Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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STADIUMS THAT WILL HOST THE 2026 WORLD CUP
Ready for the 2026 World Cup? Here's a rundown of the stadiums chosen to host matches, how many games each will play, and some interesting facts about them. From the legendary Azteca to modern gems like SoFi Stadium, this guide is perfect for die-hard football fans.
A World Cup in Three Countries
For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will be played in three countries simultaneously: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This historic decision not only marks a logistical record but also showcases a diversity of cultures, lifestyles, and ways of experiencing football. Each nation will contribute its unique essence in world-class stadiums.
In total, 16 cities have been selected as host cities: 11 in the U.S., 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. The matches will be distributed as follows: 60 in the United States (including all quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final), 10 in Mexico, and 10 in Canada.
Distribution by country
United States: 11 host cities, from New York to Seattle.
Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
Canada: Vancouver and Toronto.
An interesting fact is that the Azteca Stadium will be the first in history to have hosted three World Cups: 1970, 1986, and now 2026. Another one? Some US stadiums will be adapted because they weren't originally built for soccer, but for the NFL.
Iconic and Modern Stadiums
Each stadium has its own history and style. Some are already football legends, like the Azteca, and others are examples of futuristic architecture, like the SoFi Stadium. In this section, we review the main stadiums and what they will contribute to the World Cup.
Top Host Stadiums in Each Country
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico): Capacity for 87,000 people. It will host the opening match and will go down in history with its third World Cup. Mexican fans are already filling it with murals and flags.
SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles, USA): A luxury stadium that cost over $5 billion. Although it's for the NFL, it will be adapted for soccer. It's one of the most technologically advanced in the world.
BC Place (Vancouver, Canada): With a retractable roof and a capacity of 54,000, this stadium was specially modernized for the World Cup. It is expected to host group stage matches.
MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey, USA): Possible venue for the final. It has a capacity of 82,500 people and is minutes from Manhattan.
BBVA Stadium (Monterrey, Mexico): Home of Rayados, this modern stadium overlooks the mountains and will be key in the first phase of the tournament.
In addition to these, other stadiums such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco), and Akron Stadium (Guadalajara) will also be featured. Each will have a FIFA-compliant design, natural grass, and state-of-the-art VAR technology.
Fun fact: some stadiums are including food menus representing the participating countries. Imagine eating an arepa or a choripán before the match!
What's coming in each host city
It's not just the stadiums that are preparing, but also the cities that surround them. From pedestrian zones with giant screens to music and cultural festivals, the 2026 World Cup promises a comprehensive experience for fans and tourists. Each venue will have its own "Fan Fest," social areas, and activities running parallel to the tournament. Atmosphere, festivities, and logistics: Toronto and Vancouver are promoting tourism packages that include tickets, lodging, and cultural visits. Houston will transform its Downtown area into a "Mini World Cup" with cuisine from 32 countries. Guadalajara has already begun painting soccer-themed murals on its streets with local artists. Seattle will offer daily concerts in the Lumen Field stadium area. Mexico City will have the Zócalo as a central venue for watching matches, with a capacity of 100,000 people. Airlines are also getting in on the action: several have already announced direct routes between host cities, with special schedules designed for the matches. And speaking of merchandising, this World Cup is expected to exceed $2 billion in sales of jerseys, caps, and scarves. Another top fact: in New York, there's already a giant sculpture in the shape of a ball made of LED screens that will show goals in real time throughout the tournament. And in Monterrey, the Football Museum will open an exhibition dedicated exclusively to the 2026 World Cup. Clearly, this World Cup won't just be about what happens on the pitch. The host cities are ready to deliver a party that goes far beyond 90 minutes. It will be a continental celebration.
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