2026 World Cup Stadiums, Pt. 1: United States
This tournament will utilize 16 stadiums across three countries, and here we will provide a comprehensive overview of the 2026 World Cup stadiums in the United States.
m88worldcups.com – The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a spectacular event hosted across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
With this expanded tournament, football fans’ anticipation is higher than ever, particularly as 75% of the matches will take place in the United States, while the remaining quarter of matches will be shared between Canada and Mexico.
The last time the World Cup was held in North America was in 1994, which is still considered one of FIFA’s greatest successes.
That tournament holds the record for the highest attendance, and although the 2022 World Cup in Qatar surpassed it financially, USA ’94 remains the gold standard for successful tournament organization.
This time, the World Cup returns to the Americas with Mexico and Canada as additional hosts, adding excitement and variety.
To prepare, let us review each stadium that will host matches, examining their football history, capacity, facilities, and notable features to anticipate during the tournament, starting with the 11 stadiums in the United States.
2026 World Cup Stadiums
1. AT&T Stadium: Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is one of the largest host stadiums for the 2026 World Cup and serves as the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
The stadium boasts a massive capacity and modern facilities, including a retractable roof and an iconic giant LED screen.
It has witnessed numerous memorable football moments, including Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Brazil in 2012.
Although it was only an international friendly, goals from Giovani dos Santos and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández made the evening unforgettable for El Tri.
Additionally, AT&T Stadium has regularly hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League matches over the years.
A highlight occurred in 2024 when the United States men’s national team defeated Mexico 2-0, with a stunning goal by Tyler Adams securing the USA’s third Nations League title.
The most recent major event at Arlington was the 2024 Copa América, including the USMNT’s 3-0 opening victory over Bolivia.
For the 2026 World Cup, AT&T Stadium will hold approximately 94,000 spectators and host nine matches, the highest number of any U.S. stadium. The stadium name will temporarily change to “Dallas Stadium” to comply with FIFA regulations.
Confirmed matches: Netherlands vs Japan, England vs Croatia, Argentina vs Austria, Jordan vs Argentina.
Matches TBD: Japan vs UEFA Playoff B winner, two Round of 32 matches, one Round of 16 match, and one semifinal.
2. MetLife Stadium: East Rutherford, New Jersey
MetLife Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup final. Opened in 2010 as a replacement for the iconic Giants Stadium from the 1994 World Cup, it continues to build its football legacy.
The stadium is known for its modern facilities, large capacity, and convenient transportation access for fans.
Besides being home to the New York Giants and Jets, its most famous football moment was Argentina’s 4-3 victory over Brazil in a June 2012 friendly, highlighted by Lionel Messi’s hat-trick.
It also hosted the 2016 Copa América Centenario final between Argentina and Chile, won by Chile on penalties, which temporarily prompted Messi to retire from international football.
MetLife also hosted Copa América 2024 and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea defeated PSG.
For the 2026 World Cup, MetLife Stadium will hold 82,500 spectators, feature natural grass, and temporarily be named “New York New Jersey Stadium.” It will host eight matches, including the final.
Confirmed matches: Brazil vs Morocco, France vs Senegal, Ecuador vs Germany, Norway vs Senegal, Panama vs England.
Matches TBD: one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match, and the final.
3. Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons, is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the tournament.
It is known for its futuristic architecture, retractable roof, and giant LED ring surrounding the pitch.
The stadium was the site of Atlanta United’s first and only MLS Cup victory in December 2018 under Tata Martino.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium also hosted the 2018 MLS All-Star Game, where Juventus defeated the MLS All-Stars on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Internationally, it hosted the 2019 Campeones Cup won by Atlanta United against Club América and the 2024 SheBelieves Cup featuring the U.S. women’s national team.
It will also host pre-World Cup friendlies for the USMNT against Portugal and Belgium in March.
For the World Cup, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will hold 75,000 spectators and host eight matches. Its name will temporarily change to “Atlanta Stadium.”
Confirmed matches: Spain vs Cape Verde, Spain vs Saudi Arabia, Morocco vs Haiti.
Matches TBD: South Africa vs UEFA Playoff D winner, Uzbekistan vs FIFA Playoff 1 winner, one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match, and one semifinal.
4. Arrowhead Stadium: Kansas City, Missouri
Arrowhead Stadium will host six matches and underwent a $50 million renovation before the tournament.
Known as the home of the Kansas City Chiefs, it also has a long football history with Sporting Kansas City.
Initially, it served as the home for Sporting Kansas City, formerly the Wizards, in early MLS, when attendance was sometimes very low compared to the 70,000-seat capacity. Over time, Kansas City grew into a true football city.
In April 2024, the stadium was filled with 72,000 spectators for Sporting KC vs Inter Miami, showing the fans’ high enthusiasm.
