Football: 2026 World Cup stadium guide
The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, outside New York, which will host the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 (Michael Reaves) From iconic soccer cathedrals to modern state-of-the-art stadiums more accustomed to hosting American football, the 2026 World Cup will be played at 16 venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Here AFP looks at the stadiums that will define the 2026 tournament: CANADA Toronto - BMO Field Capacity: 45,000 One of two Canadian venues, BMO Field is one of the few World Cup stadiums constructed as a soccer-specific stadium and opened in 2007 when it hosted games at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Today the venue is home to Major League Soccer's Toronto FC.
It will host six matches in total -- five in the group stage and one in the Round of 32-- including Canada's opening fixture on June 12 against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Vancouver - BC Place Capacity: 54,000 Opened in 1983, the waterfront stadium nestling in the heart of Vancouver is arguably one of the most picturesque venues of the World Cup. The long-term home of the Vancouver Whitecaps MLS team and the Canadian Football League's gridiron team, the BC Lions, BC Place also featured prominently in the successful 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, hosting the final where the USA defeated Japan 5-2.
It will host seven matches including two knockout round games. MEXICO Mexico City - Estadio Azteca Capacity: 83,000 One of the most iconic venues in World Cup history, the Azteca will become the first stadium to host World Cup games in three different tournaments at this year's finals. Opened in 1966, the Azteca was the centerpiece of the 1970 World Cup, won by Pele and Brazil and would go on to reprise that role at the 1986 finals, when a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina swept to their second title.
It will host the opening match of the 2026 tournament on June 11 when Mexico take on South Africa, along with four other fixtures. Guadalajara - Estadio Akron Capacity: 48,000 With its distinct volcano-style design, the Estadio Akron is one of the most eye-catching venues of the World Cup. Since its inauguration in 2010, the stadium has hosted the 2010 Copa Libertadores final as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2011 Pan American Games.
It will host four matches during the group stage, including Spain's clash with Uruguay on June 26. Monterrey - Estadio BBVA Capacity: 53,500 Known locally as "El Gigante de Acero" (The Steel Giant), the futuristic Estadio BBVA is framed by a picturesque backdrop of mountain scenery that makes it one of the most visually stunning venues of the tournament. The venue, which opened in 2015, will host four matches during the tournament.
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