2026 World Cup Stadiums: Everything You Need to Know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest football event ever, taking place across three countries for the first time: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With 48 teams and matches played in 16 amazing stadiums, this will be the most exciting and diverse World Cup in history.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the stadiums and what fans can expect from this incredible tournament.

United States Stadiums (11 Venues)

The U.S. will host the majority of matches, with 11 modern and massive venues chosen. Each of these stadiums will offer something special for the fans.

MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)

  • Capacity: 82,500
  • Opened: 2010
  • Key Matches: The World Cup Final on July 19, 2026.
  • Fun Fact: It’s one of the most expensive stadiums ever built and hosted the 2014 Super Bowl.
  • Why It’s Special: MetLife Stadium will be the grand stage for the final match, making it the most anticipated venue of the tournament.
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SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)

  • Capacity: 70,000 (expandable to 100,000)
  • Opened: 2020
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches on June 15 (Group G), Round of 32, and Quarterfinal on July 10.
  • Fun Fact: It has a massive dual-sided video board that wraps around the stadium, giving fans an awesome view from every seat.
  • Why It’s Special: SoFi Stadium’s futuristic design will make it a standout venue.

AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)

  • Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to 100,000)
  • Opened: 2009
  • Key Matches: Semi-final on July 14, 2026, and multiple knockout round matches.
  • Fun Fact: It has one of the world’s largest jumbotrons.
  • Why It’s Special: Hosting a semi-final, AT&T Stadium will be the place for some of the tournament’s biggest matches.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)

  • Capacity: 71,000
  • Opened: 2017
  • Key Matches: Semi-final on July 15, 2026, and group-stage matches on June 18 and 25 (Group A and D).
  • Fun Fact: It has the world’s largest halo-shaped video board.
  • Why It’s Special: Its unique retractable roof makes it a fan favorite.

Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)

  • Capacity: 71,000
  • Opened: 2014
  • Key Matches: Round of 16 and Quarterfinal matches on July 1 and July 11, respectively.
  • Fun Fact: This stadium is known for being eco-friendly, with solar panels and a green roof.
  • Why It’s Special: Located in Silicon Valley, it blends football with technology.

NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas)

  • Capacity: 72,220
  • Opened: 2002
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches on June 14 and June 19, and Round of 16 on June 29.
  • Fun Fact: It was the first NFL stadium to have a retractable roof.
  • Why It’s Special: NRG Stadium is a fan favorite for international football events.

Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

  • Capacity: 76,416
  • Opened: 1972
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches and a Quarterfinal on July 11.
  • Fun Fact: It holds the record for the loudest stadium crowd.
  • Why It’s Special: Known for its electric atmosphere, fans will experience some of the loudest moments here.

Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)

  • Capacity: 65,878
  • Opened: 2002
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches on June 13 and June 16, and Quarterfinal on July 9.
  • Fun Fact: Renovations will add one of the biggest video boards in the U.S.
  • Why It’s Special: A well-loved venue for American sports, Gillette Stadium will host key matches.

Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

  • Capacity: 69,328
  • Opened: 2003
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches on June 14 and June 25, and Round of 16 on July 4.
  • Fun Fact: It’s known for hosting many international football friendlies.
  • Why It’s Special: Philadelphia’s passionate sports fans will make this a must-see stadium.

Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)

  • Capacity: 69,000
  • Opened: 2002
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches on June 15 and June 24, and Round of 16 on July 1.
  • Fun Fact: Its horseshoe design amplifies crowd noise, making it one of the loudest venues.
  • Why It’s Special: Lumen Field offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline and an intense atmosphere.

Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida)

  • Capacity: 67,518
  • Opened: 1987 (renovated extensively)
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches on June 15 and June 21, and the Third-Place play-off on July 18.
  • Fun Fact: A $500 million renovation improved the fan experience dramatically.
  • Why It’s Special: This venue will host the important third-place match.

Mexico Stadiums (3 Venues)

Mexico will host matches in three legendary stadiums, each with its own unique history.

Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)

  • Capacity: 87,523
  • Opened: 1966
  • Key Matches: Mexico’s opening match on June 11, group-stage matches, and Round of 32 on July 1.
  • Fun Fact: It’s the only stadium to have hosted two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986).
  • Why It’s Special: Estadio Azteca is known for iconic football moments, including Maradona’s “Hand of God.”

