The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature matches across 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament is jointly hosted by three nations, according to Al Jazeera and E! News. The expansion to 48 teams has necessitated a larger number of venues compared to previous editions.

Key Venues and Fixtures

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, will host eight matches, including a semifinal and two other knockout games. Spain, the reigning European champions, will play two group games there. The venue, known for its retractable roof and 360-degree halo video display, hosted six FIFA Club World Cup matches in 2024.

Boston’s Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles southwest of downtown Boston, will host seven matches, including a round-of-16 game on July 9. The stadium, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and the MLS’s New England Revolution, underwent a major renovation to include the largest outdoor high-definition stadium video board in the country, according to Al Jazeera.

Opening and Closing Events

The World Cup will kick off on June 11 in Mexico City, with Mexico facing South Africa. A 90-minute opening ceremony will take place before the match, featuring performances by Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla, according to football-asian.com.

The final will be held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19 and will include a halftime show featuring Shakira, Madonna, and BTS. This will be the first halftime show at a World Cup final, as noted by E! News.

Global Participation and Host Country Unity

Carsl Cordeiro, president of U.S. Soccer and co-chair of the United Bid, said the 2026 World Cup is an opportunity to “demonstrate that we are all truly united through sport.” The expansion to 48 teams required more stadiums and team base camps, which played into the advantage of the North American bid, according to E! News.

In Berlin, the Center at Potsdamer Platz will host public viewings of all three group stage matches of the German national team, as well as seven additional matches, including the opening match, both semifinals, and the final. The Center will also broadcast three knockout-round matches in which Germany may participate, according to visitBerlin.de.

As the World Cup approaches, the host countries are highlighting cultural and musical elements to celebrate the event. On May 11, 2025, the Empire State Building was lit in celebration of the 100 days to go until the tournament, with mascots from the host countries in attendance, according to 뉴스와이어.