World Cup 2026 Host Cities: All 16 Cities, MLS Teams & Fan Guide
Complete guide to all 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities. Which cities have MLS teams, local soccer culture, transportation, where to stay, and what to do in each city.
Sixteen cities across three countries will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Eleven in the United States, two in Canada, three in Mexico. Each city brings its own soccer culture, infrastructure, and personality. Some are MLS strongholds with decades of professional soccer history. Others are NFL cities where soccer has been a secondary consideration -- until now.
This guide covers every host city: what to expect as a fan, how to get around, where the soccer culture lives, and which MLS teams call each city home. Whether you have tickets in hand or are planning a trip around the tournament, this is what you need to know.
United States Host Cities
New York / New Jersey
Stadium: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) | Capacity: 82,500 Matches: Group stage through the World Cup Final
New York is the center of the 2026 World Cup. MetLife Stadium, located across the Hudson River in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the tournament's most important matches, including the final on July 19. The New York metropolitan area is the largest media market in the world, home to the United Nations, and arguably the most international city on the planet. It is the natural stage for the world's game's biggest moment.
MLS presence: Two clubs -- New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, and New York City FC, who have played at Yankee Stadium while their new stadium in Queens is under construction. The Red Bulls have built a loyal following in the northern New Jersey/New York suburbs, while NYCFC has cultivated a Manhattan and outer-boroughs fanbase. Both clubs will benefit enormously from the World Cup spotlight.
Fan guide: New York's soccer culture runs deep. You will find supporter bars for virtually every national team represented in the tournament scattered across the five boroughs. The diversity of the city means every World Cup match has a local rooting interest. For transportation, use the NJ Transit trains and buses to MetLife Stadium -- driving is possible but parking is expensive and traffic is brutal. Stay in Manhattan, Hoboken, or Jersey City for easy access to both the stadium and the city's nightlife.
Soccer culture: Beyond MLS, New York has a sprawling amateur and semi-pro soccer ecosystem. The Cosmopolitan Soccer League, founded in 1923, runs dozens of ethnic and community clubs. Weekend pickup games in Central Park, Flushing Meadows, and Randall's Island are a New York institution.
Los Angeles
Stadium: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) | Capacity: 78,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32, Quarterfinal, Semifinal
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and the 2026 World Cup adds another marquee event to a city that will also host the 2028 Olympics. LA's soccer culture is enormous, driven by the city's massive Latin American population and two strong MLS franchises.
MLS presence: LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, and LAFC at BMO Stadium in Exposition Park. The Galaxy are MLS's most decorated franchise (five MLS Cup titles). LAFC, founded in 2018, has become one of the most electrifying clubs in the league, with the 3252 supporters' section setting the standard for atmosphere in MLS. The two clubs' rivalry -- El Trafico -- is among the most intense in the league.
Fan guide: SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood, accessible via the LA Metro K Line. LA is a car city, but for World Cup matches, public transit is the better option. The areas around SoFi -- Inglewood, Hawthorne, Westchester -- are undergoing rapid development. For pre-game atmosphere, the neighborhoods around BMO Stadium (Exposition Park, University Park) and the Galaxy's South Bay territory offer strong soccer bar scenes. Stay in downtown LA, Santa Monica, or the Westside for reasonable access.
Soccer culture: LA's soccer culture is the deepest in the United States. Liga MX matches at the Rose Bowl and Coliseum routinely draw 50,000+. The city's Mexican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and Korean communities bring passionate support for their national teams. Youth soccer academies in LA produce talent for MLS, Liga MX, and European clubs.
Dallas / Fort Worth
Stadium: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | Capacity: 80,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32, Quarterfinal
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States and home to one of MLS's original clubs.
MLS presence: FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, about 30 miles north of AT&T Stadium. FC Dallas has one of the best youth academies in MLS history, having developed players who have gone on to the USMNT and top European clubs. The club's first-team attendance has sometimes lagged behind its on-field development prowess, but the World Cup could change the calculus by bringing massive soccer attention to the DFW market.