Estadio Akron (Guadalajara)

  • Capacity: 48,071
  • Opened: 2010
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches on June 11 and June 23.
  • Fun Fact: Its design reflects a volcano, matching the local landscape.
  • Why It’s Special: This modern venue will deliver a world-class football experience.

Estadio BBVA (Monterrey)

  • Capacity: 53,500
  • Opened: 2015
  • Key Matches: Group-stage and Round of 32 matches, including June 14 and June 29.
  • Fun Fact: Known as the “Giant of Steel,” it offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountains.
  • Why It’s Special: Estadio BBVA is one of Mexico’s most advanced and fan-friendly stadiums.

Canada Stadiums (2 Venues)

Canada will host matches in two high-tech stadiums that highlight the country’s growing football passion.

BMO Field (Toronto, Ontario)

  • Capacity: 45,500 (after expansion)
  • Opened: 2007
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches on June 12, June 17, and June 24.
  • Fun Fact: It was originally built for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and is being expanded for the World Cup.
  • Why It’s Special: BMO Field is Canada’s top soccer stadium, offering an intimate and lively fan experience.

BC Place (Vancouver, British Columbia)

  • Capacity: 54,000
  • Opened: 1983 (renovated in 2011)
  • Key Matches: Group-stage matches on June 13, June 21, and June 24, and Round of 16 on July 7.
  • Fun Fact: It has the world’s largest retractable roof and hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics ceremonies.
  • Why It’s Special: BC Place is a landmark in Canadian sports with high-tech features and an amazing fan experience.

Whether you’re attending in person or watching from home, these stadiums are set to provide an unforgettable backdrop for the biggest football event in history.

2026 FIFA World Cup Stadiums

Innovations and Fan Experience at the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be more than just a football tournament. It will be a celebration of the sport, packed with exciting new technology and incredible fan experiences both inside the stadiums and from the comfort of home.

AI-Powered Refereeing and VAR Technology

For the first time, advanced AI systems and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will play a major role in helping referees make better decisions. This will reduce human errors and ensure a fair game, with offside calls and goal-line decisions being more accurate than ever before.

VR Technology for Fans

Even if you can’t attend a game in person, you’ll feel like you’re right there in the stands thanks to Virtual Reality (VR). With this technology, fans from around the world will be able to immerse themselves in the matches from their own homes, getting a view as if they were sitting right in the stadium.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Stadiums

Many stadiums, especially in the U.S. and Canada, have been built or renovated with the environment in mind. These eco-friendly stadiums will use solar panels, energy-efficient systems, and even green rooftops to minimize their impact on the planet. Stadiums like Levi’s Stadium and BC Place are leading the way in sustainability.

Fan Zones and Festivals

The 2026 World Cup won’t just be about the matches—it will also feature exciting fan zones where people can gather to watch games on big screens, enjoy local food, music, and take part in fun activities celebrating the global football culture.

What Makes the 2026 World Cup Special

This World Cup is going to be bigger and better than ever. Here’s why:

More Teams, More Matches

For the first time, the World Cup will include 48 teams instead of the usual 32. This means more thrilling matches and the chance to see more teams from all over the world competing on the big stage. There will be 104 games played in total, across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Unbelievable Atmosphere

With stadiums that can hold up to 100,000 people, the energy at these matches will be electric. Fans in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada love football, and the atmosphere in these packed stadiums will be full of excitement, especially at famous venues like Estadio Azteca and Arrowhead Stadium, known for their passionate supporters.

Top-Notch Stadiums

The matches will take place in 16 amazing stadiums across North America, each chosen for its ability to deliver a world-class experience. From Mexico’s iconic Estadio Azteca to the high-tech SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, fans can expect top-notch facilities and unforgettable moments.

Cultural Festivals

The host cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada won’t just be about football. They’ll also be centers for cultural celebrations, with festivals, concerts, and events showcasing the rich and diverse cultures of North America, making the 2026 World Cup a true global celebration.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a tournament like no other. It will bring together the excitement of football with incredible technology, unforgettable fan experiences, and beautiful venues across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Whether you’re cheering from the stands or watching from home, this World Cup will be full of memorable moments. With more teams, more matches, and more ways to engage than ever before, it’s set to be the biggest and most inclusive celebration of football in history.