Where Will the 2026 FIFA World Cup Take Place?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place across three countries for the first time in tournament history: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near Auckland.
Where Exactly Will the Final Be Played?
The final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played at MetLife Stadium, officially referred to by FIFA as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament. The stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, about 10 miles from Manhattan.
Why Was New York/New Jersey Chosen?
New York/New Jersey was selected because it offers massive global visibility, strong transportation links, major hotel capacity, and experience hosting large international events. The New York metropolitan area is one of the most recognisable regions in the world.
The Stadium
MetLife Stadium opened in 2010 and has a capacity of about 82,500 spectators. It is home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets. For the World Cup, the venue will use a natural grass surface to meet FIFA requirements.
Host Countries and Cities
United States
- New York/New Jersey
- Los Angeles
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- Miami
- Seattle
- Houston
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- Kansas City
- San Francisco Bay Area
Mexico
- Mexico City
- Guadalajara
- Monterrey
Canada
- Toronto
- Vancouver
Historical Timeline of FIFA World Cup Hosts
| Year | Host Country |
|---|---|
| 1930 | Uruguay |
| 1934 | Italy |
| 1938 | France |
| 1950 | Brazil |
| 1954 | Switzerland |
| 1958 | Sweden |
| 1962 | Chile |
| 1966 | England |
| 1970 | Mexico |
| 1974 | West Germany |
| 1978 | Argentina |
| 1982 | Spain |
| 1986 | Mexico |
| 1990 | Italy |
| 1994 | United States |
| 1998 | France |
| 2002 | South Korea & Japan |
| 2006 | Germany |
| 2010 | South Africa |
| 2014 | Brazil |
| 2018 | Russia |
| 2022 | Qatar |
| 2026 | United States, Canada & Mexico |
How Fans Can Get There
Fans from Europe can fly directly to New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Mexico City, or other major host cities. Supporters from South America will likely travel through Miami, Dallas, Houston, or Mexico City. Fans from Asia can use Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, or Seattle as major entry points.
For visitors from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, common routes may include connections through Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Frankfurt, or Belgrade before continuing to the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Why the 2026 World Cup Is Historic
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first tournament hosted by three countries and the first to feature 48 teams. It will also be the largest World Cup ever staged, with more matches, more cities, and more fans than any previous edition.