The United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first time since 1994 it will lead the global tournament as a primary nation. Fifteen U.S. cities have been chosen to stage matches, a record for any host country. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a first for a World Cup final in the U.S.
The tournament expands to 48 teams for the first time, increasing the number of matches to 104. The U.S. will host 60 games, with Canada and Mexico each hosting 23. This marks the first time three nations have co-hosted the World Cup, a move FIFA says aims to grow the sport across North America.
Key Points
- ✅ First time U.S. co-hosts World Cup since 1994
- ⚡ 15 U.S. cities selected, including 16 stadiums
- 💡 Final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Dallas’ AT&T Stadium, and Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium are among the marquee venues. Smaller markets like Kansas City, Missouri, and Cincinnati, Ohio, will also host games, signaling a deliberate effort to spread the tournament’s economic impact. The selection process prioritized stadiums with natural grass surfaces and strong public transit links.
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| New York/New Jersey | MetLife Stadium | 82,500 |
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | 70,240 |
| Dallas | AT&T Stadium | 80,000 |
| Atlanta | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 71,000 |
| Kansas City | Arrowhead Stadium | 76,416 |
FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament reflects its strategy to globalize soccer. The U.S. bid, led by the U.S. Soccer Federation, promised $11 billion in economic benefits. Organizers face challenges, including stadium readiness and fan safety during a summer tournament amid extreme heat in some host cities.
💡 Pro Tip
For fans planning to attend, prioritize tickets early—demand will be highest for knockout-stage matches in major venues like New York and Los Angeles.
The U.S. has already begun infrastructure upgrades, including expanded transit in host cities and temporary stadium expansions. Security remains a top concern, with local and federal agencies coordinating closely ahead of the June-July tournament window. Critics question whether smaller markets like Cincinnati can handle the logistical demands of a World Cup match.
📋 By The Numbers
- 60 matches — Number of games the U.S. will host
- $11 billion — Projected economic benefit from U.S. host role
Mexico and Canada will co-host 46 matches, with Canada’s venues including Toronto’s BMO Field and Vancouver’s BC Place. The trio’s joint bid beat out Morocco’s lone offer, securing a historic tri-nation hosting deal. FIFA’s president has called the 2026 tournament a “milestone” for soccer’s growth in North America.
- June 8, 2026 — Tournament kickoff in Los Angeles
- July 19, 2026 — Final at MetLife Stadium
- July 26, 2026 — Closing ceremony in New York
The announcement caps years of bidding and preparation, with U.S. Soccer investing $100 million in bid costs alone. Organizers now face a compressed timeline to finalize stadium deals, secure sponsors, and ensure fan experiences meet FIFA’s standards.