⚽ About the World Cup

Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 World Cup will be the largest event in international football history. 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities — this tournament redefines the scale, impact, and cultural significance of the beautiful game. From expansion to the first-ever three-nation co-hosting, the 2026 World Cup is a milestone in global sports.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 national teams for the first time, expanding from the traditional 32-team format. This change allows more countries to participate, brings more matches, and offers fans greater excitement and diversity. It is also the first time the World Cup is co-hosted by three nations, spreading football fever across North America.

This tournament emphasizes inclusivity, innovation, and global unity, bringing fans from all over the world together through their shared love of football.

Canada's first involvement in international football began with the establishment of the Dominion Football Association and the Western Football Association in 1877, which later led to the formation of the Canadian Football Association (1912). On November 28, 1885, Canada played an unofficial friendly, defeating the United States 1-0 in East Newark, New Jersey. The Canadian Reds made their World Cup debut in 1986 and qualified again in 2022, finishing 24th and 31st respectively.

The Canadian Premier League was founded in 2019 to cultivate local talent and improve Canadian football infrastructure. Canada topped the CONCACAF qualifiers in 2022, with the Reds setting records for most goals scored and fewest conceded.

🏙️ Toronto

Toronto's first recorded football match took place in 1861. The Toronto Argonauts Club, founded in 1873, is one of the oldest professional sports clubs in North America. Toronto FC joined MLS in 2007 as Canada's first team in the league, winning the MLS Cup in 2017 and boosting football's popularity in the city. Toronto also hosted matches for the 2007 U-20 World Cup and the 2015 Pan American Games.

🏙️ Vancouver

Vancouver's football history began with the establishment of Canada's first provincial football association in 1949. The Vancouver Whitecaps were founded in 1974 and played 10 seasons in the NASL, winning their first NASL championship in 1979 — the first major North American title for a Vancouver professional sports team. BC Place Stadium opened in 1983, was renovated in 2011, seats 54,500, and hosted the 2015 Women's World Cup final as well as Vancouver Whitecaps matches.

While Mexico City has a long football history, it first gained global attention by hosting the World Cup in 1970 and 1986. In 1986, Argentine legend Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" were witnessed by hundreds of thousands of fans at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. The Estadio Azteca has become an iconic venue in football history, having hosted two World Cup finals.

The Mexican national team played its first international match against Guatemala in 1923. Mexico hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, demonstrating its ability to stage major football events, and will co-host again in 2026. "El Tri" made their World Cup debut in 1930 and reached the quarterfinals in 1970 and 1986 as hosts. Mexico has won 14 CONCACAF championships, including 12 Gold Cups. Mexico also won the 1999 Confederations Cup and the 2012 Olympic football tournament.

🏙️ Mexico City

Mexico City is home to famous clubs such as Club América, Cruz Azul, and UNAM Pumas, creating fierce local derbies. The Estadio Azteca, one of the main venues for the Mexican portion of the 2026 World Cup, is scheduled for major renovations to enhance facilities and fan experience.

🏙️ Guadalajara

Guadalajara is home to Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), founded on May 8, 1906. Guadalajara also boasts Mexico's oldest football derby — the Clásico Tapatío between Chivas and Atlas, contested since 1916. In 1960, Guadalajara inaugurated the Estadio Jalisco, which hosted matches during the 1970 and 1986 World Cups. The Akron Stadium, opened in 2010, seats approximately 49,813 and is Chivas' home ground.

🏙️ Monterrey

Monterrey first gained football attention with the founding of Club de Fútbol Monterrey (Rayados) in 1945, representing this industrial city. Monterrey has won multiple Mexican league titles and five CONCACAF Champions League trophies. During the 1986 World Cup, Monterrey hosted matches involving England, Portugal, Morocco, and Spain. The BBVA Stadium, nicknamed "El Gigante de Acero" (The Steel Giant), opened in 2015 with a capacity of 53,500.

Although the United States is known for baseball, American football, and basketball, it has a long football history dating back to the 1880s. The U.S. national team was founded in 1885, playing its first international match against Canada, and won a silver medal at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics. The U.S. debuted in the World Cup in 1930, achieving its best result by reaching the semifinals. The U.S. men's team qualified consecutively for the World Cup from 1990 to 2014. MLS was founded in 1996, inspired by the 1994 World Cup hosted by the U.S.

🏙️ Atlanta

Atlanta's football history dates back to the early 1910s. Atlanta United FC was founded in 2017, joined MLS, and won the MLS Cup in 2018. Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017 and is known for its modern design and hosting international matches.

🏙️ Boston

Boston's football history dates back to the 19th century. Boston has hosted major international events including the 1994 World Cup, the 1999 and 2003 Women's World Cups. As a 2026 World Cup host city, it will host 7 matches at Gillette Stadium.

🏙️ Dallas

Dallas became known for football by hosting 6 matches at the Cotton Bowl during the 1994 World Cup. FC Dallas was founded in 1995. The city also has several amateur and professional teams.

🏙️ Houston

The Houston Dynamo were founded in 2005 and won consecutive MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007. Houston is committed to upgrading NRG Stadium facilities to prepare for hosting 2026 World Cup matches.

🏙️ Kansas City

Kansas City's football history dates back to the 1960s. Sporting Kansas City won MLS Cups in 2000 and 2013. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has been selected as one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup, hosting six matches including a quarterfinal.

🏙️ Los Angeles

Organized football in California began in 1902. The LA Galaxy joined MLS as an original team in 1996. LAFC was founded in 2014. Los Angeles will host multiple matches during the 2026 World Cup.

🏙️ Miami

Miami has selected Hard Rock Stadium as its 2026 World Cup venue, hosting four group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, one quarterfinal, and the third-place play-off.

🏙️ New York / New Jersey

The football history of New York and New Jersey dates back to 1869. The United States has designated MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey as the venue for the 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for July 19, 2026.

🏙️ Philadelphia

Philadelphia's football history dates back to the 19th century. The city has hosted the 2003 Women's World Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, and several international club friendlies at Lincoln Financial Field.

🏙️ Seattle

Seattle's football rise began in the 1970s. The city has selected Lumen Field as one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup, hosting six matches.

🏙️ San Francisco

San Francisco's rich football history dates back to the founding of the San Francisco Football League (SFSFL) in 1902. The city will host six matches at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara during the 2026 World Cup.