As the dust settles on a sensational 2022 Qatar World Cup, spearheaded by the magnificence of Lionel Messi, attention turns toward the 2026 tri-hosted tournament in North America.
Canada, Mexico and the United States share the privilege of hosting the world’s best players and nations for a traditional mid-year tournament in June and July.
It will be much-changed from the previous iteration in the Arab nation, both culturally and socially.
The 32-team format has been scrapped by FIFA in favor of a very generous 48-nation tournament.
Lionel Messi gave the 2022 Qatar World Cup the perfect fairytale ending on Sunday morning
A 16, three-team group format is expected for the primary stage of the tournament, but it is yet to be finalized. Other options, such as the traditional four-team groups are available to the governing body.
What we do know however, is there are 16 cities and stadiums which will host the prestigious tournament. Eleven are unsurprisingly in the US, with Mexico and Canada using three and two venues, respectively.
Here, Sportsmail takes a look at all of the venues set to host the hopes, dreams and memories of football fans in four years time.
East Rutherford – MetLife Stadium
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
Capacity: 82,500
Home to the New York Giants and Jets of NFL fame, MetLife is a contender to be the venue for the 2026 final. The New York/Jersey sports hub was built in
Despite lacking the luster of the revolutionary SoFi Stadium, it seems the lure of New York, although the stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey – 16 miles from Manhattan, will be too much to turn down.
No official decision has been made by FIFA but according to the official 2026 World Cup website, MetLife is the ‘intended stadium’ for the biggest stage in sports.
MetLife Stadium, set in the shadows of New York City, could host the 2026 World Cup Final
Both nearby NFL franchises, the New York Giants and Jets play their home games at the venue
Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium
Location: Inglewood, California
Capacity: 70,240
Based a little way out of the metropolis of Los Angeles, SoFi Stadium is a true sports jewel in North America.
The stadium reportedly cost more than $5million and covers a seismic 3.1 million square feet – making it the largest of all NFL stadia.
Opened in 2020, it is one of the most expansive from a seating and visual standpoint, and of course, has a little sprinkling of Hollywood.
Both NFL teams from the city, the LA Rams and Chargers, play their home games at the Inglewood colosseum.
While the Rose Bowl in Pasadena was overlooked, Southern California can look forward to the 2026 World Cup before the 2028 Olympics in LA. It is still in contention for the World Cup final, alongside AT&T Stadium.
SoFi Stadium is just three miles from LAX Airport and a little further (11 miles) from Hollywood
The already-iconic Los Angeles stadium played host to the LA Rams 2021 Super Bowl victory
Arlington – AT&T Stadium
Location: Arlington, Texas
Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to 105,000)
The house that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones built will be a centerpiece at the upcoming World Cup.
Situated 19 miles from Dallas, the stadium affectionately known as Jerryworld, was opened in 2009 and has hosted several events from NFL football, the Gold Cup, a Super Bowl and an NBA All-Star Game.
With Texas fans having already shown their passion for Team USA inside the stadium for live screenings of the World Cup, expect a fervent atmosphere.
Home to America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium will be a premiere spot for soccer
Expandable up to an 105,000 capacity, the Arlington complex will be the biggest at the WC
Mexico City – Estadio Azteca
Location: Tialpan, Mexico City
Capacity: 87,523
Mexico’s most famous stadium will play host to the opening match of the tournament – if the US bid book remains true – group stage games, and most likely a Round of 16 match.
Having held NFL games as recently as last month, the Azteca is equipped to provide a thoroughly thrilling experience no matter the sport. Though it lives for futbol, as it is referred to within Mexico.
Home to the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, ‘The Colossus of Santa Ursula’ holds a special place in soccer history and will undoubtedly add a few chapters in 2026.
El Tri will feel right at home given it is where they play national team games. Club America and Cruz Azul also use it as their home stadium.
The Temple of Mexican Football is home to the national team, Club America and Cruz Azul
Diego Maradona famously lifted the World Cup trophy inside the Azteca after the 1986 Final
Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Capacity: 76,416
The awe-inspiring Arrowhead Stadium has seen much success of late as the home of the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the heart of middle America, fans who visit Arrowhead will be treated to soccer royalty and hospitality from heaven.
Built in 1972, the character-filled stadium has a classic seating bowl and underwent a $375million refurbishment recently. There will be another facelift before the 2026 tournament too.
Kansas City is known for its passionate fandom, both with the Chiefs, USMNT and Sporting KC
The Chiefs’ home stadium will be a soccer cauldron after undergoing a facelift prior to 2026
Vancouver – BC Place
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Capacity: 54,500
This Canadian classic is the larger of the two stadiums from the north involved in the World Cup.
It is the main hub for sports teams in British Columbia, including the MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps and CFL’s BC Lions.
Opened in 1983, it hosted the final of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was the main stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
BC Stadium presents itself as a jewel in the Vancouver skyline and will do so at the tournament
The longtime Vancouver stadium hosted the final of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Houston – NRG Stadium
Location: Houston, Texas
Capacity: 72,220 (expandable to 80,000)
Home to the struggling Texans, Houston will be craving some skillful play and entertainment at the World Cup.
