This year’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar is coming to an end, which means soccer fans all over are most likely already looking towards the future–and in 2026 the competition will take place once again, for the first time in three countries and, for the first time, with 48 teams (16 more than the 32-team tournament, which has been the standard since 1998.)
So, when the time does arrive, here’s everything you’ll need to know about the 2026 World Cup:
Who will host the 2026 World Cup?
In 2026, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will host the World Cup.
In total, 16 cities will host matches. The U.S. will host the majority of the matches which will take place in the following cities:
- Foxborough, Massachusetts – Gillette Stadium
- East Rutherford, New Jersey – MetLife Stadium
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Lincoln Financial Field
- Atlanta, Georgia – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Miami Garden, Florida – Hard Rock Stadium
- Kansas City, Missouri – Arrowhead Stadium
- Arlington, Texas – AT&T Stadium
- Houston, Texas – NRG Stadium
- Inglewood, California – SoFi Stadium
- Santa Clara, California – Levi’s Stadium
- Seattle, Washington – Lumen Field
The Mexican host cities will be in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. Canadian host cities will be Vancouver and Toronto.
When did the U.S. last host the tournament?
In 1994, the 15th Men’s FIFA World Cup was hosted by the U.S. at nine stadiums across the country.
The U.S. hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999 and 2003 in eight different stadiums and six different stadiums, respectively.
When will the 2026 World Cup take place?
The start and end dates have not yet been announced. But what we do know is competition will go back to the traditional schedule and take place between the months of June and July.
“NYC is thrilled to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup” said Mayor Adams in a press release. “As mayor of one of the most diverse cities in the world — and one filled with soccer fans — I know our city represents the diversity of this world game and we couldn’t be more ready to welcome the world in 2026.”