Fan guide: AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, between Dallas and Fort Worth. It is accessible by car (with ample parking) but limited public transit options -- plan to drive or use rideshare. The Dallas heat in June and July is intense (100+ degrees is normal), but AT&T Stadium's retractable roof and air conditioning make it comfortable inside. Stay in Dallas proper, Fort Worth, or Arlington depending on which matches you are attending. The Bishop Arts District in Dallas and the Stockyards in Fort Worth are worth exploring.
Soccer culture: The DFW area has a large and growing soccer community, anchored by FC Dallas's academy pipeline and the region's significant Mexican-American and Central American populations. Youth soccer participation in Texas is among the highest in the country.
Houston
Stadium: NRG Stadium | Capacity: 72,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
Houston is the most diverse city in the United States by some measures, and its soccer culture reflects that diversity.
MLS presence: Houston Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium, located directly adjacent to NRG Stadium in the NRG Park complex. The Dynamo won back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007 and have been a consistent presence in the league. The Houston Dash (NWSL) also play at Shell Energy Stadium, making the NRG Park complex one of the most concentrated professional soccer campuses in the country.
Fan guide: NRG Stadium is south of downtown Houston, accessible by the METRORail Red Line. Houston's heat and humidity in June-July are extreme -- hydrate aggressively and prepare for outdoor conditions when not in the air-conditioned stadium. The Midtown and Montrose neighborhoods offer the best concentration of restaurants and bars. Houston's food scene is world-class and absurdly diverse, from Vietnamese in Bellaire to Mexican in the East End to Nigerian in Alief.
Soccer culture: Houston's international population supports clubs and national teams from across the globe. The city's Mexican, Salvadoran, Honduran, Nigerian, and Indian communities all have active soccer cultures. Liga MX friendlies at NRG Stadium regularly draw 50,000+.
Atlanta
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Capacity: 71,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32, Quarterfinal
Atlanta is the MLS success story that changed how the league thinks about itself.
MLS presence: Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United has been the highest-attendance club in MLS since its inaugural season in 2017, regularly exceeding 40,000 fans. The club's supporters -- including the Resurgence, Terminus Legion, and Footie Mob -- have created an atmosphere that rivals anything in European soccer. The 2018 MLS Cup final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium drew 73,019, still the largest crowd in MLS Cup history.
Fan guide: Mercedes-Benz Stadium is in downtown Atlanta, steps from the MARTA Five Points station. Public transit is the best option. The stadium itself is spectacular -- the retractable roof, the halo video board, and the $2 concession pricing (unprecedented in professional sports) make it one of the best fan experiences in the world. Stay in Midtown, Buckhead, or downtown. The BeltLine trail connects several neighborhoods and is a great way to explore the city.
Soccer culture: Atlanta's soccer culture exploded with Atlanta United's arrival. Before 2017, the city had no top-tier professional soccer. Now it has one of the most passionate fanbases in the Americas. The club's academy has become one of MLS's best, and the broader youth soccer ecosystem in Georgia has grown significantly.
Seattle
Stadium: Lumen Field | Capacity: 69,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
Seattle is one of the most established soccer cities in the United States.
MLS presence: Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. The Sounders have been one of MLS's flagship clubs since joining in 2009, averaging over 30,000 fans per match for more than a decade and winning the 2019 and 2022 MLS Cups. They also won the 2022 Concacaf Champions League, becoming the first MLS club to win the continental title.
Fan guide: Lumen Field is in the SODO district, walkable from Pioneer Square and accessible by Link Light Rail. Seattle in summer is spectacular -- temperatures in the 70s, long daylight hours, and minimal rain. Stay in Capitol Hill, Belltown, or Pioneer Square. Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and the neighborhoods around the stadium are all walkable. The Emerald City Supporters' pre-match march to the stadium is a spectacle worth experiencing.
