Key Takeaways
- •MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey) will host the 2026 World Cup Final on July 19
- •SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) is the newest and most technologically advanced venue
- •Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) is the only stadium to host three World Cup tournaments
- •All 16 venues are accessible by public transportation
- •Book stadium tours 2-3 months in advance—many sell out during World Cup lead-up
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will showcase 16 of the most impressive stadiums in North America, from the cutting-edge SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Each venue tells its own story, combining architectural innovation with local culture. Whether you're a stadium architecture enthusiast or simply want to know which venue offers the best fan experience, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. We'll explore seating recommendations, transportation options, unique features, and insider tips for each of the 16 host stadiums.
2026 World Cup Venues: The Complete List
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across 16 stadiums in three countries, representing a diverse mix of architectural styles, capacities, and cultural significance. Here's the complete breakdown:
United States Venues (11 Stadiums)
- •MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) - Capacity: 82,500
- •SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) - Capacity: 70,240
- •AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) - Capacity: 80,000
- •Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA) - Capacity: 71,000
- •NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) - Capacity: 72,220
- •Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO) - Capacity: 76,416
- •Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL) - Capacity: 65,326
- •Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA) - Capacity: 69,176
- •Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) - Capacity: 68,500
- •Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) - Capacity: 65,878
- •Lumen Field (Seattle, WA) - Capacity: 69,000
Canada Venues (2 Stadiums)
- •BMO Field (Toronto, ON) - Capacity: 45,500 (expandable to 50,000)
- •BC Place (Vancouver, BC) - Capacity: 54,000
Mexico Venues (3 Stadiums)
- •Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) - Capacity: 87,523
- •Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) - Capacity: 49,850
- •Estadio BBVA (Monterrey) - Capacity: 53,500
MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey) - Final Venue
As the venue for the 2026 World Cup Final, MetLife Stadium represents the pinnacle of the tournament. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just 7 miles from Midtown Manhattan, this state-of-the-art venue opened in 2010 and serves as home to both NFL's New York Giants and Jets.
Why It's Special
- •Largest capacity stadium in the tournament at 82,500
- •Will host the Final on July 19, 2026
- •One of the most accessible stadiums via public transit
- •Approximately $1.6 billion construction cost
- •Features 82,500 square foot HD video board, one of the largest in the world
Getting There
Public transportation is highly recommended:
- •NJ Transit from Penn Station NYC: 30-40 minutes, $5-$7 each way
- •Coach USA buses from Port Authority: 45 minutes, $11 each way
- •Park & Ride lots available with advance booking
- •Uber/Lyft surge pricing can exceed $100+ on match days
Seating Recommendations
- •Lower bowl sideline (Sections 111-121, 134-144): Best overall view
- •Club seats (200 level): Includes climate control and premium food
- •Avoid extreme corners (Sections 101-104, 148-149) for sightline issues
- •Upper deck (300 level): Great value, steep but excellent views
Match Day Tips
- •Arrive 2-3 hours early for Final, 1.5 hours for earlier matches
- •Explore the American Dream mall next door before/after matches
- •Food options extensive but expensive ($15-$25 per item)
- •Bring sunscreen for day matches—limited shade
- •Download stadium app for real-time crowd management updates
Pro Tip: For the Final, book accommodation 6-12 months in advance. Hotels within 10 miles of MetLife will likely be $400-$800 per night during the Final weekend.
SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) - Tech Marvel
The newest stadium in the tournament, SoFi Stadium opened in 2020 and immediately set new standards for stadium technology and design. Its distinctive translucent roof and enormous 360-degree video board create an unmatched fan experience.
Unique Features
- •Largest video board in sports: 70,000 square feet, dual-sided 4K HDR
- •First indoor-outdoor stadium—open air with translucent roof
- •Cost $5.5 billion, most expensive stadium ever built
- •Built into ground (100 feet below street level) for aircraft clearance
- •Features living roof with 2.8 acres of drought-resistant vegetation
Getting There
Located in Inglewood, about 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles:
- •Metro K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line) to Downtown Inglewood station: 10-minute walk
- •Stadium Express shuttle service from various LA locations
- •Limited parking (must pre-purchase, $50-$150)
- •Rideshare drop-off/pickup designated areas (expect surge pricing)
Best Seats
- •Field Club (100-level sideline): Premium experience, closest to action
- •Loge Level (200s): Perfect balance of view and price
- •Upper Concourse great for overall experience—that video board!
- •Avoid behind-goal upper corners (Sections 501-506, 531-536)
Match Day Experience
- •Arrive 2 hours early to explore the venue
- •YouTube Theater adjacent—check for pre-match fan events
- •Wide variety of food from LA's diverse culinary scene
- •American Airlines Plaza outdoor area great for pre-match atmosphere
- •Bag policy very strict—clear bags only, 12" x 6" x 12" maximum
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) - Historic Icon
The only stadium to host three World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026), Estadio Azteca is hallowed ground in football history. Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" both happened here in 1986.
