host cities for FIFA 2026
With just two years to go, preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are well underway. This edition of the tournament will be groundbreaking in many ways, as it will be the first-ever to be hosted by three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The excitement is building not only among fans but also within the football community as teams, cities, and organizers ramp up their efforts for what promises to be a historic event.
Here’s a comprehensive look at today’s key developments, host city preparations, team news, and what to expect from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
1. Expanding the Tournament: New Format and More Teams
One of the biggest changes for the 2026 World Cup is the expanded format, which will see 48 teams competing, up from the previous 32. This increase allows for greater participation from countries across the globe, giving more nations the opportunity to showcase their talent on football’s biggest stage.
The new format will feature 16 groups of three teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stages. This will result in a more intense competition, with every match carrying significant weight. Fans can expect a tournament filled with unpredictability, as more nations—especially from emerging football regions—will be competing.
2. Host City Preparations: A Global Event on a Massive Scale
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be spread across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it one of the most geographically diverse tournaments ever. Each country is working tirelessly to prepare its venues and infrastructure to ensure a seamless experience for both fans and teams.
United States
With 11 cities hosting matches in the US, including iconic venues like MetLife Stadium in New York, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and AT&T Stadium in Dallas, the country is pulling out all the stops. U.S. cities are investing heavily in stadium upgrades, public transport, and fan zones. In particular, cities like Miami and Seattle are focusing on enhancing their international airport capacities to handle the influx of millions of fans from around the globe.
The U.S. government has also begun discussions on implementing a streamlined visa process for international visitors, ensuring that fans can travel smoothly between host cities.
Canada
Canada will host matches in Toronto, Vancouver, and possibly Montreal (pending final agreements). Canadian cities are also preparing state-of-the-art stadiums and infrastructure. BC Place in Vancouver and BMO Field in Toronto are undergoing renovations to meet FIFA’s stringent requirements. Canadian organizers are keen to capitalize on the World Cup’s ability to boost tourism, expecting thousands of visitors from across the world.
Mexico
Mexico, a football powerhouse in its own right, will host matches in three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which has already hosted two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986), is undergoing extensive renovations to ensure that it can host yet another historic tournament. The Mexican government is also focused on enhancing transportation networks and security measures to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
3. Sustainability and Legacy Projects
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just about football—it’s also about creating a lasting legacy for the host countries. FIFA and the local organizing committees have committed to making the 2026 World Cup one of the most environmentally sustainable tournaments in history. This includes implementing carbon-neutral stadiums, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting public transportation options to reduce emissions.
In addition to environmental sustainability, host cities are working on legacy projects that will benefit local communities long after the tournament ends. Investments in stadiums, roads, airports, and public spaces are expected to boost the local economy and improve infrastructure, particularly in cities like Monterrey and Toronto.
4. Teams Begin Preparations
As the tournament nears, national teams around the world are starting their preparations in earnest. The 2026 World Cup will feature teams from six confederations, and qualifiers are already underway in several regions. While traditional football powerhouses like Brazil, Germany, France, and Argentina are expected to qualify comfortably, the expanded format gives hope to smaller nations that have never competed at the World Cup before.
Many teams are beginning to scout talent and develop new strategies, with an eye on the unique challenges of the tournament. For instance, the USA is looking to build a strong, young team capable of competing on home soil, while Canada, fresh off its participation in the 2022 World Cup, is hoping to capitalize on the momentum and make a deep run in 2026.
5. Fan Engagement and Ticketing
FIFA has already begun rolling out its fan engagement programs for the 2026 World Cup, ensuring that football lovers around the globe can participate in the buildup to the tournament. The FIFA Fan Fest, which has been a highlight of previous World Cups, will be expanded to more cities in the host countries, giving fans a chance to enjoy the tournament atmosphere even if they aren’t attending the matches in person.
Regarding ticketing, FIFA is expected to open the first round of ticket sales in early 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting this opportunity, as demand is expected to be exceptionally high due to the tournament’s historic nature and the football culture in North America. FIFA has promised to prioritize accessibility and ensure affordable ticket options for fans from all walks of life.
6. Economic Impact and Tourism Boom
The economic impact of the 2026 World Cup is expected to be massive, with billions of dollars flowing into the host countries’ economies. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto are gearing up for a tourism boom, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses preparing for the influx of fans from across the globe. It’s estimated that the tournament will create thousands of jobs in the hospitality and tourism sectors, providing a significant boost to local economies.
For the host countries, the World Cup presents a unique opportunity to showcase their culture, infrastructure, and ability to host major international events, which could lead to future tourism and investment opportunities.
With just two years until the FIFA World Cup 2026, preparations are ramping up across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded format, increased sustainability efforts, and fan-centric initiatives are all contributing to the anticipation surrounding this historic tournament. As teams begin to finalize their rosters and host cities make final preparations, the excitement is palpable.
For football fans, the 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the sport, with more teams, more cities, and more action than ever before.
