The forthcoming 2026 World Cup is set to break records as the most extensive tournament ever held. With an impressive 16 venues selected to showcase matches, each stadium tells a unique story about the growth of sports in its city. To align with FIFA’s guidelines, the venues will be identified by their official names, foregoing any sponsor-related titles.
Vancouver
Tournament name: BC Place Vancouver
Common name: BC Place
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Inaugurated: 1983 (renovated in 2011)
Capacity for the tournament: 54,000
Matches scheduled for World Cup 2026:
- Australia vs. Turkey, June 13
- Canada vs. Qatar, June 18
- New Zealand vs. Egypt, June 21
- Switzerland vs. Canada, June 24
- New Zealand vs. Belgium, June 26
- Round of 32, July 2 (1B vs. 3EFGIJ)
- Round of 16, July 7 (W85 vs. W87)
Noteworthy details: BC Place is celebrated for its stunning design, featuring the world’s largest cable-supported retractable roof. This roof was introduced during a major renovation after the 2010 Winter Olympics, replacing a former permanent structure. When opened, the cables create unique shadows on the field, which can be either captivating or distracting, depending on one’s viewpoint. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the roof will remain closed throughout the tournament to prevent harmful uneven sunlight on the natural grass imported for the matches. Should FIFA choose to open it, the process will take roughly 20 minutes.
Primary tenants: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS) and BC Lions (CFL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): BC Place was the venue for both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics, marking a historic moment as the first indoor Olympic opening ceremony. Hockey icon Wayne Gretzky was one of the torch bearers at this event, while Canadian musician Neil Young performed during the closing ceremony as the flame was extinguished.
Memorable match (soccer): The stadium was the backdrop for the exhilarating 2015 Women’s World Cup final, where Carli Lloyd’s hat trick led the US to a 5-2 victory over Japan, securing their first title in 16 years. The match attracted an official attendance of 53,341, equaling the record for the highest number of goals scored in any World Cup final, a record originally set by Brazil and Sweden in 1958.
Seattle
Tournament name: Seattle Stadium
Common name: Lumen Field
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Capacity for the tournament: 69,000
- Belgium vs. Egypt, June 15
- USA vs. Australia, June 19
- Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar, June 24
- Egypt vs. Iran, June 26
- Round of 32, July 1 (1G vs. 3AEHIJ)
- Round of 16, July 6 (W81 vs. W82)
Noteworthy details: Seattle Stadium is built on the site of the former Kingdome and is among the few World Cup venues located in a bustling urban area in the US. Its distinctive architecture includes a roof that covers most of the sideline seating and a pyramid-shaped section known as the Hawk’s Nest. Moreover, public art installations, such as the prominent Earth Dialogue by Native American artist Bob Houzous, enrich the stadium’s ambiance by emphasizing humanity’s bond with the earth.
Primary tenants: Seattle Sounders (MLS), Seattle Reign (NWSL), Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): Since 2011, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network has recorded multiple instances of crowd-induced seismic activity at the stadium, including the infamous Beast Quake run by Marshawn Lynch during a Seahawks game, which registered seismic peaks akin to a 2.0-magnitude earthquake.
Memorable match (soccer): The 2022 Concacaf Champions League final was a historic moment for Seattle, as the first MLS team to claim victory in the tournament’s current format. The match concluded with a 3-0 win over Pumas, witnessed by 68,741 fans, which also generated seismic activity from the jubilant crowd.
Bay Area
Tournament name: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Common name: Levi’s Stadium
Location: Santa Clara, California, USA
Capacity for the tournament: 71,000
- Qatar vs. Switzerland, June 13
- Austria vs. Jordan, June 17
- Turkey vs. Paraguay, June 19
- Jordan vs. Algeria, June 22
- Paraguay vs. Australia, June 25
- Round of 32, July 1 (1D vs. 3BEFIJ)
Noteworthy details: This stadium was constructed to replace the iconic Candlestick Park, which was beloved in its era. While it has garnered praise for its eco-friendly design and impressive sightlines, the upper deck can present challenges during afternoon games due to direct sunlight exposure.
Primary tenants: San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): Levi’s Stadium has hosted the Super Bowl on two occasions, first in 2016 and again in 2023. The 2016 game featured a performance by Beyoncé, while the 2023 Super Bowl showcased the Seattle Seahawks’ victory over the New England Patriots in a memorable showdown.
Memorable match (soccer): The stadium inaugurated the Copa América Centenario in 2016, with Colombia defeating the USMNT 2-0. Key players James Rodríguez and Cristián Zapata contributed significantly to Los Cafeteros, who ultimately secured third place in a tournament won by Chile.
