Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium and the Los Angeles Rams’ multi-billion dollar Sophie Stadium are among 16 venues to host games at the 2026 World Cup.
The first 48-team World Cup will be held at 16 venues in 11 US cities, with three in Mexico and two in Canada. This is the first time that three countries have hosted the tournament.
Azteca Stadium will also be the first venue to participate in three different World Cups. Los Angeles’s Pasadena Rose Bowl, which hosted the 1994 World Cup final, is omitted.
Another notable absence was the US capital, Washington D.C., one of nine host cities the last time the US staged the tournament. The combined bid from Washington DC and Baltimore, Maryland, was one of six not selected, along with Cincinnati, Denver, Nashville, Orlando and Edmonton.
“It’s been an incredibly competitive process. All the cities have been amazing. This was a tough choice,” said Fifa’s chief competitions and events officer Colin Smith.
“You can’t imagine a World Cup coming to the US. and the capital city not taking a major role as well.”
All 11 US stadiums are home to NFL teams and include the New York Giants’ MetLife Stadium and the $5 billion Sophie Stadium hosted this year’s Super Bowl.
Both venues are contenders for hosting the 2026 final, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino said world football’s governing body would take its time with the decision.