In the summer of 2026, the world’s greatest football event returns to North America after 32 years. From Estadio Azteca in Mexico to the modern SoFi Stadium in California, the upcoming FIFA World Cup promises to be a continental celebration of the beautiful game.
Fans will trace the footsteps of legends, discover modern cathedrals of the sport, and witness history in the making as 16 iconic venues across North America transform into theatres of hope, heartbreak, and glory.
Start planning your journey by learning more about the stadiums that will host the elite of international soccer in 2026.
Mexico
Mexico City – Estadio Azteca
Estadio Azteca, steeped in history, is one of the only stadiums to have hosted two FIFA World Cup finals (1970, 1986). This iconic venue etched unforgettable moments in football lore: Pelé lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1970 and Maradona’s electrifying “Hand of God” goal and “Goal of the Century” against England in 1986. Its volcanic-earth aesthetic and passionate atmosphere make it a must-visit for soccer travellers. For 2026, it will again host the opening match—melding grandeur, tradition, and travel excitement in the heart of North America’s soccer story.
Capacity: Approx. 87,523
Regular tenants: Mexico national team; Cruz Azul
2026 fixtures: Opening match, Three group-stage games, Round of 32, Round of 16
Inauguration: October 29, 1966
Airport: Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)
Guadalajara – Estadio AKRON
Estadio AKRON stands as the modern jewel of Mexican football, home to the legendary C.D. Guadalajara (Chivas) and inaugurated in 2010. Its innovative, bowl-shaped design offers excellent sightlines and fan amenities. While not yet steeped in World Cup history, it hosted key matches during the 2011 Copa América and Liga MX finals. For soccer-loving travellers, its integration of contemporary architecture with local culture makes it compelling. In 2026, it will host four group‑stage games, offering fans an immersive football travel experience in one of Mexico’s most vibrant cities.
Capacity: Approx. 48,850
Regular tenant: C.D. Guadalajara (Chivas)
2026 fixtures: Four group-stage matches
Inauguration: July 30, 2010
Airport: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara Int’l (GDL)
Monterrey – Estadio BBVA
Estadio BBVA, inaugurated in 2015, represents the cutting edge of stadium design in North America. Built into the scenic mountainside of Guadalupe, Nuevo León, the “Steel Giant” draws architectural acclaim for its sleek, open-air bowl and eco-friendly construction. Although too new to host earlier World Cup events, it has become a fortress for C.F. Monterrey and hosted several high-profile Liga MX finals and CONCACAF Champions League finals. The 2026 tournament will see it host four initial matches and one Round of 32 game, offering soccer travellers a blend of cutting-edge architecture and intense local atmosphere.
Capacity: 53,500
Regular tenant: C.F. Monterrey
2026 fixtures: Three group-stage, one Round of 32
Inauguration: August 2, 2015
Airport: Monterrey International Airport (MTY)
Canada
Toronto – BMO Field
BMO Field, prominently located on Toronto’s waterfront, received major expansions ahead of its role in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Its atmosphere is electric during Toronto FC’s MLS nights, highlighting modern football stadium comforts—open concourses, clear sightlines, and a soccer-specific design. Though it hasn’t yet played host to global football finals, it embraces its growing legacy with international friendlies and CONCACAF matches. In 2026, it’s scheduled for five group‑stage matches and one Round of 32, placing Toronto at the heart of North America’s football travel route.
Capacity: 45,736 (expanded)
Regular tenant: Toronto FC (MLS)
2026 fixtures: Five group-stage, one Round of 32
Inauguration: April 16, 2007
Airport: Toronto Pearson International (YYZ)
Vancouver – BC Place
BC Place, with a retractable roof and located between the Pacific and the North Shore mountains, currently hosts the MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps and the CFL’s BC Lions (Canadian Football League). Regenerated in 2011 with a new cable-supported roof and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, it’s staged major events like the 2015 Women’s World Cup opening, Winter Olympics ceremonies, and MLS finals. For 2026, BC Place will host five group-stage matches, a Round of 32 and a Round of 16 match, making it a key stop for travellers blending modern facilities, dramatic landscapes, and football fervour.
Capacity: 54,500
Regular tenant: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)
2026 fixtures: Five group-stage, Round of 32 & 16
Inauguration: June 19, 1983 (re‑opened 2011)
Airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
United States
U.S. Northeast
East Rutherford (New York/New Jersey) – MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium stands as the grand stage destined to host the final on July 19, 2026, capping the expansive North American adventure of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Opened in 2010 on the hallowed grounds of Giants Stadium, the venue has already welcomed major international football events, including the 2014 Copa América and the 2024 FIFA Club World Cup final matches, showcasing its ability to unite massive crowds in a metropolitan setting. Located just across the Hudson, it provides unmatched access for soccer travellers seeking the excitement of New York City, alongside world-class matchday energy. The sheer scale of the final, paired with the pulsating atmosphere of this stadium, ensures a climax worthy of global football fans.
Capacity: 82,500
Regular tenants: New York Giants and New York Jets (NFL)
2026 fixtures: Five group-stage matches, Round of 32, Round of 16, Final
Inauguration: April 10, 2010
Airport: Newark Liberty International (EWR)
U.S. South
Miami – Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium, located in Miami Gardens and slathered in ocean air and Art Deco flair, has been home to six Super Bowls and a World Series, but it’s on the cusp of its brightest football/soccer moment yet. The stadium was recently upgraded for AFC and NFL events, installing terraces, a new roof, and upgraded video infrastructure. In 2026, Miami Stadium will radiate global attention, hosting four group matches, a Round of 32 clash, a quarter-final and the 3rd place playoff—perfectly matching the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry and ideal for sports travellers combining beach, nightlife, and football.
