It’s been two years since the 2022 World Cup took centre stage in Qatar. Regarded as the best World Cup, we experienced a spectacle. Aside from the quality football, the stadiums designed to house the beautiful game were top-notch. From Stadium 974 to the Lusail Stadium, these venues were tourist attractions.
We are less than two years from the 2026 World Cup. For the first time, three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—will host the tournament. This will also be the first event to feature 48 teams. The games will be played across 16 stadiums in 16 cities.
The 2026 World Cup goes beyond football, providing a market for sports betting. You can cheer your nation to victory while selecting from popular deposit options for bettors to wager. There would be over 100 games to bet on, with unique odds.
That said, Kate Richardson has taken tours of the 2026 World Cup stadiums as she eagerly awaits the tournament. In this guide, she will share the top ten World Cup 2026 stadiums you must visit.
- MetLife Stadium
- Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
- Capacity: 82,500
- Matches: Opening ceremony and key knockout games
MetLife Stadium is known as the home of the NFL’s Giants and Jets. During the tournament, the field will be converted from Football to Soccer. It comes first on my stadiums for 2026 World Cup list due to its capacity, history, and proximity to New York City. It’s, therefore, an ideal 2026 World Cup stadium for world-class football and sightseeing.
- Estadio Azteca
- Location: Mexico City, Mexico
- Capacity: 83,264
- Matches: Group stages and quarter-finals
Estadio Azalea is one of the most famous venues in World Cup history. It is the only stadium to host two finals (1970, 1986). The infamous Maradona handball goal, which he described as “The hand of God,” took place here. The stadium is currently being renovated for the 2026 spectacle, and its sheer size is something you should experience.
- SoFi Stadium
- Location: Inglewood, California, USA
- Capacity: 70,240
- Matches: Group stages and semi-finals
Opened in September 2020, SoFi is a marvel of modern architecture. It’s said that the stadium can hold up to a thousand people even though the official capacity is slightly over 70,000. This makes it one of the biggest venues in the tournament history. Located in Los Angeles, you could take some time to explore Hollywood’s attractions.
- BC Place
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Capacity: 54,500
- Matches: Group stages
Canada would host a game for the first time in men’s World Cup history. BC Place happens to be one of the two selected venues, hosting group stage games. What I enjoyed the most during my visit was the retractable roof. This provided stunning views of Vancouver’s skyline. Although not big enough, BC Place has one of the best stadiums for the 2026 World Cup atmosphere.
- AT&T Stadium
- Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
- Capacity: 80,000
- Matches: Group stages and key knockout games
Nicknamed “Jerry World,” AT&T Stadium is one of the most aesthetically impressive arenas in the US. Although it’s a multipurpose arena, it has recently hosted Concacaf Gold Cup matches and international friendlies. There is a massive video screen holstered at the centre. This ensures you get a great 2026 World Cup stadium view no matter where you sit.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Capacity: 71,000
- Matches: Group stages and quarter-finals
Although the ’94 World Cup was in the United States, Atlanta wasn’t a host city. 2026 would be different, as the 71,000-capacity grounded spaceship Mercedes-Benz Stadium would host key fixtures. The 360-degree halo video board enhances the viewing experience. The area is expected to be a fan favourite when the competition begins.
- Lumen Field
- Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Capacity: 72,000
- Matches: Group stages
Lumen Field is famous for its intense atmosphere, which we can expect as one of the World Cup 2026 venues. The Sounders, Seattle’s Major League Soccer franchise, is among the best-supported in the country. The group stage games would be Seattle’s first World Cup experience, and you can expect a huge crowd.
- Hard Rock Stadium
- Location: Miami, Florida, USA
- Capacity: 65,326
- Matches: Group stages and Round of 16
Miami has plenty of experience hosting major sporting events like the Super Bowl. 2026 summer is expected to be the same, with a party atmosphere at the Hard Rock Stadium. Aside from football, you can visit the beaches and enjoy the tropical city. There is also a vibrant nightlife, making Miami a great holiday spot to watch the beautiful game.
- Levi’s Stadium
- Location: Santa Clara, California, USA
- Capacity: 68,500
- Matches: Group stages
Over a decade of operation, Levi’s Stadium has hosted several top events. This includes multiple Copa America and Gold Cup games. The arena is located in the heart of Silicon Valley. On the way to the stadium, you could go sightseeing at tech giants. Lastly, you can explore San Francisco for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
- Estadio BBVA
- Location: Guadalupe, Greater Monterrey, Mexico.
- Capacity: 53,500
- Matches: Group Stages
Estadio BBVA completes the list of World Cup stadiums 2026. Nicknamed “El Gigante de Acero” (The Steel Giant), it is a modern venue. Nestled against Cerro de la Silla mountain’s backdrop, Estadio BBVA offers stunning views. This blends with Greater Monterrey and Mexico’s passionate football atmosphere. It’s a must-visit if you step into Mexico
Conclusion
“Football is not just a game, it’s a way of life.” And Life is what we expect during 2026 summer with millions of people arriving in the host nations to experience the beautiful game. Think of this guide as the 2026 World Cup stadiums map, guiding your journey during the tournament. It’s an expert travel guide which I have used my expertise to create. From the 2026 world cup semi final stadium to the final arena, everything is featured here!
