16 host cities for 2026 World Cup announced

FIFA has announced the 16 Host Cities that are due to stage matches at the first edition of football’s showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be staged across North and Central America in 16 cities in Canada, the US and Mexico.

“We congratulate the 16 FIFA World Cup Host Cities on their outstanding commitment and passion,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“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. 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.”

FIFA Vice President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, added: “We were delighted by the unparalleled competitiveness of this selection process. We are extremely grateful not only to the 16 cities that have been selected, but also to the other six – with whom we look forward to continuing to engage and explore additional opportunities to welcome fans and participating teams.

“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.”

One of the successful bidding cities, Houston in Texas will play host to World Cup games for the first time. The City led on its passion for soccer which was showcased as the community rallied together to support its bid to deliver a World Cup of the Future, in America’s City of the Future.

Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee President Chris Canetti, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be selected as a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside so many great cities in the US, Mexico and Canada.

“The Houston community has truly backed our bid and is ready to welcome players and fans from all over the world for the World Cup. We are grateful to FIFA for recognising the modern, sustainable and forward-thinking bid we have built and for allowing us to continue creating a lasting legacy.”

Legacy has been at the core of Houston’s bid from the very start launching a $6m campaign with US Soccer Foundation to create 30 mini-pitches throughout the region to help grow the game and positively impact the lives of local youth. Houston Dynamo FC and Dash owner Ted Segal also provided financial backing for two grassroots youth soccer programs.

San Francisco Bay Area will also play host with NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara the region’s venue for hosting matches.

Al Guido, 49ers President and Bay Area Host Committee Board President, said: “From 2017 when we first unveiled our participation in the United Bid, to 2021 when we hosted FIFA and showed their delegation around our beautiful region, the Bay Area 2026 Bid team has remained confident that this day would come.”

“Over the past eight years, innovative technology, sustainability and fan-focused design elements have cemented Levi’s Stadium among the premier sports and entertainment venues in the country.

“This venue was made to host events like the FIFA World Cup™, an event that will generate ongoing economic activity for our region for the next four years and beyond.”