The 2026 FIFA World Cup is spread across 16 world-class stadiums in three countries. From the ancient cathedral of Estadio Azteca in Mexico City (opened in 1966) to the futuristic SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (opened in 2020), the variety and scale of the 2026 venues is unlike anything in World Cup history. Here's your complete guide to every stadium, host city, and what fans can expect.
👉 Back to our full 2026 World Cup Hub — groups, standings, schedule, and squads
The 2026 World Cup at a Glance
- Venues: 16 stadiums across 3 countries
- Host nations: USA (11 venues), Canada (2 venues), Mexico (3 venues)
- Opening match: June 11 — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Final: July 19 — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
- Total matches: 104 (48-team expanded format)
United States Venues (11 Stadiums)
MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York/NJ)
Capacity: 82,500 | Hosts: Group stage + Final
The crown jewel of World Cup 2026. MetLife Stadium will host the July 19 World Cup Final — the biggest sporting event on the planet. Home of the New York Giants and New York Jets, MetLife is the largest outdoor stadium in the NFL and one of the most modern in the world. East Rutherford is just across the Hudson River from New York City, easily accessible by rail from Penn Station.
Fan tip: NJ Transit runs direct trains from Penn Station (Midtown Manhattan) to the stadium stop. Book accommodation in Manhattan or Hoboken — they're well-connected and offer far more hotel options than the New Jersey suburbs.
AT&T Stadium — Arlington, Texas (Dallas)
Capacity: 80,000 | Hosts: Group stage + Semifinal
Known as "Jerry World" to NFL fans, AT&T Stadium is the Dallas Cowboys' home and one of the most luxurious sports venues on earth. The retractable roof, the massive center-hung scoreboard (the world's largest high-definition screen when it opened), and the art collection inside make it as much a spectacle as a stadium. One semifinal will be hosted here.
Fan tip: Arlington is between Dallas and Fort Worth — rent a car or use Uber/Lyft, as public transit options from downtown Dallas are limited. Book early: Dallas hotel prices will spike dramatically for World Cup dates.
SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, California (Los Angeles)
Capacity: 77,000 | Hosts: Group stage + Quarterfinal
The most expensive stadium ever built (approximately $5.5 billion), SoFi opened in 2020 as the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. The outdoor-feel with translucent roof gives it an LA aesthetic no other venue can match. Inglewood is minutes from LAX airport.
Fan tip: The Crenshaw/LAX Metro rail line makes the stadium accessible without a car. Book accommodation in Santa Monica, Culver City, or near LAX for best access.
Levi's Stadium — Santa Clara, California (San Francisco Bay Area)
Capacity: 68,500 | Hosts: Group stage + Round of 16
Home of the San Francisco 49ers in Silicon Valley. Levi's Stadium has excellent infrastructure for large international events and sits near the tech corridor in Santa Clara. The Bay Area's diverse soccer fan base will create electric atmospheres for group stage matches.
Fan tip: Take the VTA light rail from downtown San Jose directly to the stadium. Stay in San Jose or use hotels near the airport — San Francisco proper is 45+ minutes away by car.
Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Florida (Miami)
Capacity: 65,000 | Hosts: Group stage + Third-Place Match
Home of the Miami Dolphins and Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix. The Third-Place Match will be hosted here — a consolation prize for a venue that deserves better. Miami's Latin American soccer culture makes this one of the most anticipated fan environments of the entire tournament.
Fan tip: Miami's traffic is legendary — book accommodation close to the stadium in Miami Gardens, Aventura, or use the Brightline train from downtown Miami if available. The humidity in July is intense; dress accordingly.
Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Capacity: 69,000 | Hosts: Group stage + Round of 16
Home of the Philadelphia Eagles. "The Linc" is known for its ferocious fan atmosphere and central urban location. Philadelphia's soccer community is growing rapidly, anchored by the Philadelphia Union, and World Cup games here will be packed with passionate fans from across the Northeast.
Fan tip: SEPTA subway and rail lines connect directly to the sports complex. Stay in Center City Philadelphia — it's walkable to the transit hub and offers excellent hotels and restaurants.
Arrowhead Stadium — Kansas City, Missouri
Capacity: 76,000 | Hosts: Group stage + Round of 16
One of the loudest stadiums in the world and home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City is a surprise pick for many international fans but offers outstanding hospitality, great BBQ culture, and a central US location that draws fans from across the Midwest.
Fan tip: Rent a car — Kansas City is spread out and public transit to the stadium is limited. The Country Club Plaza neighborhood is where most visiting fans congregate for pregame and postgame activities.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
Capacity: 71,000 | Hosts: Group stage + Round of 16
Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is arguably the most architecturally stunning venue in American sports — the retractable "petal" roof is an engineering marvel. Atlanta's airport (Hartsfield-Jackson) is one of the busiest in the world, making it the most accessible city for international fans.
