Sixteen host cities have been chosen for the World Cup: three in Canada, three in Mexico, and ten in the U.S. These cities are divided into three regions to minimize team travel time. However, given the vast distances involved, travel will still be a prominent aspect of this World Cup.
The Western Region includes Vancouver, Seattle, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles. The Central Region consists of Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, as well as Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City. In the Eastern Region, teams may travel as far north as Toronto and as far south as Miami, with Boston, New York / New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Atlanta in between.
Dallas will host the most games, with a total of nine, making it the city with the highest number of matches. Atlanta, New York / New Jersey, and Los Angeles follow closely behind, hosting eight games each. Guadalajara and Monterrey will host the fewest games, with four each.
The tournament will kick off on Thursday, June 11th, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a legendary stadium that has witnessed the triumphs of soccer icons such as Pele and Maradona. On the same day, the second game of the tournament will be played in Guadalajara. The following day, June 12th, the first games in Canada and the U.S. will take place in Toronto and Los Angeles, respectively. All 72 group stage games will be completed by Saturday, June 27th.
All but one of the host cities will have the opportunity to host at least one knockout game. Guadalajara is the only exception. The AT&T Stadium in Dallas will host the most knockout games, including two Round of 32 matches, one Round of 16 game, and the first of the two semi-finals. The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta will host the other semi-final, while the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will be the venue for the third-place game.
The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the highly anticipated final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This decision was a significant win for the Tri-State Area, as there were speculations that Dallas might be chosen. Ultimately, the allure of New York City and its favorable time zone played a decisive role.
Although Dallas and Los Angeles had expressed their desire to host the final and opening game, respectively, neither city obtained their preferred matches. Nevertheless, both cities will have crucial roles in the tournament. Dallas can take solace in hosting the most games, while L.A. will be the venue for the first game on U.S. soil and the first and third matches of the U.S. men's national team.
The schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was somewhat delayed, with the original release date planned for September 2023. However, it was postponed until the end of 2023, and ultimately revealed in February 2024. This delay can be attributed to the significant responsibility that FIFA has taken on in planning this tournament. For the first time in World Cup history, there is no national organizing committee. Instead, FIFA is managing all aspects of the event.
At the time of writing, FIFA's Coral Gables facility, which will serve as its headquarters throughout 2026, is being staffed. Despite the extensive 60,000 square foot space available, there are still numerous important positions to be filled, including roles in safety and emergency preparedness, sustainability and human rights, environment, personnel and facilities security, and communications. The last-minute decision-making process is perhaps a reflection of the challenges FIFA faces in coordinating this multifaceted tournament without a national organizing committee.
While effort has been made to alleviate the impact of team travel through regional scheduling, this World Cup poses serious environmental concerns. With a total of 104 games, it surpasses previous tournaments in terms of greenhouse gas emissions associated with travel. Moreover, the lack of realistic mass transportation options between North American cities necessitates heavy reliance on air travel, further contributing to carbon emissions.
On a local level, the majority of host cities lack adequate public transportation options to and from stadiums. This means fans will have to contend with significant traffic congestion and limited access for non-car modes of transport. Additionally, the tournament's timing in June and July coincides with both wildfire season and the beginning of hurricane season, potentially adding water and resource stress to already burdened host cities.
With only two years remaining until the tournament commences, there is still extensive work to be done to ensure the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA's role in managing the entire event without a national organizing committee is a daunting task. It is crucial for the organization to address various challenges, such as environmental impact and transportation logistics, to guarantee a seamless and memorable experience for players and fans alike.