Though given recent performances, both the NFL team and its soccer counterparts could be firing come 2026.
High school football, college football and USA international soccer games are also played at the venue – including the semi-final of Copa America Centenario.
The stadium opened in 2002 and will provide a platform for a big atmosphere.
Houston’s NRG Stadium is located 10 miles from downtown H-Town and is home to the Texans
Along with the NFL franchise, the venue is used for college football along with soccer
Atlanta – Mercedes Benz Stadium
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Capacity: 75,000 (expandable to 83,000)
One of the most impressive stadiums in all of North America is the relatively new Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Opening in 2017, it has already played host to some significant sporting events, including Super Bowl LIII, SEC Championship games and the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Many will be desperate to see their team placed inside the mesmerizing home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United.
The Georgia Bulldogs have played inside the stadium in CFB National Championship games
One of the greatest Super Bowls in recent memory (LIII) was played at the venue in 2019
Guadalupe – Estadio BBVA
The 53,460 Estadio BBVA is a phenomenal sight to behold situated in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon
Location: Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon
Capacity: 53,500
One of the more iconic and picturesque venues in the world of football is set to be descended upon in droves.
‘The Steel Giant’ opened in 2015 and has Liga MX side Monterrey as its tenants.
It also hosted the 2022 Women’s CONCACAF Final, where the United States defeated Canada 1-0.
The picturesque stadium is home to Liga MX side, Monterrey, and hosted the ’22 WCONCACAF
Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Capacity: 67,594
Opening in 2003, the Linc – as it is affectionately known – is full of the most passionate and well, interesting, fans in American sports.
Whether Philly’s USA fans can bring the same intensity they do for the visit of opposing NFL teams remains to be seen.
The stadium of course plays host to the Eagles NFL franchise, as well as college football for nearby Temple.
It has also hosted various European friendlies, both US national teams and was the early home of the Philadelphia Union.
Lincoln Financial Field is one of the more treasured stadiums – not for road teams – in the US
As mentioned, some of the more interesting fanatics happen to visit the Linc in Philadelphia
Seattle – Lumen Field
Location: Seattle, Washington
Capacity: 69,000 (expandable to 72,000)
Seattle Seahawks fans make Lumen Field one of the most intimidating places to visit for opposing NFL teams.
It has been a destination spot for those who love a magnificent sports atmosphere since it opened in 2002.
Both the Seahawks and MLS team, Seattle Sounders play at Lumen Field. OL Reign, the city’s NWSL team, and XFL team, Seattle Sea Dragons compete at the venue.
Lumen Field is a beautiful sight to behold and is in close proximity to downtown Seattle, WA
A variety of franchises including the Seattle Seahawks and MLS’s Sounders play at the venue
Guadalajara – Estadio Akron
Location: Zapopan, Jalisco
Capacity: 49,850
Inside the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area lies one of the more modernistic venues in Mexico – built in 2010.
Surrounded by forest and a nature reserve, the Akron Stadium is quite something to behold.
It is home to famous Liga MX side, Chivas. It will be part of the Round of 16 competition.
Estadio Akron, built in 2010, is home to Liga MX side Chivas, and will host Round of 16 games
Surrounded by forest and a nature reserve, the Akron Stadium is quiet something to behold
Santa Clara – Levi’s Stadium
Location: Santa Clara, California
Capacity: 70,909
Inconveniently positioned 43 miles from downtown San Francisco, Levi’s Stadium is home to the San Francisco 49ers.
The stadium itself is rather impressive and has a vertical seating structure synonymous with many of the finest stadiums in the US.
Since its opening in 2014 it has hosted the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, hosted Manchester United, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Super Bowl 50.
Games at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium often provide a wondrous skyline display in Summer
Contrary to popular belief, the 49ers’ home stadium is well outside of downtown San Francisco
Foxborough – Gillette Stadium
Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
Capacity: 65,878
Gillette Stadium and success have had a two-decade partnership for the New England Patriots.
While that may be waning in the years post-Tom Brady, it is still usually an unhappy hunting ground for road teams.
Opened in 2002, the Patriots share the stadium with MLS franchise, New England Revolution.
The New England Patriots have made Gillette Stadium a venue known all across the world
Patriots games are usually filled with fans ready to make a fearsome atmosphere for visitors
Miami – Hard Rock Stadium
Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
Capacity: 67,518
Miami, need we say anymore? A beautiful stadium in a magnificent city – this will certainly be on the bucket list of most fans traveling to North America.
Hard Rock Stadium opened in 1987 and is the home for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, as well as the University of Miami football team.
There have been several National Championship games, alongside World Series games at the venue, though that hasn’t occurred for almost two decades.
Hard Rock Stadium plays host to both the Miami Dolphins and University of Miami football
Miami recently hosted Super Bowl LIV between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers
