2026 FIFA World Cup
With just one year to go, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—the first to be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—are ramping up at a feverish pace. This historic tournament, which will feature an expanded format of 48 teams for the first time, is set to be the biggest World Cup in history and a once-in-a-generation event for North America.
A Continent-Wide Celebration
The 2026 World Cup will unfold across 16 cities—11 in the United States, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. Each host city is racing against the clock to ensure stadiums, infrastructure, and transit systems are ready to welcome millions of fans from around the globe. The host cities include:
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United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle
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Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
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Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
“This is more than just a soccer tournament. It’s a chance for cities to shine on the world stage and leave a lasting legacy,” said FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani.
Stadium Upgrades and City Investments
Major renovations are underway at key stadiums, including MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which will become the first venue in history to host World Cup matches in three separate tournaments (1970, 1986, and 2026).
In Toronto and Vancouver, upgrades to transit infrastructure, public gathering spaces, and security protocols are in full swing. In the U.S., cities are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in enhancements not only to stadiums but also to local hospitality and transportation networks, including airport expansions and hotel developments.
“We’re preparing not just for the games, but for the weeks of events, concerts, fan festivals, and international tourism that will surround them,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
A Boost for Local Economies
Economists expect the 2026 World Cup to inject billions of dollars into the North American economy. Local businesses are hoping to see a boom in tourism, dining, and retail as visitors flood in.
According to a U.S. Soccer Federation estimate, each American host city could see economic impacts ranging from $160 million to $620 million.
“The World Cup offers a massive opportunity to showcase our city and support our small businesses,” said Houston city council member Maria Valdez.
Logistics and Coordination
Given the sheer scale of the tournament—spanning three countries, multiple time zones, and more than two dozen matches per nation—coordination among national governments, FIFA, and local authorities has been a priority.
Officials are working on streamlining visa processes for fans, enhancing airport capacity, and preparing for high-security requirements. Additionally, a regional transportation task force has been formed to address the expected surge in cross-border travel, especially between the U.S. and Mexico.
The Countdown Begins
With the clock ticking down to the summer of 2026, excitement is building. FIFA is expected to release the full match schedule and ticketing details in the coming months. Cities are already beginning to hold preview events, community celebrations, and countdown campaigns.
For soccer fans worldwide, the 2026 World Cup promises a fusion of football passion and North American spectacle unlike anything seen before. For the 16 host cities, it’s a chance to welcome the world—and make history.
As Kansas City Sports Commission President Kathy Nelson put it: “This isn’t just a soccer event—it’s a global moment. And we plan to make every second of it count.”