Capacity: Approx. 65,326
Regular tenant: Miami Dolphins (NFL)
2026 fixtures: 4 group-stage, Round of 32, Quarter-final, Third place play-off ([en.wikipedia.org][5])
Inauguration: 1987 (major renovation 2016)
Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
Atlanta – Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
Opening its petals in 2017 with a revolutionary retractable roof, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is a standout in North America’s football travel circuit. With a panoramic, city-facing curtain wall and eco-conscious design—including solar panels and rainwater harvesting—this stadium has already hosted the 2024 Copa América opener and made history in club football with major finals. In 2026, Atlanta will welcome five group-stage encounters, a Round of 32, Round of 16, plus a semifinal—bringing the crescendo of global football right to the Georgian capital and ensuring a unique blend of Southern hospitality and sporting grandeur.
Capacity: 71,000
Regular tenants: Atlanta Falcons (NFL); Atlanta United (MLS)
2026 fixtures: 5 group-stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, Semifinal
Inauguration: August 26, 2017
Airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
Houston – NRG Stadium
NRG Stadium in Houston has long blended versatility and community spirit with a retractable roof ideal for the Gulf Coast’s sweltering climate. Known for hosting Super Bowl LI and deep playoff runs, it has proven its event readiness and will stand at the center of travel preparations for soccer. In 2026, it will host seven matches—including a Round of 16 game—allowing soccer travelers to experience Houston’s rich mix of Tex‑Mex cuisine, space age scenery, and sporting pride.
Capacity: 72,220 (up to 80,00)
Regular tenant: Houston Texans (NFL)
2026 fixtures: Seven matches, including Round of 16
Inauguration: August 16, 2002
Airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU)
U.S. Midwest
Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is known not only for a record-breaking roar but also for its deep connection to Midwest sports culture. Home of the Chiefs since 1972, this cauldron of noise once shattered Guinness records and has hosted major soccer friendlies and international matches. In 2026, its 76,640 seats will roar again during multiple group-stage games, another knockout match, and a quarter-final, providing travelers a deep-dish and trophy tour of BBQ, jazz, and intense football passion.
Capacity: Approx. 76,400
Regular tenant: Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
2026 fixtures: Four group-stage, one Round of 32, one Quarter-final
Inauguration: October 1972
Airport: Kansas City International (MCI)
U.S. West
Seattle – Lumen Field
Located beside the water and with a backdrop of Mt. Rainier, Lumen Field has become a cathedral of football travel experiences since opening in 2002. Famed for its deafening atmosphere and soccer passion, it hosted U.S. World Cup qualifier triumphs and a multitude of MLS and national team fixtures. It also hosted FIFA World Club World Cup games in 2025, hosting powerhouses such as Botafogo, Atlético de Madrid and PSG. In 2026, Seattle Stadium will host four group matches and two knockout-later games—offering fans a fusion of Cascadia culture, tech-city vibrancy, and grass-roots football fervour.
Capacity: 68,740
Regular tenants: Seattle Seahawks (NFL); Seattle Sounders (MLS)
2026 fixtures: Four group-stage, Two knockout-stage
Inauguration: July 28, 2002
Airport: Seattle–Tacoma International (SEA)
Los Angeles (Inglewood) – SoFi Stadium
Designed to redefine North American arenas, SoFi Stadium debuted in 2020 with an ethereal twin-sided video board and translucent roof. Though initially criticized for its narrow field requiring modifications, it will host the USA’s first match on June 12 and eight fixtures total, including a quarter-final. For global football/soccer travellers, SoFi combines Hollywood glam, cutting-edge design, and beachside access—making it an unmissable football travel destination.
Capacity: 70,000
Regular tenants: Los Angeles Rams & Chargers (NFL); occasional MLS
2026 fixtures: Five group-stage, Two Round of 32, Quarter-final
Inauguration: September 8, 2020
Airport: Los Angeles International (LAX)
San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium
Commanding the landscape of Silicon Valley, Levi’s Stadium opened in 2014 and will host six World Cup matches in 2026. Known for its NFL pedigree and environmental innovation—solar power, recycled water, bowl design—it aligns seamlessly with international football’s emphasis on universal access and fan comfort. It positions fans to sample the Bay’s culinary legacy, wine country excursions, and tech-forward stadium experiences.
Capacity: 70,000 (expandable to 75,000)
Regular tenant: San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
2026 fixtures: Six matches (group-stage & Round of 32)
Inauguration: July 17, 2014
Airport: Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International (SJC) or San Francisco International (SFO)
Boston – Gillette Stadium (Foxboro)
Gillette Stadium sits just outside Boston, blending North American football travel with a fanbase known for its historic and passionate sports culture. Home to NFL’s Patriots and MLS’s Revolution, its design offers soccer/football fans excellent sightlines. In 2026, it will host several group matches and Round of 16 games—offering travellers a vivid mix of colonial history, modern sports, and New England charm.
Capacity: 64,628
Regular tenants: New England Patriots (NFL); New England Revolution (MLS)
2026 fixtures: multiple group-stage & Round of 16
Inauguration: September 9, 2002
Airport: Boston Logan International (BOS)