Soccer culture: Seattle's soccer culture predates MLS. The original Sounders (NASL, then USL) built a following in the 1970s-2000s that the MLS club inherited and amplified. The city's tech-industry demographics, progressive culture, and Pacific Rim connections create a cosmopolitan soccer fandom.
Boston / Foxborough
Stadium: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) | Capacity: 65,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
The greater Boston area hosted matches in the 1994 World Cup and returns as a venue for 2026.
MLS presence: New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. The Revolution are one of MLS's original clubs (1996) and have reached five MLS Cup finals, though they have yet to win the title. Gillette Stadium's location in Foxborough, about 30 miles south of Boston, has been a persistent challenge for attendance and fan engagement.
Fan guide: Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, accessible by MBTA commuter rail on game days (Foxborough station). Driving is the more common option. Stay in Boston proper -- Back Bay, South End, or the Seaport -- and plan for the commute to Foxborough. Boston's Irish pub scene, waterfront, and historic neighborhoods make it one of the best cities in the country for pre- and post-match socializing.
Philadelphia
Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field | Capacity: 69,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
Philadelphia is a passionate sports city with a growing soccer culture.
MLS presence: Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. The Union have been one of MLS's most well-run clubs in recent years -- strong academy, smart roster construction, consistently competitive. The Sons of Ben supporters' group has been a fixture since before the club's inaugural season.
Fan guide: Lincoln Financial Field is in South Philadelphia's sports complex, accessible by the Broad Street Line subway. Philadelphia is a walkable, affordable city with incredible food (cheesesteaks and roast pork are the headliners, but the restaurant scene is far deeper than that). Stay in Center City, Old City, or South Philly.
San Francisco Bay Area
Stadium: Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) | Capacity: 68,500 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
The Bay Area brings tech-industry wealth and global diversity to the World Cup.
MLS presence: San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. The Earthquakes are one of MLS's original clubs and have a devoted fanbase, though the club has struggled competitively in recent years. The Bay Area's broader soccer culture is strong, with significant support for Liga MX clubs and European teams.
Fan guide: Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara, accessible by VTA light rail and Caltrain. The Bay Area's summer weather is unpredictable -- San Francisco can be foggy and cold while Santa Clara is warm and sunny. Stay in San Francisco for the cultural experience or in San Jose/Santa Clara for stadium proximity.
Miami
Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL) | Capacity: 65,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
Miami is the most Latin city in the United States and a natural World Cup host.
MLS presence: Inter Miami at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale (with plans for Miami Freedom Park). Inter Miami has become one of MLS's highest-profile clubs, drawing international attention and massive commercial interest.
Fan guide: Hard Rock Stadium is in Miami Gardens, north of Miami proper. It is accessible by car and special event transit. Miami's heat and humidity in June-July are extreme -- this is the most physically demanding host city for outdoor events. Stay in Miami Beach, Brickell, Wynwood, or Coconut Grove. Miami's nightlife, restaurant scene, and beach culture are world-class.
Soccer culture: Miami is arguably the most soccer-passionate city in the United States when you account for its Latin American population. Colombian, Argentine, Brazilian, Cuban, Haitian, and Venezuelan communities bring deep soccer traditions and fierce national team loyalties.
Kansas City
Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium | Capacity: 76,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
Kansas City is a heartland soccer city with one of MLS's best club experiences.
MLS presence: Sporting Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Children's Mercy Park is widely regarded as one of the top three soccer atmospheres in MLS. The Cauldron supporters' section is legendary. Sporting KC has won two MLS Cups (2000, 2013) and has been a model for soccer-specific stadium investment.
