Mexico City, Mexico will host the opener of the 2026 World Cup next June, with New York City, USA selected as the location for the final game. This announcement by FIFA on Sunday detailed the chosen venues for the upcoming tournament, with matches set to take place across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
In addition to the finals in New York and the opener in Mexico City, other significant venues include Los Angeles for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), as well as other influential stadiums such as Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, MetLife Stadium in New York, and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
This decision by FIFA solidifies North America as the hub for the 2026 World Cup, making it the first time the World Cup will be hosted by three countries. With a significant amount of tournament games occurring in the U.S., this serves as a testament to the growing popularity of soccer in the country.
The allocation of venues permits diverse regions to participate in the excitement of the World Cup, marking the first time that every match of the tournament will be held in three different nations. This decision symbolizes a significant milestone for soccer in North America and underlines the efforts to increase the sport’s presence in these regions.
The decision to spread the tournament across three countries signifies a unique and historic opportunity for the entire North American continent to come together and celebrate the world’s game. The participation of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico embodies the values of unity and cooperation that soccer can foster. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, anticipation and excitement for the tournament are already building in the host nations.
In preparation for the monumental event, the three nations involved will work together to ensure seamless coordination and cooperation in hosting the world’s most significant soccer tournament. This effort not only represents an opportunity to showcase the passion and talent of soccer on a global stage but also highlights the shared commitment to uniting the world through the beautiful game.