FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadiums and Fixtures: Complete Guide to Host Cities, Venues, and Matches
The FIFA World Cup 2026 marks a new era for international football. For the first time, the world’s biggest sporting event will be hosted by three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This historic tournament brings together 48 national teams, expanded from the traditional 32, creating more matches, more drama, and more opportunities for fans worldwide.
The competition will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, lasting 39 days and featuring 104 matches. These games will be spread across 16 world-class stadiums, making it the largest World Cup in history in terms of scale, geography, and attendance.
With iconic football venues, modern NFL stadiums, and passionate host cities, the FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums will deliver unforgettable moments from the opening match to the grand final.
Overview of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Format
The tournament introduces a 12-group format, with four teams in each group. After the group stage:
- The top two teams from each group qualify
- The eight best third-placed teams also advance
- A new Round of 32 begins the knockout phase
This expanded structure increases competition while allowing more nations to showcase their talent on the world stage. As a result, fans can enjoy more high-quality matches throughout the tournament.
Complete List of FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadiums
Sixteen stadiums across North America will host the tournament. These venues were selected based on capacity, infrastructure, fan experience, and FIFA technical standards. Many stadiums will install temporary natural grass, and all will use neutral names during the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadiums Table
| Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|
| AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium) | 94,000 |
| Estadio Banorte (Mexico City Stadium) | 83,000 |
| MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey Stadium) | 82,500 |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium) | 75,000 |
| GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Stadium) | 73,000 |
| NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium) | 72,000 |
| Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco Bay Area Stadium) | 71,000 |
| SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium) | 70,000 |
| Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium) | 69,000 |
| Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) | 69,000 |
| Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium) | 65,000 |
| Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium) | 65,000 |
| BC Place (BC Place Vancouver) | 54,000 |
| Estadio BBVA (Estadio Monterrey) | 53,500 |
| Estadio Akron (Estadio Guadalajara) | 48,000 |
| BMO Field (Toronto Stadium) | 45,000 |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadiums in Canada
Toronto Stadium (BMO Field)
Toronto Stadium will host Canada’s opening group match. Expanded to around 45,000 seats, it is home to Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts. This venue played a key role when Canada qualified for the 2022 World Cup after a 36-year absence.
BC Place, Vancouver
BC Place previously hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and offers a retractable roof for weather protection. With a capacity of about 54,000, it will host group and knockout matches, including Canada’s second group game.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadiums in Mexico
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Estadio Azteca is one of the most historic stadiums in football history. It hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, welcoming legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona. In 2026, it will host the opening match on June 11, featuring Mexico vs South Africa.
Estadio Guadalajara (Akron)
Located in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, this modern stadium holds around 49,000 fans. It is home to C.D. Guadalajara and will host several group stage matches.
Estadio Monterrey (BBVA)
Known as El Gigante de Acero (The Steel Giant), Estadio Monterrey has a capacity of 53,500. It combines modern design with passionate local support and will host group and Round of 32 matches.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadiums in the United States
The United States hosts 11 stadiums, the most of any nation. These venues are known for size, technology, and fan atmosphere.
Dallas Stadium, Texas
Dallas Stadium is the largest venue, with a capacity close to 94,000. It will host nine matches, including a semi-final, making it the tournament’s busiest stadium.
New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife)
MetLife Stadium will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19. With a capacity of 82,500, it previously hosted the Copa America final and remains one of the most important venues.
Atlanta Stadium
Atlanta Stadium features a retractable roof and a unique circular design. It will host eight matches, including a semi-final, and is home to Atlanta United FC and the Atlanta Falcons.
Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi)
SoFi Stadium is one of the most modern stadiums in the world. It will host the USA’s opening match against Paraguay and later serve as the venue for the 2028 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.
Miami Stadium
Miami Stadium will host seven matches, including the third-place playoff. It regularly hosts NFL games, Formula 1, and major tennis tournaments.
Kansas City Stadium
Known as one of the loudest stadiums in the world, Kansas City Stadium offers an intense atmosphere. It will host group and knockout matches, including Argentina’s group fixture.
Additional U.S. Venues
- Houston Stadium – frequent USMNT venue
- Boston Stadium – hosted the 2003 Women’s World Cup
- Philadelphia Stadium – opened with Barcelona vs Manchester United
- Seattle Stadium – famous skyline views and fan noise
- San Francisco Bay Area Stadium – hosted Super Bowl 50
Key Fixtures and Match Highlights
The FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture list spreads excitement across the continent.
Tournament Opening Match
- June 11, 2026
- Mexico vs South Africa
- Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Host Nation Group Matches
- USA vs Paraguay – June 12, Los Angeles Stadium
- USA vs Australia – June 19, Seattle Stadium
- Canada opening match – June 12, Toronto Stadium
- Mexico second group match – Guadalajara Stadium
Knockout Stage Timeline
- Round of 32 – Starts June 27
- Round of 16 – Early July
- Quarter-finals – Mid-July
Semi-Finals and Final
- Semi-finals
- July 15 – Dallas Stadium
- July 15 – Atlanta Stadium
- Third-Place Match
- July 18 – Miami Stadium
- Final
- July 19 – MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey)
Stadiums Hosting the Most Matches
| Stadium | Matches | Key Games |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Stadium | 9 | Semi-final, knockouts |
| Atlanta Stadium | 8 | Semi-final |
| Los Angeles Stadium | 8 | USA opener |
| New York/New Jersey Stadium | 8 | Final |
| Miami Stadium | 7 | Third-place match |
Ticketing, Travel, and Fan Experience
Tickets are sold exclusively through FIFA’s official platform, with hospitality packages released first. Fans are advised to avoid unofficial resellers. Major host cities offer excellent air and rail connections, making inter-city travel smooth.
Many stadiums focus on sustainability, including solar power, reduced plastic use, and upgraded public transport. Fan zones across host cities will enhance the overall World Cup experience.
FAQs
Sixteen stadiums across the USA, Canada, and Mexico will host the tournament.
The final will be played on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
The tournament includes 104 matches, the most in World Cup history.
Dallas Stadium hosts nine matches, including a semi-final.
No. FIFA requires neutral stadium names for all official matches.
Final Thoughts
The FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums combine historic football grounds with cutting-edge modern arenas. With 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations, this tournament sets a new benchmark for global football events. From the legendary Estadio Azteca to the grand finale at MetLife Stadium, the 2026 World Cup promises unforgettable memories for fans around the world.
Check Also: FIFA World Cup 2022 Schedule, Groups, Fixtures, Teams