Fan guide: Arrowhead Stadium is in the Truman Sports Complex, east of downtown. Kansas City's barbecue is the city's culinary identity -- Joe's KC, Q39, Slap's, and Gates are essential stops. The Power & Light District downtown and the Crossroads Arts District offer nightlife and culture. Stay downtown or in the Crossroads for the best experience. Kansas City's cost of living is significantly lower than coastal host cities, making it one of the most affordable World Cup destinations.
Canadian Host Cities
Toronto
Stadium: BMO Field (expanded to ~45,000) | Capacity: 45,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
Toronto is Canada's largest city and its soccer capital.
MLS presence: Toronto FC at BMO Field. TFC joined MLS in 2007 and won the MLS Cup in 2017 in one of the most dominant single-season performances in league history (the "treble" of Supporters' Shield, MLS Cup, and Canadian Championship). BMO Field's expansion for the World Cup is a permanent upgrade that will benefit the club for years.
Fan guide: BMO Field is on the Exhibition Place grounds at the western waterfront, accessible by the 509 Harbourfront streetcar and the Exhibition GO station. Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world -- over half the population was born outside Canada. This diversity makes it one of the best World Cup host cities on the planet: every national team will have a passionate local fanbase. Stay downtown, in the Entertainment District, or along the waterfront. The Distillery District, Kensington Market, and St. Lawrence Market are must-visits.
Soccer culture: Toronto's soccer culture is extraordinarily diverse. Italian, Portuguese, Croatian, Serbian, Latin American, Caribbean, and South Asian communities all have deep soccer traditions. TFC's supporter groups (South End, Red Patch Boys, Inebriatti) are passionate and creative.
Vancouver
Stadium: BC Place | Capacity: 54,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America and brings Pacific Rim diversity to the World Cup.
MLS presence: Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. The Whitecaps joined MLS in 2011 and have built a solid following in a competitive Canadian sports market. BC Place's downtown location is one of the best stadium settings in MLS.
Fan guide: BC Place is in the False Creek area of downtown Vancouver, walkable from most downtown hotels and accessible by SkyTrain. Vancouver's summer weather is outstanding -- warm, dry, and with long daylight hours. Stay downtown, in Gastown, or in Yaletown. Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the North Shore mountains are all accessible within the city. Vancouver's food scene -- particularly its Asian cuisine (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese) -- is among the best in North America.
Mexican Host Cities
Mexico City
Stadium: Estadio Azteca | Capacity: 87,000 Matches: Group stage, Round of 32
Mexico City is one of the great cities of the world and the spiritual home of Mexican football. Estadio Azteca is the only stadium to have hosted two World Cup finals. The altitude (7,350 feet) is a significant factor for visiting teams. Mexico City's passion for soccer is unmatched in North America.
Monterrey
Stadium: Estadio BBVA | Capacity: 53,000 Matches: Group stage
Monterrey is Mexico's industrial capital and a major soccer city, home to two Liga MX clubs (Monterrey and Tigres UANL). The city's proximity to the US border (two hours from Laredo, TX) makes it accessible to American fans driving south.
Guadalajara
Stadium: Estadio Akron | Capacity: 49,000 Matches: Group stage
Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest city and the home of Chivas, the most popular club in Mexico. The city is the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, and its cultural significance to Mexican identity makes it a perfect World Cup host.
The MLS Connection: Why It Matters
Of the 16 host cities, 13 have MLS teams (the 11 US host cities each have at least one MLS club in the metro area, plus Toronto and Vancouver). This is not a coincidence. FIFA's host city selection criteria included soccer infrastructure, and MLS's three decades of stadium investment, fan development, and community building directly contributed to these cities' successful bids.
The World Cup will funnel millions of fans through cities where MLS has already established itself. Every fan who attends a World Cup match in Atlanta, Seattle, Kansas City, or Toronto will see the MLS presence -- the stadium branding, the local club marketing, the supporters' culture. The conversion opportunity is massive: turn a World Cup tourist into an MLS regular.
For a complete look at MLS venues across the country, visit our stadiums directory. For team information in each city, check the teams page.