The United States is set to be the primary host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 11 cities across the nation preparing to welcome a record 48 teams and a global influx of fans. The tournament, which kicked off on June 11, will see the majority of its 104 matches played on American soil, with the final scheduled for July 19 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Hosting Cities and Key Matches
From the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast, cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, and Atlanta are preparing to host a significant number of games. Boston and Philadelphia will also play host, with the latter scheduled to host a key knockout match on Independence Day.
New York City, alongside East Rutherford, New Jersey, will serve as the venue for the tournament's final match. Other notable games include England facing Croatia in Dallas on June 17, and Scotland’s debut in the finals since 1998, with matches against Haiti in Boston on June 13 and Morocco on June 19. Brazil will play Scotland in Miami on June 24, and Panama will face England in New York/New Jersey on June 27.
City Spotlights and Attractions
Atlanta, a city known for its green spaces and as a filming hub, will host one of the largest FIFA Fan Festivals at Centennial Olympic Park, a legacy of its 1996 Summer Olympics. Visitors can explore The World of Coca Cola, a complex detailing the brand's history. IMAGE1 alt=Visiting Atlanta over the summer? Check out The World of Coca Cola - a 20-acre complex that showcases the brand's history
Boston offers a rich historical experience alongside its renowned sports culture, with Gillette Stadium hosting several matches. Fans can explore historic pubs and celebrate America's 250th birthday.
Dallas, located geographically in the center of the US, will host more matches than any other U.S. city. Its attractions include a vibrant rooftop bar scene and America’s largest urban arts district.
Houston boasts a dynamic restaurant scene and numerous museums, including Space Center Houston, which is described as the world's best interstellar museum. The city is also a developing football hub, with Galveston beach a short drive away. IMAGE2 alt=When in Houston, it's worth checking out its abundance of museums and Space Center Houston (pictured) - the world’s best interstellar museum
Kansas City, the smallest of the U.S. host cities, is noted for Arrowhead Stadium, which holds the record for the loudest stadium crowd noise. The city is also celebrated for its jazz and craft beer scenes.
Los Angeles is preparing for a busy period, also hosting the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The city is undergoing a significant public transport upgrade and will feature a new Marilyn Monroe exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Miami is characterized by its beaches and vibrant neighborhoods like Little Haiti. Visitors can also explore coastal spots such as Crandon Park and Surfside Beach, and the new Reefline underwater sculpture park.
New York/New Jersey will host the final at MetLife Stadium. While New York City offers endless attractions, the journey to the stadium from Manhattan can take over an hour.
Philadelphia, deeply connected to American statehood, will celebrate its 250th anniversary throughout the summer. The city is famous for its fictional son Rocky Balboa, with visitors encouraged to sprint the steps of the Museum of Art and enjoy a cheesesteak.
San Francisco will be a hub for fans, even though the stadium is located in Santa Clara. The city offers iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, alongside hiking trails and nearby wine country.
Seattle has unveiled its new Waterfront Park and will host games at Lumen Field. Visitors can explore the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and enjoy activities on Lake Union. IMAGE3 alt=While in Seattle, rent a boat on Lake Union (pictured) and enjoy the surrounding view of the city