Historical Significance
- •Opened in 1966, capacity 87,523 (largest in the tournament)
- •Hosted the 1970 Final (Brazil 4-1 Italy) and 1986 Final (Argentina 3-2 West Germany)
- •Site of Pelé's 1,000th career goal (1969)
- •Home to Club América and Mexican national team
- •Altitude: 7,200 feet—impacts player performance and ball flight
Getting There
Located in southern Mexico City (Coyoacán area):
- •Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then light rail to Estadio Azteca
- •Total journey 45-60 minutes from Centro Histórico
- •Official Estadio Azteca shuttle buses from various city points
- •Taxi/Uber reliable but traffic heavy on match days
- •Consider staying in Coyoacán or San Ángel neighborhoods nearby
Seating Guide
- •Preferente sideline sections: Best views, covered seating
- •Sol General (sun side): Cheapest but very hot for afternoon matches
- •Sombra General (shade side): Better comfort, worth the upgrade
- •Palcos (boxes): Premium but prices reflect historic venue status
- •Bring cushion—concrete seats get uncomfortable
Essential Tips
- •Altitude affects everyone—stay hydrated, take it easy on arrival
- •Food and drink much cheaper than US/Canada stadiums
- •Amazing atmosphere—Mexican fans among world's most passionate
- •Tour the stadium museum if you arrive early
- •Cash preferred for street vendors outside (amazing tacos!)
Cultural Tip: Learn basic Spanish phrases. While many vendors speak English, showing effort will enhance your experience. "Una cerveza, por favor" goes a long way!
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) - Sustainable Leader
Opened in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium sets the standard for sustainable design and fan-friendly pricing. Its famous retractable "pinwheel" roof and commitment to affordable concessions make it a fan favorite.
Notable Features
- •First LEED Platinum certified professional sports stadium
- •Retractable roof opens/closes in 7 minutes
- •Revolutionary fan-friendly pricing ($2 hot dogs, $5 beer)
- •Massive 360-degree halo video board
- •Solar panels and rainwater collection systems
Getting There
Downtown Atlanta location offers excellent transit access:
- •MARTA subway: Multiple lines stop at GWCC/Dome/MARTA station
- •Walking distance from downtown hotels
- •The Gulch parking (pre-purchase required)
- •Match day pedestrian bridges from surrounding areas
Best Viewing Sections
- •Lower bowl 100 sections sideline (101-126): Ideal angle
- •Club seats (200-level): Best amenities-to-price ratio
- •300-level corners actually great value with good sightlines
- •Standing room only sections if you like to move around
Food and Amenities
- •Famous for lowest food prices in professional sports
- •Wide variety including Southern cuisine (fried chicken, mac & cheese)
- •All-you-can-eat sections available in some areas
- •Mobile ordering available through stadium app
- •Free water refill stations throughout
AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas) - Jerry's World
Known as "Jerry's World" after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, AT&T Stadium is a monument to scale and luxury. Its massive retractable roof and enormous video board create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Impressive Stats
- •Capacity of 80,000 (expandable to 105,000)
- •World's 13th largest high-definition video screen (suspended from roof)
- •$1.3 billion construction cost
- •Retractable roof with transparent center sections
- •Art collection valued at over $30 million throughout venue
Getting There
Located between Dallas and Fort Worth:
- •Trinity Railway Express to CentrePort/DFW Airport station, then shuttle
- •Direct shuttle buses from various Dallas and Fort Worth locations
- •Parking lots extensive but require advance purchase ($30-$75)
- •Consider staying in Arlington for walking distance access
Seating Strategy
- •Lower sideline (Sections 113-143): Traditional best view
- •Party Pass (standing room): $30-$50, access to multiple viewing levels
- •Midfield Club sections: Premium with excellent sightlines
- •Upper corners: Budget option but steep climb and distant
Match Day Activities
- •Miller Lite Plaza outdoor area for pre-match festivities
- •Extensive food options (BBQ, Tex-Mex, traditional stadium fare)
- •AT&T Stadium Art Tour available on non-match days
- •Texas Live! entertainment complex adjacent for post-match
- •Arrive 2 hours early for first-time visitors—stadium is massive
BC Place (Vancouver) - Scenic Setting
Vancouver's BC Place offers one of the most picturesque settings of any World Cup venue, with mountains visible from many sections. The cable-supported retractable roof is an engineering marvel.
Unique Characteristics
- •Retractable roof supported by 36 miles of cables
- •Mountain and city skyline views from many seats
- •Capacity 54,000 for football
- •Multi-sport venue (Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions)
- •Downtown location—walkable from most hotels
Getting There
Excellent public transit access:
- •SkyTrain: Multiple lines stop at Stadium-Chinatown station
- •SeaBus from North Shore to Waterfront, then SkyTrain
- •Walking distance from downtown core and Gastown
- •BC Place has very limited parking—public transit strongly recommended
Seating Recommendations
- •West side (200-level): Best mountain views during day matches
- •Lower bowl sideline (Sections 201-229): Traditional best seats
- •Upper bowl center actually very good—steeper angle helps
- •Club seats (300-level): Premium amenities and indoor/outdoor access
Vancouver Experience
- •Explore Gastown and Yaletown neighborhoods before matches
- •Vancouver has incredible food scene—arrive hungry
- •Walk the seawall at False Creek pre or post-match
- •Weather unpredictable—bring layers even in summer
- •Craft beer selection among best of any stadium
Weather Tip: Vancouver can be rainy even in summer. The retractable roof provides coverage, but bring a light rain jacket for walking to/from stadium.