It also hosted U.S. women’s national team friendlies and Copa América 2024, including the USMNT’s shocking 1-0 defeat to Uruguay.
For the World Cup, Arrowhead Stadium will hold 73,000 spectators.
Confirmed matches: Argentina vs Algeria, Tunisia vs Netherlands, Algeria vs Austria, Ecuador vs Curaçao.
Matches TBD: one Round of 32 match and one quarterfinal.
5. NRG Stadium: Houston
NRG Stadium will hold 72,000 spectators for the World Cup and has long hosted major events, including the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Copa América, and Mexico national team matches.
Notable matches include Mexico’s victory over the United States in the 2025 Gold Cup final, Argentina’s penalty win over Ecuador in Copa América 2024, and Messi’s world-class free kick against the USMNT at the 2016 Copa América Centenario.
Confirmed matches: Germany vs Curaçao, Portugal vs Uzbekistan, Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia.
Matches TBD: Portugal vs FIFA Playoff 1 winner, Netherlands vs UEFA Playoff B winner, one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match.
6. Levi’s Stadium: San Francisco
Levi’s Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers, has hosted two Super Bowls and numerous significant matches.
In football, it regularly hosts a San Jose Earthquakes game each year and has been a venue for Copa América, Gold Cup, and Leagues Cup.
In 2016, Colombia defeated the United States 2-0 in the opening match of Copa América Centenario at the stadium.
During the 2025 MLS season, over 50,000 fans attended LAFC vs San Jose Earthquakes, with LAFC winning 4-2.
In July 2024, the stadium hosted a unique friendly between Wrexham and Chelsea that ended 2-2.
For the World Cup, Levi’s Stadium, temporarily named “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium,” will host six matches with a capacity of 70,000 spectators.
Confirmed matches: Qatar vs Switzerland, Jordan vs Algeria, Paraguay vs Australia, Austria vs Jordan.
Matches TBD: Paraguay vs UEFA Playoff C winner, one Round of 32 match.
7. SoFi Stadium: Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium, home to the LA Rams and Chargers, will host eight World Cup matches, including the United States’ opening match on June 12, 2026.
The stadium will undergo modifications, including replacing synthetic turf with natural grass and removing lower-tier seats to meet FIFA standards.
Confirmed matches: United States vs Paraguay, Iran vs New Zealand, Belgium vs Iran.
Matches TBD: United States vs UEFA Playoff C winner, Switzerland vs UEFA Playoff A winner, two Round of 32 matches, one quarterfinal.
8. Lincoln Financial Field: Philadelphia
Lincoln Financial Field, with a capacity of 69,000, will host six World Cup matches.
It has been a football hub since 2003, hosting international matches including the 2003 Women’s World Cup, 2025 Club World Cup matches, and international friendlies.
Confirmed matches: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, Brazil vs Haiti, Croatia vs Ghana, Ivory Coast vs Curaçao.
Matches TBD: France vs FIFA Playoff 2 winner, one Round of 16 match.
9. Lumen Field: Seattle
Lumen Field, home to Seattle Sounders, is famous for its passionate supporters and club achievements.
It will host six World Cup matches, including two knockout games, with a capacity of 69,000 spectators.
Confirmed matches: United States vs Australia, Belgium vs Egypt, Egypt vs Iran.
Matches TBD: Qatar vs UEFA Playoff A winner, one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match.
10. Gillette Stadium: Boston
Built on the site of Foxboro Stadium, one of the 1994 World Cup venues, Gillette Stadium will host seven 2026 World Cup matches with a capacity of 65,000 spectators.
Confirmed matches: England vs Ghana, Scotland vs Morocco, Haiti vs Scotland, Norway vs France.
Matches TBD: Norway vs FIFA Playoff 2 winner, one Round of 32 match, one quarterfinal.
11. Hard Rock Stadium: Miami
Hard Rock Stadium is a vibrant football center, particularly with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
It has hosted six Super Bowls, the 2024 Copa América final, and numerous other major events.
For the 2026 World Cup, Hard Rock Stadium will host seven matches with a capacity of 65,000 spectators.
Confirmed matches: Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia, Uruguay vs Cape Verde, Scotland vs Brazil, Colombia vs Portugal.
Matches TBD: one Round of 32 match, one quarterfinal, and the third-place playoff.
With these 11 stadiums, the United States is prepared to host the 2026 World Cup with a rich history, large capacity, modern facilities, and deep football heritage.
These stadiums are not merely venues but have witnessed many significant moments in international football, ensuring the tournament will be vibrant and full of excitement for fans worldwide.
For football enthusiasts wishing to experience the 2026 World Cup firsthand, visiting each stadium offers the opportunity to witness the world’s top players in action at the 2026 World Cup Stadiums.