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In a groundbreaking move, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across three nations— the United States, Canada, and Mexico— marking the first time the tournament will span three countries. With 104 matches, an expanded 48-team format, and 16 state-of-the-art stadiums, preparations are in full swing. However, the multi-country hosting presents unique challenges and opportunities. Here’s a look at how the United States is preparing, the anticipated problems and advantages of this approach, FIFA’s rationale for multi-country hosting, the readiness of the host nations, and the stadiums involved.

As the primary host, the United States will stage 78 of the 104 matches, including all knockout stage games from the quarterfinals onward, with the final set for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. The U.S. is leveraging its robust sports infrastructure, including modern stadiums like SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which will host nine matches, the most of any venue.
Preparations include significant stadium upgrades. For instance, MetLife Stadium is undergoing a two-phase modernization to meet FIFA’s requirements for the final. SoFi Stadium is testing an innovative hybrid turf system to ensure optimal playing conditions, with trials scheduled during Concacaf Nations League matches in March 2026. The U.S. benefits from its Major League Soccer (MLS) ecosystem and a strong sports heritage, with cities like Atlanta, Miami, and Seattle offering world-class facilities and vibrant fan bases. Additionally, the U.S. is enhancing transportation and accommodation systems to handle the influx of global visitors, capitalizing on existing infrastructure from NFL and MLS venues.

Hosting the World Cup across three countries introduces logistical complexities. Coordinating travel across borders for teams, officials, and fans is a significant hurdle, requiring seamless visa processes and efficient transportation networks. During the bidding process, concerns arose about potential immigration restrictions, particularly following executive orders from the Trump administration in 2017. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that all qualified teams and fans must have access to host countries, prompting assurances from the U.S. government to facilitate entry.

Another challenge is ensuring consistency in stadium conditions and fan experiences across diverse venues. For example, renovations at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca have raised concerns, with a March 2025 report from Building and Wood Workers’ International accusing FIFA of blocking labor inspections, potentially masking poor working conditions. Financial burdens also loom, particularly in Canada, where Toronto’s BMO Field upgrades are estimated to cost $300 million in public funds, nearly offsetting the city’s expected $307 million in revenue.

Despite the challenges, multi-country hosting offers substantial benefits. Economically, the tournament is projected to generate over $5 billion in short-term activity across North America, supporting 40,000 jobs and $1 billion in worker earnings, according to a 2018 Boston Consulting Group study. Host cities will gain long-term tourism boosts from global media exposure, while social benefits include enhanced regional cooperation and a “feel-good” effect, with 77% of residents supporting the bid in 2017.

The shared hosting model allows FIFA to tap into the largest commercial market in the world, as noted by Mexico’s Bid Director Yon De Luisa. By distributing matches across 16 cities, the tournament maximizes fan access and leverages existing infrastructure, reducing the need for new construction. Canada and Mexico, hosting 13 matches each, bring cultural diversity and historic venues like Estadio Azteca, which hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, enhancing the tournament’s global appeal.

FIFA’s decision to opt for multi-country hosting stems from strategic and practical considerations. The expanded 48-team format, the largest in World Cup history, demands extensive infrastructure that few single nations can provide. By selecting the United States, Canada, and Mexico, FIFA leverages North America’s existing stadiums, transportation networks, and hospitality sectors, minimizing costs and risks. The United 2026 bid, which defeated Morocco’s proposal in 2018, was praised for its “legacy in the ground,” with 23 world-class stadiums and 150 training sites already operational, as highlighted in a 2018 post by @CACSoccer on X.
Additionally, multi-country hosting aligns with FIFA’s vision to globalize football. By involving three CONCACAF nations, FIFA ensures automatic qualification for the hosts, boosting regional football development. The decision also reflects a shift in FIFA policy, which lifted a ban on co-hosting after the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, allowing case-by-case evaluations for tournaments of this scale.

The United States is well-prepared, with 11 host cities— including Boston, Dallas, and Los Angeles— boasting advanced stadiums and experienced event management teams. Canada is readying Toronto’s BMO Field and Vancouver’s BC Place, though financial concerns in Toronto highlight the need for careful budget management. Mexico is upgrading iconic venues like Estadio Azteca and Estadio Guadalajara, but the labor inspection issue at Azteca underscores the need for transparency to avoid controversies akin to those during Qatar’s 2022 World Cup preparations.
All three countries have committed to FIFA’s technical requirements, with the United Bid emphasizing existing infrastructure over speculative projects. The opening matches, set for June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca (Mexico), June 12 at BMO Field (Canada), and June 12 at SoFi Stadium (U.S.), reflect each nation’s readiness to kick off the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will utilize 16 stadiums across the three countries:
United States (11): AT&T Stadium (Arlington), MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford), SoFi Stadium (Inglewood), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Gillette Stadium (Foxborough), NRG Stadium (Houston), Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City), Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara), Lumen Field (Seattle), and Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia).
Canada (2): BMO Field (Toronto) and BC Place (Vancouver).
Mexico (3): Estadio Azteca (Mexico City), Estadio Guadalajara (Zapopan), and Estadio Monterrey (Guadalupe).
These venues, ranging from the 94,000-capacity AT&T Stadium to the 48,000-capacity Estadio Guadalajara, are among the world’s most advanced, with many hosting NFL, MLS, or Liga MX teams. Most stadiums, except Estadio Akron in Mexico, will host at least one knockout stage match, ensuring a balanced distribution of high-profile games.