For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the summer of 2026, soccer fans across North America will witness the largest World Cup ever played, with 48 teams competing—up from the 32 that participated in Qatar in 2022.
Games will take place in 16 cities across the continent. United States (11 cities): New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Miami. Canada (2 cities): Toronto, Vancouver. Mexico (3 cities): Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
The 2026 World Cup will mark several global firsts. Mexico becomes the first country to host three World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026), while Canada will host men’s World Cup matches for the first time. The United States last hosted in 1994—a tournament that set attendance records and helped accelerate soccer’s growth in the U.S.
Beyond the excitement on the field, the 2026 World Cup is expected to bring millions of fans to North America, boosting tourism and generating billions of dollars in revenue. But perhaps the most lasting impact will be cultural, as the tournament will showcase the continent’s diversity and inspire a new generation of players and fans.
For students and young athletes, this World Cup could be transformative. It’s a rare opportunity to see the world’s best soccer stars compete in stadiums close to home. With soccer continuing to grow in popularity, the World Cup could drive major investments in soccer facilities across the continent—and potentially propel Canada, Mexico and the U.S. into true soccer powerhouses.