Los Angeles
Tournament name: Los Angeles Stadium
Common name: SoFi Stadium
Location: Inglewood, California, USA
Capacity for the tournament: 70,000
- USA vs. Paraguay, June 12
- Iran vs. New Zealand, June 15
- Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, June 18
- Belgium vs. Iran, June 21
- Turkey vs. USA, June 25
- Round of 32, June 28 (2A vs. 2B)
- Round of 32, July 2 (1H vs. 2J)
- Quarter-final, July 10 (W93 vs. W94)
Noteworthy details: Built at a staggering cost of around $5 billion, SoFi Stadium has rapidly become a premier venue for significant events on the West Coast. Its standout feature is a semi-transparent canopy that spans approximately 1 million square feet, allowing for abundant natural light while sheltering the entire structure. The stadium primarily uses artificial turf, as it serves as the home for two NFL teams, which could damage natural grass.
Primary tenants: Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): SoFi Stadium will host the opening ceremony and swimming events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, showcasing a unique design inspired by structures planned for the 2024 US Olympic trials.
Memorable match (soccer): During the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup final, over 72,000 fans witnessed Mexico take on Panama, setting a record for the largest soccer audience in the venue’s six-year history, with Santiago Giménez scoring the pivotal goal for El Tri’s historic ninth title.
Guadalajara
Tournament name: Estadio Guadalajara
Common name: Estadio Akron
Location: Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Capacity for the tournament: 48,000
- South Korea vs. Czechia, June 11
- Mexico vs. South Korea, June 18
- Colombia vs. Democratic Republic of Congo, June 23
- Uruguay vs. Spain, June 26
Noteworthy details: Though the interior of Estadio Guadalajara may seem understated, its exterior boasts a dramatic design that resembles an erupting volcano. French architects Jean-Marie Massaud and Daniel Pouzet designed the stadium to feature a grass-covered hill, leaving primarily the roof exposed.
Primary tenants: CD Guadalajara (Liga MX)
Memorable event (non-soccer): The stadium achieved an attendance record during a boxing match in 2023 when Canelo Álvarez faced John Ryder, drawing an impressive 51,000 fans.
Memorable match (soccer): One of the early friendlies at Estadio Akron showcased Manchester United against Chivas, where Javier “Chicharito” Hernández scored the inaugural goal before switching teams for the second half.
Mexico City
Tournament name: Mexico City Stadium
Common name: Estadio Banorte (more commonly known as Estadio Azteca)
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Capacity for the tournament: 83,000
- Mexico vs. South Africa, June 11
- Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, June 17
- Czechia vs. Mexico, June 24
- Round of 32, June 30 (1A vs. 3CEFHI)
- Round of 16, July 5 (W79 vs. W80)
Noteworthy details: Estadio Azteca is the most iconic venue of the tournament, with a rich history dating back to its construction for the 1968 Olympics. It has undergone many renovations, including a recent upgrade that increased its capacity to 87,500, making it the eighth-largest soccer stadium globally. Notably, it was the first stadium to host two World Cup finals, in 1970 and 1986, and is famous for its challenging atmosphere, driven by passionate El Tri supporters and its high elevation of 7,200 feet.
Primary tenants: Club América, Cruz Azul, and Atlante (Liga MX)
Memorable event (non-soccer): The stadium has welcomed numerous iconic artists, including Michael Jackson, who attracted over half a million fans during his Dangerous World Tour in 1993, as well as U2, who drew 282,978 during their 360° Tour in 2011.
Memorable match (soccer): Estadio Azteca has hosted countless unforgettable matches, including Brazil’s 4-1 triumph over Italy in the 1970 World Cup final and Diego Maradona’s legendary performance against England in 1986, featuring the infamous Hand of God goal.
Monterrey
Tournament name: Estadio Monterrey
Common name: Estadio BBVA
Location: Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico
Capacity for the tournament: 53,500
- Sweden vs. Tunisia, June 14
- Tunisia vs. Japan, June 21
- South Africa vs. South Korea, June 24
- Round of 32, June 29 (1F vs. 2C)
Noteworthy details: This stadium offers breathtaking views of the Cerro de la Silla mountain, especially from its upper levels. Known as the “steel giant,” it features advanced technology alongside sustainable design elements, including a cantilever roof that facilitates airflow while blocking sunlight.
Primary tenants: CF Monterrey (Liga MX)
Memorable event (non-soccer): Since its inauguration, the venue has hosted numerous high-profile concerts, including Bad Bunny’s sold-out shows during his World’s Hottest Tour in 2022.
Memorable match (soccer): In April 2024, Inter Miami faced disappointment here, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Monterrey in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals.