Fan tip: The MARTA rail system connects the airport to downtown Atlanta and to State Farm Arena, minutes from the stadium. Atlanta is the best-connected city for international arrivals in the US World Cup host cities.
Lumen Field — Seattle, Washington
Capacity: 68,740 | Hosts: Group stage
Home of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders (MLS). Seattle is one of the most passionate soccer cities in America — the Sounders regularly fill Lumen Field with 40,000+ fans for MLS matches. The Pacific Northwest atmosphere and the city's natural beauty make Seattle a top destination for international fans.
Fan tip: Downtown Seattle hotels are excellent and well-connected. Link Light Rail connects the airport to downtown in about 40 minutes.
Gillette Stadium — Foxborough, Massachusetts (Boston)
Capacity: 65,878 | Hosts: Group stage
Home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution. "Foxboro" is roughly 30 miles south of Boston, and the area turns into a tailgate paradise for major sporting events. Boston's soccer heritage — strong European and Latin American immigrant communities — will make this one of the loudest atmospheres of the group stage.
Fan tip: MBTA commuter rail runs special trains on game days from South Station in Boston to Gillette Stadium. Book accommodation in Boston — it's far more interesting than Foxborough, and the train service is reliable.
Canada Venues (2 Stadiums)
BMO Field — Toronto, Ontario
Capacity: 45,736 (expanded for World Cup) | Hosts: Group stage
Home of Toronto FC (MLS). BMO Field will be expanded to approximately 45,000+ for World Cup 2026, making it the smallest venue in the tournament. However, Toronto's incredible diversity — 200+ nationalities represented — creates the most globally representative fan atmosphere of any World Cup venue. Nearly every national team that plays in Toronto will have a significant fan contingent in the stands.
Fan tip: Downtown Toronto is excellent. BMO Field is in the Exhibition Place park, easily reachable by streetcar from Union Station. Accommodation in downtown Toronto — King West, Yorkville, or the entertainment district — puts you close to everything.
BC Place — Vancouver, British Columbia
Capacity: 54,500 | Hosts: Group stage
Home of the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS). BC Place is Canada's largest indoor stadium with a retractable roof, protecting against Vancouver's notorious June rain. Vancouver is widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in North America, with mountains, ocean, and world-class dining within minutes of downtown.
Fan tip: SkyTrain transit runs directly to the BC Place neighborhood. Stay anywhere in downtown Vancouver — it's a compact, walkable city. The Canada Line from the airport to downtown is fast and reliable.
Mexico Venues (3 Stadiums)
Estadio Azteca — Mexico City
Capacity: 87,523 | Hosts: Group stage + Opening Match
The most legendary soccer stadium in the world. Azteca hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and will now add the 2026 Opening Match to its legacy. The altitude (2,240 meters / 7,350 feet above sea level) affects players visibly — teams from low-altitude nations often struggle in Mexico City. The atmosphere is unlike anything else in world soccer.
Fan tip: Mexico City is safe and vibrant in the tourist and stadium areas. The Metro system is excellent and goes near the stadium. Altitude sickness is real — stay hydrated and rest your first day before attending games.
Estadio BBVA — Monterrey, Nuevo León
Capacity: 51,000 | Hosts: Group stage
Home of Club de Fútbol Monterrey (CF Monterrey), one of Mexico's premier clubs. Estadio BBVA is considered one of the most beautiful club stadiums in North America — surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains on three sides, it creates a stunning visual backdrop for World Cup matches.
Fan tip: Monterrey is close to the US-Mexico border — fans from Texas may consider driving. The Macroplaza (Grand Square) in downtown Monterrey is the city's fan zone hub.
Estadio Akron — Guadalajara, Jalisco
Capacity: 49,850 | Hosts: Group stage
Home of Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), Mexico's most popular club. Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest city and cultural heart — birthplace of mariachi, tequila, and the charreada. The stadium is modern, the city is passionate, and the fan culture here is uniquely Mexican.
Fan tip: Guadalajara is extremely well-connected by air. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport is one of Mexico's busiest, with direct flights from major US cities.
Which Stadium is the Best to Visit?
Our rankings for overall fan experience:
- Estadio Azteca — Bucket list. No stadium has more World Cup history.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) — Most beautiful building, best infrastructure.
- Estadio BBVA (Monterrey) — Mountain backdrop is stunning; city is underrated.
- SoFi Stadium (LA) — The luxury and the LA energy are unmatched.
- BMO Field (Toronto) — The diversity of the crowd makes every game feel like the whole world showed up.
Plan Your World Cup 2026 Trip on SportBusy
Keep all your World Cup 2026 planning in one place: