The wait for football fans worldwide is over. FIFA has officially announced the calendar and venues for the next game World Cup 2026, a tournament that promises to be historic for several reasons. For the first time, the competition is expanding to 48 teams, reflecting the growth and universality of the beautiful game. The tournament is organized by three nations: Mexico, the United States and Canada, becoming an unprecedented collaboration in the history of global sporting events.
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The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated and ambitious sporting events in recent history. With FIFA at the helm, this tournament will not only represent a significant expansion in the number of participating teams – from 32 to 48 – but will also involve unprecedented logistics as it will take place in three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada . . This historic decision promises to diversify the experience World as it will offer fans and teams a greater diversity of cultures, climates and stadiums. The selection of venues was a careful process, seeking not only infrastructure of the highest standard, but also the ability to reflect the global spirit and inclusivity that FIFA aims to promote with this edition of the tournament.
The stadiums selected for the 2026 World Cup are symbolic for various reasons. In Mexico, the Azteca Stadium, a colossus of world football and venue for two World Cup finals, will open the tournament. This once again underlines its historical and cultural significance for the beautiful game. In the United States, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey was chosen to host the final. This venue is a modern stadium with a significant capacity, reflecting the growth of football in the country. In Canada, cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are preparing to welcome fans into stadiums that have hosted major international sporting events, underscoring the country's role in soccer's global growth.
Which stadium will host the first and last game of the 2026 World Cup?
The emblematic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, will have the honor of opening the 2026 World Cup, marking the third time this stadium will host the opening game of a World Cup. This fact underlines the historical and cultural importance of football in Mexico. On the other hand, the tournament will reach its climax MetLife Stadium, located in East RutherfordNew Jersey, a setting that promises an unforgettable finale in front of spectators from all over the world.
Information about the stadiums. Photo: FIFA
What did FIFA President Gianni Infantino say about the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed his excitement about the expanded format of the tournament and the cooperation between the three host countries. He emphasized the importance of this event as an opportunity to unite nations and show the shared passion for football. Infantino highlighted the critical role of the selected venues, including Estadio Azteca and MetLife Stadium, in creating an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.
What will the 2026 World Cup calendar look like?
The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 and will include a total of 104 games in 16 stadiums in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Not only does this schedule promise more football than ever before, but it is also designed to minimize travel and ensure player well-being. The venues have been carefully selected to provide the teams and their fans with the best possible experience on and off the pitch.
Official World Cup calendar. Photo: FIFA
Which cities in Mexico, the United States and Canada will be venues?
The host cities in Mexico, the USA and Canada include important metropolises such as Mexico City, New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Toronto, Guadalajara, Vancouver and Seattle. The 104 games will be spread across 16 stadiums across these three countries, ensuring broad and diverse geographical representation. This layout is designed to minimize travel and maximize the experience for players and fans, while offering a variety of cultures and environments at each location.