Following the success of this year's World Cup in Qatar, it's time to look ahead and anticipate the 2026 edition. Hosted by three North American countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - this tournament promises to be another memorable event.

The tournament will take place at various venues throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico and feature an expanded format that sees teams increase from 32 to 48.

United States

With the world cup in Qatar coming to an end after 32 years, it's time for us to look ahead. The next event will take place in North America where three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - will host for the first time.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, noted that the 2026 edition will mark the first time 48 teams compete in an expanded format - making it the biggest competition ever seen.

On June 13th, 2018 FIFA Congress selected the United States, Mexico and Canada as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup. This is an enormous step in the right direction for soccer in North America and beyond.

In the US, 11 venues have been selected to host matches during the tournament - Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia.

One of the world's most renowned cities, New York is packed with diverse boroughs that feature independent bars and restaurants, Broadway shows and incredible museums. The final match will take place at MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, just west of Manhattan.

Fans should not only visit New York's iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building but also indulge in some classic cheesesteaks at DiNic's Roast Pork or get some fresh seafood at downtown Brooklyn's waterfront.

Foodies should visit Westside Provisions District, a former meat packing district now filled with high-end eateries like Bacchanalia. After the game, enjoy some fun in the sun on a stunning beach or explore Toronto's vibrant arts and cultural scene.

FIFA has always enjoyed great commercial success with their men's World Cup events, despite decades of corruption scandals. Revenue from 1998, when the inaugural event took place, to 2022 has grown substantially since.

FIFA has allocated $11 billion for the 2026 cycle, up from the $7.5 billion budgeted during the same period last year. These funds will be used to cover broadcast and sponsorship contracts, ticket sales and hospitality packages.

Mexico

Are you curious where the 2026 world cup will be held? Well, it looks like it will take place in North America with some major contenders for hosting duties. Unlike previous European tournaments which saw teams competing across 32 venues, this event will include 48 teams across 16 host cities.

A joint bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico won the right to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in December 2018, beating out Morocco's competing bid. This North American trio secured the biggest sporting event for their continent by outbidding Morocco by more than 30 percent.

The United Bid was designed to reduce travel for teams and fans, using regional clusters in each country to shorten game distances. It also featured various stadiums that regularly host national football teams, such as those located in the U.S. and Canada that also have regular Major League Soccer squads.

Estadio Azteca, situated in Mexcio City, Mexico City, is one of the most iconic and historic stadiums worldwide. It has hosted two men's World Cup finals and been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Populous Stadium Specialists recently renovated this iconic structure, using local brewing pots to give it its iconic shape. Capable of holding 87,000 people, it's one of the world's loudest soccer stadiums - making it an ideal venue for hosting major sporting events.

Mexcio City's Estadio BBVA Bancomer, recently renovated by the same company, will surely be a crowd favourite. This stadium has hosted multiple World Cup matches and is one of the most beloved in Mexico.

Other Mexican venues that have hosted World Cups in the past include Estadio Azteca, which has been around since 1970 and was chosen for both 1986 and 1970 finals.

The Estadio BBVA Bancomer is sure to please fans as it was the site of both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. Designed by architects Pedro Ramirez Vazquez and Rafael Mijares Alcerreca, its distinctive appearance will surely draw admirers.

Canada

Canada has a proud legacy as an international soccer host, having recently hosted both the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 and FIFA U-20 events. This cosmopolitan country encompasses 10 provinces with an expansive coastline, tropical rainforests, prairies and mountain ranges.

It also boasts numerous national parks and nature reserves. As one of the world's largest countries, with an area close to 10,000,000 km2 (3.85 million square miles), Namibia stands as a beacon for environmental preservation.

In November 2022, the Canadian men's national team qualified for a World Cup in Qatar - marking their first participation since 1986.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be staged in North America, with 16 cities across the continent hosting matches for 48 teams across 80 games over June and July of that year.

Toronto and Vancouver were chosen as the host cities for Canada, joining Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and New York/New Jersey. Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara will host matches in Mexico.

Vancouver and Toronto have a rich sporting heritage, including hosting major sporting events like the 2015 Women's World Cup. BC Place Stadium - home to Major League Soccer franchise Vancouver Whitecaps - served as host for nine matches during this year's competition.

As the official host city of the 2026 World Cup, I am honored and excited to help promote Toronto and Vancouver as global soccer destinations. This will be an once-in-a-generation chance to support tourism, bring international recognition to Canadian cities, and ignite passion in future generations of soccer fans.

Hosting the World Cup in Canada was especially significant due to its deep cultural and heritage links to soccer. Canada's vibrant multiculturalism is evident through its national language, French, and many First Nations communities have expressed their support for the tournament.

Venues

The World Cup is one of the most beloved international sporting events, and as such, much attention is paid to the stadiums hosting matches. This trend continued in Qatar 2022, where several new stadiums were constructed specifically for this tournament.

Football's most memorable moments often take place at its venues. Over time, iconic stadiums have seen their beauty and atmosphere magnified with each world cup.

No matter if it's a newly constructed stadium or one of the traditional ones that have hosted World Cup matches for decades, each venue has its own distinct qualities and qualities. As such, stadiums become as much an integral part of a host country's culture and history as the teams playing there!

For the upcoming World Cup, we've rounded up some of football's most renowned stadiums. No matter if you are an avid fan or not, these iconic grounds will surely inspire you!

Starting off, we have the BBVA Estadio Tecnologico de Monterrey. This stunning venue was chosen to host the 2026 World Cup and it comes as no surprise why.

Another stunning venue is Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This stadium is popular among Mexican and Latin American teams, but it also hosts European league matches.

Though not quite as picturesque as Monterrey's stadium, it offers just as thrilling a spectacle. This large and spacious arena can hold more than 53,000 fans comfortably.

This stadium, constructed in 1999, is one of the biggest in Mexico. As a multi-purpose venue, it's ideal for hosting matches during the World Cup.

The Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires is another big stadium that creates an electric atmosphere. It's circular in shape with a steep stand that adds to its magical ambience.

If you are a fan of Argentina, River Plate will be one place that you will likely visit often. It's the home of River Plate and promises to be an exciting venue to watch a game!