The cities have been cut across the United States of America, Mexico and Canada, with most of the matches to be played in the USA, which is represented by 11 cities.
Mexico will be represented by three cities, while the other two cities will be from another giant, Canada.
A total of 80 matches will be played in the 2026 edition, broken down to 60 matches in the USA, and 10 each in Mexico and Canada.
The 16 cities were selected from a total of 44 cities and 49 stadiums, a process that began five years ago in 2017.
Canada; Toronto, Vancouver.
Speaking on the occasion of the unveiling, the US Soccer President, Cindy Parlow Cone had this to say;
“Together with our good friends in Canada and Mexico, we couldn’t be more excited to work with FIFA to host what we think will be the greatest World Cup in history,” she said.
“I want to congratulate all the bid cities that will host games. I know you will all do a fantastic job of sharing your world-class stadiums, unique communities and culture, and amazing fans when the world comes to North America in four years.”
“It’s a historic day for U.S. Soccer and the entire American soccer community, from every corner of our grassroots all the way to the pros and our National Teams,” she added.
- 2026 World Cup to have 48 teams
For the first time in the history of the World Cup, the 2026 edition will have 48 teams in attendance.
With 16 cities set to host the tournament in four years, there will be 16 more teams, up from the 32 nations that have competed in the last seven editions of the global fiesta since it was increased from 24 back in 1998.
“We congratulate the 16 FIFA World Cup Host Cities on their outstanding commitment and passion. Today is a historic day – for everyone in those cities and states, for FIFA, for Canada, the USA and Mexico who will put on the greatest show on Earth,” FIFA President, Gianni Infantino said.
“We look forward to working together with them to deliver what will be an unprecedented FIFA World Cup and a game-changer as we strive to make football truly global,”
More from the FIFA boss
“I think this part of the world doesn’t realise what will happen here in 2026. These three countries will be upside down and then flipped back again. The world will be invading Canada, Mexico and the United States with a big wave of joy and happiness because that’s what football is all about. Football is also the sport of the immigrants, of inclusion and of bringing people together.”
“With 48 countries coming and playing at this World Cup, it will be amazing and football by that time here in North America will be at a completely different level. In this part of the world – in these three countries – you are leading the world in so many areas: in the economy, in sport, and so on. But in the number one sport in the world which is soccer, or football, you are not yet, and the objective must be that you will be leading the world as well in the world’s number one sport.”
More quotes from FIFA
FIFA Vice President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani added;
“This has always been a FIFA World Cup of three countries, and that undoubtedly will have a tremendous impact on the whole region and the wider football community. The increase in participating teams from 32 to 48 teams for the 23rd FIFA World Cup means more matches to enjoy as football further expands its truly global reach and impact.”
“These cities will put up a fantastic [FIFA] World Cup. Today, the World Cup has 64 matches. In 2026, the World Cup has 80 Superbowls, 80 incredible games, 80 finals and we must make sure that they are played in the best conditions.”
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