology.

Fans can choose from multiple regions and climates. The tournament offers something for everyone. Soccer lovers worldwide will remember this World Cup for years to come.

The wait is almost over. The tournament starts June 11, 2026.