Los Angeles and Vancouver have been announced among the 16 host cities for the World Cup in 2026.
The globe is currently gearing up for the 2022 edition in Qatar this winter - the first World Cup to be held outside of its usual summer window. In four years time though the competition will again in the summer and be played across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
A joint bid by the three North American countries, which was put forward under the name ’United’, saw off a proposal from Morocco, winning over two-thirds of the vote, back in 2018. The United bid commanded 134 of the 203 delegates eligible to vote at the 68th annual FIFA congress.
Along with LA and Vancouver, the cities of Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houson, Kansas, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver will all host action in the 2026.
11 of the host cities named are in the USA, with three in Mexico and two in Canada. The likes of Cincinnati, D.C., Denver, Edmonton, Nashville, Orlando were all candidates to host games but failed to make the cut.
The USA, Mexico and Canada were separated into western, central and eastern regions to ensure the competition was spread right across the vast area. The World Cup in 2026 will be the first to include 48 teams - up from its current 32 - with the tournament expanding. Mexico will also be the first country to be three-time hosts after being the venue back in 1970 and 1986.
Upon winning the bid Carlos Cordeiro, the president of US Soccer, told the FIFA congress: “It’s a bit emotional for us today. Thank you so, so very much for this incredible honour. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The beautiful game transcends borders and cultures. Football today is the only victor. And in that spirit we wish all Russian hosts and all the teams competing here the very best of luck.”
America hosted the World Cup back in 1994. England were not present at that competition after failing to qualify. Brazil eventually triumphed, seeing off Italy in a penalty shootout at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles.
The full list of venues is as follows:
Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium: 74,295 capacity)
Boston (Gillette Stadium: 65,878 capacity)
Dallas (AT&T Stadium: 80,000 capacity)
Guadalajara (Estadio Akron: 46,355 capacity)
Houston (NRG Stadium: 72,220 capacity)
Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium: 76,416 capacity)
Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium: 70,000 capacity)
Mexico City (Estadio Azteco: 87,523 capacity)
Miami (Hard Rock Stadium: 65,326 capacity)
Monterrey (Estadio BBVA: 51,000 capacity)
New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium: 82,500 capacity)
Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field: 67,594 capacity)
San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium: 68,500 capacity)
Seattle (Lumen Field: 72,000 capacity)
Toronto (BMO Field: 30,000 capacity)
Vancouver (BC Place: 54,500 capacity)
