what state is the 2026 world cup

2 min read 14-03-2025

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is an exciting event, jointly hosted by three North American countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This means the tournament will be spread across multiple states and provinces. Let's delve deeper into which US states will be hosting matches.

US States Hosting 2026 World Cup Matches

The United States will host the lion's share of the 2026 World Cup matches. Eleven states are lucky enough to welcome teams and fans:

California: Los Angeles will be a major hub, leveraging its existing infrastructure and passionate soccer fanbase.
Arizona: Phoenix's State Farm Stadium, a familiar site for NFL fans, will host World Cup action.
Texas: Both Dallas (AT&T Stadium) and Houston (NRG Stadium) will contribute to the excitement.
Florida: Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, known for its Super Bowl appearances, will host matches.
Washington: Seattle's Lumen Field, home to the Seattle Sounders, is ready for international competition.
New Jersey: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will provide a Northeast location for games.
Massachusetts: Gillette Stadium in Foxborough will be a key venue in New England.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field will bring the excitement to the East Coast.
Kansas: Kansas City's GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will showcase Midwestern hospitality.
Georgia: Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a modern marvel, will host World Cup matches.
New York: MetLife Stadium (shared with New Jersey) ensures a significant presence for the New York metro area.

Beyond the US: Mexico and Canada's Role

While the US hosts the majority of games, Mexico and Canada are vital partners. Mexico's contribution includes matches in three cities:

Mexico City
Guadalajara
Monterrey

Canada will host matches in these two cities:

Toronto
Vancouver

Why These States and Cities?

The selection process considered several crucial factors:

Stadium Capacity: Venues needed to meet FIFA's minimum capacity requirements to accommodate large crowds.
Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure, including transportation and accommodation, played a major role.
Fan Base: Cities with a demonstrably passionate soccer fanbase were prioritized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which state will host the most World Cup matches in 2026?

While the exact distribution of matches is still being finalized, it's highly likely that California (Los Angeles) and Texas (Dallas/Houston) will host a significant number.

Will there be matches in smaller cities?

No, the chosen cities are all major metropolitan areas with substantial stadium capacity and existing infrastructure.

When is the 2026 World Cup?

The tournament is scheduled for June and July 2026.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a spectacular event, spread across a vast expanse of North America. Fans across the United States, specifically in the eleven states listed above, along with those in Canada and Mexico, will have the chance to witness world-class soccer. Get ready for a truly unforgettable sporting experience!