Houston
Tournament name: Houston Stadium
Common name: NRG Stadium (formerly Reliant Stadium)
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
Capacity for the tournament: 72,000
- Germany vs. Curaçao, June 14
- Portugal vs. Democratic Republic of Congo, June 17
- Netherlands vs. Sweden, June 20
- Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, June 23
- Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, June 26
- Round of 32, June 29 (1C vs. 2F)
- Round of 16, July 4 (W73 vs. W75)
Noteworthy details: Opened in the early 2000s, NRG Stadium was a pioneer as the first NFL venue featuring a retractable roof. The roof, consisting of two sections that meet at the center, is covered in fabric, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior. Although it takes approximately seven minutes to fully open the roof, it is expected to remain closed during the tournament.
Primary tenants: Houston Texans (NFL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): Each March, NRG Stadium hosts the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which attracted over 2.6 million attendees in 2023.
Memorable match (soccer): The 2010 MLS All-Star Game took place here, with 70,728 fans witnessing Chicharito and Manchester United defeat Landon Donovan and the MLS All-Stars 5-2.
Dallas
Tournament name: Dallas Stadium
Common name: AT&T Stadium
Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
Capacity for the tournament: 94,000
- Netherlands vs. Japan, June 14
- England vs. Croatia, June 17
- Argentina vs. Austria, June 22
- Japan vs. Sweden, June 25
- Jordan vs. Argentina, June 27
- Round of 32, June 30 (2E vs. 2I)
- Round of 32, July 3 (2D vs. 2G)
- Round of 16, July 6 (W83 vs. W84)
- Semi-final, July 14 (W97 vs. W98)
Noteworthy details: Familiarly known as Jerry World, this retractable-roof stadium has the largest capacity of any venue in the World Cup. Its dome is supported by two colossal arches, creating a striking silhouette. While the roof will likely remain closed, it features a distinctive opening that pays tribute to the Cowboys’ former home, Texas Stadium.
Primary tenants: Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): In 2021, Canelo Álvarez faced Billy Joe Saunders in a match that set the record for the highest attendance at an indoor boxing event in US history, with 73,126 spectators.
Memorable match (soccer): The inaugural sporting event at Jerry World was a 2009 Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-final between Costa Rica and Guadeloupe, where Celso Borges netted the first goal in the stadium’s history.
Kansas City
Tournament name: Kansas City Stadium
Common name: Arrowhead Stadium (or GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium)
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Opened: 1972 (renovated in 2010)
Capacity for the tournament: 73,000
- Argentina vs. Algeria, June 16
- Ecuador vs. Curaçao, June 20
- Tunisia vs. Netherlands, June 25
- Algeria vs. Austria, June 27
- Round of 32, July 3 (1K vs. 3DEIJL)
- Quarter-final, July 11 (W95 vs. W96)
Noteworthy details: Arrowhead Stadium stands out for its design tailored specifically for NFL games, diverging from the multi-purpose venues typical of the 1970s. Over the years, the stadium has been modernized with various renovations, introducing contemporary amenities while preserving its classic charm.
Primary tenants: Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): The stadium has hosted six AFC Championship games since 2018, with the Chiefs winning four of them, leading to appearances in the Super Bowl.
Memorable match (soccer): The venue was home to the Kansas City Wizards, who celebrated a US Open Cup title in 2004, with Igor Simutenkov scoring a dramatic golden goal.
Atlanta
Tournament name: Atlanta Stadium
Common name: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Capacity for the tournament: 75,000
- Spain vs. Cape Verde, June 15
- Czechia vs. South Africa, June 18
- Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, June 21
- Morocco vs. Haiti, June 24
- Democratic Republic of Congo vs. Uzbekistan, June 27
- Round of 32, July 1 (1L vs. 3EHIJK)
- Round of 16, July 7 (W86 vs. W88)
- Semi-final, July 15 (W99 vs. W100)
Noteworthy details: Mercedes-Benz Stadium features a one-of-a-kind retractable roof design that resembles a pinwheel. Built with considerations for both American football and soccer, it serves as the home field for the NFL’s Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United. The stadium is also committed to offering reasonably priced concessions, mirroring prices found outside.
Primary tenants: Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta United (MLS), Atlanta NWSL (future)
Memorable event (non-soccer): Super Bowl LIII, hosted here in 2019, was notable for its remarkably low score, with the New England Patriots defeating the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.
Memorable match (soccer): Atlanta United celebrated their first and only MLS Cup victory at home in 2018, triumphing with a 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers.
Tournament name: Miami Stadium
Common name: Hard Rock Stadium
Location: Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
Capacity for the tournament: 65,000
- Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, June 15
- Uruguay vs. Cape Verde, June 21
- Scotland vs. Brazil, June 24
- Colombia vs. Portugal, June 27
- Round of 32, July 3 (1J vs. 2H)
- Quarter-final, July 11 (W91 vs. W92)
- Third-place match, July 18 (RU101 vs. RU102)
Noteworthy details: This stadium has undergone a remarkable transformation since its debut as Joe Robbie Stadium. It has hosted a wide range of events, including six Super Bowls and baseball games, and is known for its frequent name changes—Miami Stadium will be its ninth title after the tournament.