Universal Stadium Tips and Best Practices
Regardless of which venues you visit, these tips will enhance your World Cup stadium experience:
Pre-Match Planning
- •Download stadium app 1-2 weeks before match
- •Review prohibited items list (varies by stadium)
- •Pre-purchase parking if driving—match day sales sell out
- •Study public transit options and download offline maps
- •Consider stadium tour during non-match day to familiarize yourself
Match Day Essentials
- •Arrive 2 hours early for major matches, 90 minutes for group stage
- •Wear comfortable shoes—lots of walking and standing
- •Bring portable phone charger (battery drains fast with camera use)
- •Apply sunscreen even for evening matches (UV exposure)
- •Download digital tickets to phone AND print backup copy
Food and Beverage Strategy
- •Eat a substantial meal before entering (stadium food is expensive)
- •Empty water bottles usually allowed—free refills inside
- •Cash AND card—some vendors card-only, some cash-only
- •Check if stadium allows outside food (most don't)
- •Mobile ordering available at many venues—skip concession lines
Safety and Security
- •Clear bag policy at all venues (12" x 6" x 12" or smaller)
- •Know your seat section and nearest exits
- •Take photo of parking location/spot before entering
- •Establish meeting point with group if separated
- •Keep phone charged for digital tickets and communication
Photography and Memories
- •Cameras usually allowed (no professional equipment)
- •GoPros and selfie sticks often prohibited
- •Respect neighbors when taking photos during play
- •Stadium atmosphere peaks during anthems and goals—capture these
- •Geotagging photos helps you remember which stadium later!
Stadium Tours and Behind-the-Scenes Access
Most World Cup venues offer guided tours, providing access to locker rooms, press areas, and field level. Book 2-3 months in advance as tours often sell out during World Cup lead-up.
Best Stadium Tours
- •Estadio Azteca: Museum included, historic trophy room, walk through player tunnel
- •AT&T Stadium: Art tour option, Cowboys locker room, field access
- •Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Roof operations room, sustainability features tour
- •MetLife Stadium: Both Giants and Jets locker rooms, media areas
- •SoFi Stadium: Behind-the-scenes tech, video board control room
Tour Booking Tips
- •Book directly through stadium website for best prices
- •Weekday tours less crowded than weekends
- •Expect 60-90 minutes for standard tours
- •VIP tours ($75-$150) include additional access
- •Group discounts usually available for 10+ people
- •Some tours cancelled on match days—check schedule
What You'll See
Standard tours typically include:
- •Player locker rooms (home and/or visiting)
- •Walk through player tunnel to field
- •Press conference room
- •Premium seating areas
- •Trophy/Hall of Fame displays
- •Behind-the-scenes operational areas
Conclusion
The 16 stadiums hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup represent the best of North American sports architecture, from historic Estadio Azteca to cutting-edge SoFi Stadium. Each venue offers unique experiences, whether it's the technology marvel of SoFi, the sustainable leadership of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the mountain-framed beauty of BC Place. Plan your stadium visits carefully—research seating options, transportation, and local attractions. Book accommodation and tours early, especially for major matches and the Final at MetLife Stadium. Remember, the World Cup is as much about the journey between stadiums as the matches themselves. Embrace the diversity of North American cities, cultures, and architectures. These stadiums aren't just venues; they're the stages where football history will be made in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stadium will host the 2026 World Cup Final?
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York area) will host the Final on July 19, 2026. It's the largest stadium in the tournament with capacity of 82,500.
Can I visit multiple stadiums in one trip?
Many fans plan multi-city trips. US East Coast venues (New York, Philadelphia, Boston) are 2-6 hours apart. Texas has three venues (Houston, Dallas, Kansas City) within 3-4 hours. Plan for travel days between matches.
How early should I arrive at stadiums for World Cup matches?
Arrive 2 hours early for knockout stages and 90 minutes for group stage matches. For the Final, consider 2.5-3 hours to handle massive crowds and security.
Are stadium tours worth it?
Yes! Tours provide unique access to areas off-limits during matches. Book 2-3 months ahead, especially for Estadio Azteca (historic), AT&T Stadium (scale), and SoFi Stadium (technology). Tours range from $20-$50.
What's the best way to get to stadiums on match days?
Public transportation is strongly recommended for all venues. Parking is expensive ($30-$150), limited, and requires advance booking. Uber/Lyft surge pricing can triple normal rates. Transit is reliable and avoids traffic.
Can I bring food and drinks into stadiums?
Most stadiums prohibit outside food and beverages except sealed water bottles and medical necessities. Stadium food is expensive ($8-$25 per item). Eat a meal before entering and bring empty water bottle for free refills.