The upcoming 2026 World Cup is poised to be the largest tournament in history, featuring 16 venues that will host exhilarating matches. Each stadium tells a unique story, highlighting the culture, heritage, and sporting traditions of its respective city. To adhere to FIFA’s clean venue policies, the stadiums will use FIFA-sanctioned names instead of corporate sponsorships.
Vancouver
Tournament name: BC Place Vancouver
Common name: BC Place
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Inaugurated: 1983 (renovated in 2011)
Capacity for the tournament: 54,000
Scheduled World Cup 2026 matches:
- Australia vs. Turkey, 13 June
- Canada vs. Qatar, 18 June
- New Zealand vs. Egypt, 21 June
- Switzerland vs. Canada, 24 June
- New Zealand vs. Belgium, 26 June
- Round of 32, 2 July (1B vs. 3EFGIJ)
- Round of 16, 7 July (W85 vs. W87)
What to note: A standout feature of BC Place is its impressive cable-supported retractable roof, recognized as the largest of its kind worldwide. This remarkable addition was incorporated during a significant renovation following the 2010 Winter Olympics, replacing the previous permanent roof. When opened, the roof casts a unique shadow over the field, which some may find intriguing while others consider it distracting. Reports indicate that the roof will likely remain closed during the World Cup to ensure the natural grass surface receives even sunlight. Should FIFA choose to open it, the process requires approximately 20 minutes.
Regular occupants: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS) and BC Lions (CFL)
Noteworthy event (outside soccer): BC Place was the venue for both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics, marking the first time an Olympic opening ceremony occurred indoors. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky was among the torchbearers who ignited the Olympic flame, while Canadian singer Neil Young performed as it was extinguished.
Significant match (soccer): The final of the 2015 Women’s World Cup saw Carli Lloyd score a hat trick, propelling the US to a 5-2 victory over Japan and securing their first World Cup title in 16 years. The match attracted an attendance of 53,341, tying the record for the most goals in a World Cup final.
Seattle
Tournament name: Seattle Stadium
Common name: Lumen Field
Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
Capacity for the tournament: 69,000
- Belgium vs. Egypt, 15 June
- USA vs. Australia, 19 June
- Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar, 24 June
- Egypt vs. Iran, 26 June
- Round of 32, 1 July (1G vs. 3AEHIJ)
- Round of 16, 6 July (W81 vs. W82)
What to note: Seattle Stadium is built on the former Kingdome site and is one of the few World Cup venues in the US located within an urban setting. Its distinctive design features include a roof that covers most of the seating and the pyramid-shaped bleachers known as the Hawk’s Nest, which creates an eye-catching view at the north end, left open to maintain skyline vistas. Additionally, the stadium is adorned with public art, including the prominent Earth Dialogue installation by Native American artist Bob Houzous, symbolizing the relationship with nature.
Regular occupants: Seattle Sounders (MLS), Seattle Reign (NWSL), Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
Noteworthy event (outside soccer): After the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network installed sensors, the stadium has recorded several instances of crowd-induced seismic activity, including the notorious 2011 Beast Quake during a Seahawks game and two concerts by Taylor Swift in July 2023.
Significant match (soccer): The 2022 Concacaf Champions League final became a historic occasion as Seattle became the first MLS club to win the tournament in its current format, defeating Pumas in front of 68,741 fans.
Bay Area
Tournament name: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Common name: Levi’s Stadium
Location: Santa Clara, California, United States
Capacity for the tournament: 71,000
- Qatar vs. Switzerland, 13 June
- Austria vs. Jordan, 17 June
- Turkey vs. Paraguay, 19 June
- Jordan vs. Algeria, 22 June
- Paraguay vs. Australia, 25 June
- Round of 32, 1 July (1D vs. 3BEFIJ)
What to note: This venue was built to take the place of the historic Candlestick Park, known for its rich legacy. Although it is a contemporary stadium praised for its eco-friendly design, it experiences challenges from the sun’s glare during afternoon and evening games, resulting in heat-related discomfort for fans.
Regular occupants: San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
Noteworthy event (outside soccer): Levi’s Stadium has hosted the Super Bowl twice, first in 2016 and more recently. Beyoncé made headlines with her Lemonade launch during the earlier event, while a record 70,823 fans witnessed the Seahawks’ victory over the Patriots this year, featuring a halftime performance by Bad Bunny.
Significant match (soccer): The stadium opened the Copa América Centenario in 2016, showcasing Colombia’s 2-0 win over the USMNT, with James Rodríguez contributing to the scoring.
Los Angeles
Tournament name: Los Angeles Stadium
Common name: SoFi Stadium
Location: Inglewood, California, United States
Capacity for the tournament: 70,000
- USA vs. Paraguay, 12 June
- Iran vs. New Zealand, 15 June
- Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 18 June
- Belgium vs. Iran, 21 June
- Turkey vs. USA, 25 June
- Round of 32, 28 June (2A vs. 2B)
- Round of 32, 2 July (1H vs. 2J)
- Quarter-final, 10 July (W93 vs. W94)
What to note: With a construction cost nearing $5 billion, SoFi Stadium has rapidly become a premier destination for major events on the West Coast. Its signature feature is the semi-transparent canopy that covers the entire venue, allowing ample natural light while creating a unique aesthetic. Despite the warm California weather, the stadium primarily utilizes artificial turf to accommodate two NFL teams.
Regular occupants: Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
Noteworthy event (outside soccer): The stadium is scheduled to host the opening ceremony and swimming events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with a swimming venue designed to accommodate 38,000 spectators, the largest for an Olympic swimming competition.
Significant match (soccer): The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup final set a record attendance of 72,963 as Mexico secured their ninth Gold Cup title against Panama.
Guadalajara
Tournament name: Estadio Guadalajara
Common name: Estadio Akron
Location: Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Capacity for the tournament: 48,000
- South Korea vs. Czechia, 11 June
- Mexico vs. South Korea, 18 June
- Colombia vs. Democratic Republic of Congo, 23 June
- Uruguay vs. Spain, 26 June
What to note: Although Estadio Guadalajara may appear unremarkable from the inside, its exterior showcases one of the most striking designs among World Cup venues, crafted to resemble an erupting volcano. Most of the stadium is integrated within a grassy hillside, with only the roof visible.
Regular occupants: CD Guadalajara (Liga MX)
Noteworthy event (outside soccer): A boxing match in 2023 set the venue’s attendance record, with Canelo Álvarez defeating John Ryder in front of 51,000 spectators.
Significant match (soccer): The stadium hosted one of its inaugural friendlies after its opening in 2010, featuring Manchester United against Chivas, where
