The 2022 World Cup is set to begin this November, but it’s not too early to look ahead to 2026.
For the first time since 1994, the World Cup is coming to North America in 2026. Matches will be played across three countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The U.S. previously hosted the World Cup in 1994, while Mexico hosted in 1970 and 1986. Canada, which hosted the women’s World Cup in 2015, has never held men’s World Cup matches in the nation.
On Thursday, FIFA unveiled the 16 host cities for the 2026 event. There were 11 American cities, three Mexican cities and two Canadian cities selected. It is the first World Cup to be played in three different countries, and will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams competing for the title.
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New York and New Jersey were named one of the 16 host cities, with the games to be played at MetLife Stadium. Hundreds of soccer fans were in attendance at Liberty State Park for the watch party event leading up to the announcement.
It is the second time that the tri-state has hosted World Cup matches, with games played at the old Giants Stadium in East Rutherford.
Here’s a look at all 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup:
Sports
United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle
Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
The cities were organized and revealed by region on the broadcast:
East: Boston, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Toronto
Central: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Mexico City, Monterrey
West: Guadalajara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver
The 2026 World Cup is expected to return to its traditional summer window (June-July) after the 2022 World Cup was moved due to extreme summer heat in Qatar. It will also be the first World Cup with an expanded field of 48 teams (up from 32).