Primary tenants: Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Hurricanes (college football)
Memorable event (non-soccer): The venue has a rich history, having hosted multiple Super Bowls, baseball’s Miami Marlins, and the Miami Open tennis tournament, which occurs on a court constructed over the stadium’s field.
Memorable match (soccer): The chaotic 2024 Copa América final took place here, where Argentina narrowly defeated Colombia 1-0 amidst significant off-pitch turmoil, including overcrowding issues.
Toronto
Tournament name: Toronto Stadium
Common name: BMO Field
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Opened: 2007 (expanded in 2016)
Capacity for the tournament: 45,000
- Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, June 12
- Ghana vs. Panama, June 17
- Germany vs. Côte d’Ivoire, June 20
- Panama vs. Croatia, June 23
- Senegal vs. Iraq, June 26
- Round of 32, July 2 (2K vs. 2L)
Noteworthy details: Originally a small stadium with a capacity of 20,000, BMO Field has undergone significant expansions, now accommodating 28,000 fans, with plans to add over 17,000 temporary seats for the World Cup.
Primary tenants: Toronto FC (MLS) and Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): In 2016, BMO Field hosted the thrilling 104th Grey Cup, which featured a championship match between the Ottawa Redblacks and the Calgary Stampeders.
Memorable match (soccer): BMO Field has been the venue for the MLS Cup three times, with Toronto FC securing victories in 2016 and 2017.
Boston
Tournament name: Boston Stadium
Common name: Gillette Stadium
Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
- Haiti vs. Scotland, June 14
- Iraq vs. Norway, June 16
- Scotland vs. Morocco, June 19
- England vs. Ghana, June 23
- Norway vs. France, June 26
- Round of 32, June 29 (1E vs. 3ABCDF)
- Quarter-final, July 9 (W89 vs. W90)
Noteworthy details: Gillette Stadium was constructed to replace the old Foxboro Stadium, which previously hosted the 1994 World Cup. Its distinctive design features a remarkable entrance and a lighthouse that provides panoramic views of the venue.
Primary tenants: New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS) and Boston Legacy (NWSL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): Numerous unforgettable moments have occurred here, especially during the Patriots’ dynasty, including crucial AFC Championship games.
Memorable match (soccer): The 2002 MLS Cup concluded dramatically, with the Galaxy overcoming the Revolution with a golden goal from Carlos Ruiz.
Philadelphia
Tournament name: Philadelphia Stadium
Common name: Lincoln Financial Field
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador, June 14
- Brazil vs. Haiti, June 19
- France vs. Iraq, June 22
- Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire, June 25
- Croatia vs. Ghana, June 27
- Round of 16, July 4 (W74 vs. W77)
Noteworthy details: Lincoln Financial Field showcases a unique design featuring exposed steel and irregular seating arrangements, along with a distinct Eagles Nest seating area.
Primary tenants: Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) and Temple Owls (college football)
Memorable event (non-soccer): The stadium has been the stage for the annual Army-Navy game, steeped in tradition as it hosts this historic rivalry.
Memorable match (soccer): The venue’s inaugural sporting event was a friendly match between Manchester United and Barcelona, setting the foundation for soccer’s growth in the city.
New York/New Jersey
Tournament name: New York/New Jersey Stadium
Common name: MetLife Stadium
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Capacity for the tournament: 82,500
- Brazil vs. Morocco, June 13
- France vs. Senegal, June 16
- Norway vs. Senegal, June 22
- Ecuador vs. Germany, June 25
- Panama vs. England, June 27
- Round of 32, June 30 (1I vs. 3CDFGH)
- Round of 16, July 5 (W76 vs. W78)
- Final, July 19 (W101 vs. W102)
Noteworthy details: MetLife Stadium, which lacks a roof and features a seating bowl surrounded by aluminum slats, serves as a shared venue for the NFL’s Giants and Jets and has hosted major events, including the Super Bowl.
Primary tenants: New York Giants and New York Jets (NFL)
Memorable event (non-soccer): Super Bowl XLVIII, hosted here, is remembered for the Seattle Seahawks’ commanding performance against the Denver Broncos.
Memorable match (soccer): MetLife Stadium has hosted two significant finals, including the 2016 Copa América Centenario final and the Club World Cup in 2022.
- Photos supplied by Getty Images, Reuters and the Associated Press.
Photos supplied by Getty Images, Reuters and the Associated Press.
