NFL Temples to Host 2026 World Cup Matches in the U.S.

The United States is gearing up to host a significant portion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 11 major NFL stadiums designated as venues. These state-of-the-art facilities will accommodate the bulk of the tournament's 104 games, including the highly anticipated semifinals and the final, which is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New York.

These 11 stadiums represent a substantial investment in sports infrastructure, with most not even existing during the 1994 World Cup. Their capacity, often exceeding 70,000 spectators, and their experience hosting major events like the Super Bowl, make them ideal for the expanded 48-team tournament. The SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will host the first match in the U.S. on June 12, featuring the United States against Paraguay. This new stadium, inaugurated in 2020, is also slated to host events for the 2028 Olympic Games.

MetLife Stadium, located near New York City, has already served as a test venue for the 2025 Club World Cup. It will host eight matches in the 2026 World Cup, including the debuts of France and Brazil, and will once again host the final on July 19, complete with a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, will be the starting point for Argentina's title defense, hosting their match against Algeria and serving as a base camp for several national teams.