SPORTS DESK (MNN); The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest edition in history, jointly hosted for the first time by three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — across 16 stadiums.
The tournament will feature 48 teams, expanded from 32, and will be played from June 11 to July 19 across 12 groups and 104 matches, making it the most geographically spread World Cup ever held.
The 48 participating teams will include national sides from across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, England, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Uruguay, Colombia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Australia, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, and several other qualified teams from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania.
Matches will be staged across 11 stadiums in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada, with venues located thousands of kilometres apart, from Vancouver in Canada to Mexico City in Mexico.
Mexico Stadiums
The tournament will begin at Mexico City Stadium, one of football’s most iconic venues, where hosts Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match on June 11. The stadium, with a capacity of around 83,000, has previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.
Guadalajara Stadium, known for its volcanic-inspired design and passionate atmosphere, will host four matches. The 48,000-capacity venue is a major centre of Mexican football culture.
Monterrey Stadium, located against the scenic Cerro de la Silla mountains, will also host four matches. Opened in 2015, it accommodates around 53,500 fans and is known for its striking architectural backdrop.
Canada Stadiums
Toronto Stadium will host six matches between June 12 and July 3. Located near the waterfront, it seats around 45,000 spectators and serves as a key football venue in Canada.
Vancouver Stadium, located in downtown Vancouver, will host seven matches, making it one of the busiest venues of the tournament. With a capacity of 54,000, it is known for its skyline backdrop and major sporting history.
United States Stadiums
Seattle Stadium, with a 69,000 capacity, will host six matches and is known for its loud atmosphere and distinctive roof design.
San Francisco Bay Area Stadium will host six matches in Silicon Valley, featuring modern sustainable architecture and a capacity of 71,000.
Los Angeles Stadium will host eight matches, including a quarterfinal. Opened in 2020, it is one of the most advanced sports venues in the world.
Houston Stadium will stage seven matches, including knockout fixtures, in its 72,000-capacity arena.
Dallas Stadium, the largest venue of the tournament with 94,000 seats, will host nine matches, including a semifinal.
Kansas City Stadium will host six matches, while Atlanta Stadium will stage eight matches including a semifinal.
Miami Stadium will host seven matches, including the third-place playoff on July 19.
Philadelphia Stadium and Boston Stadium will each host six and seven matches respectively, including knockout-stage games.
Final Venue
The tournament will conclude at New York New Jersey Stadium, which will host the final on July 19, crowning the world champion. The 82,500-capacity venue is one of the most prominent stadiums in the United States.
