The United States will be, along with Canada and Mexico, the host country for the upcoming World Cup 2026.
What promises to be the biggest World Cup to date is certainly going to be a spectacle – as over 500 million ticket requests already submitted. And most of the matches are played in the USA.
In total, 11 host cities across the country will be home to 78 out of the tournament’s 104 matches.
These 11 host cities span three distinct regions: the East Coast from Boston to Miami, the Central heartland from Dallas to Kansas City, and the West Coast from Seattle to Los Angeles.
In this guide, you can learn everything you need to know about each USA host city: from stadium specifications and features, to match assignments. We even included estimations for transportation and accommodation, average ticket prices, and practical travel tips.
East Region Host Cities
The Eastern side hosts four World Cup venues. Out of these four, one is where the Final is going to take place – the MetLife Stadium.
All four cities are great for airport access and are very culturally rich beyond soccer.
New York / New Jersey – MetLife Stadium
The MetLife Stadium is the venue that will host the most important match in World Cup 2026 – the Final. The match is scheduled for July 19, 2026.
This Stadium is the largest venue in modern history for the World Cup for a final match. Hence, it makes sense that we are starting from this venue.
Here’s a quick overview of the stadium.
| Stadium | MetLife Stadium |
| Location | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Capacity | 82,500 |
| Total Matches | 8 (including the World Cup Final) |
| Match Numbers | 7, 17, 41, 56, 67, 77, 91, 104 |
| Key Match | World Cup Final |
Stadium Features
MetLife Stadium stands as the largest venue hosting a World Cup Final in modern tournament history. The open-air design means July weather will be a factor, but not a big deal because summer in New York tends to be favorable. Some of the interesting facts about the stadium is that this is the place where Super Bowl XLVIII and Copa America 2016 matches were hosted.
Average Ticket Price: $450-$620 (group stage Category 1). Secondary marketplace pricing is a bit higher than on the official FIFA channel. The Final ticket prices are soaring and may even reach well over $6,370.
Miami – Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium is a famous venue already, as it’s where Lionel Messi’s triumphant Copa America 2024 final victory was hosted. The venue is in South Florida, and has recent renovations, so it’s a popular destination (despite not hosting the Cup Final).
| Stadium | Hard Rock Stadium |
| Location | Miami Gardens, Florida |
| Capacity | 65,000 |
| Total Matches | 7 |
| Match Numbers | 13, 37, 49, 71, 86, 99, 103 |
| Key Matches | Third-Place Match |
Stadium Features
Hard Rock Stadium underwent a $350 million renovation that added the partial roof canopy, so it’s equipped with much-needed shade for Florida heat. So far, the venue has hosted six Super Bowls.
Average Ticket Price: $350-$480 (group stage Category 1), but the price is expected to be much higher in reality.
Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia offers a unique World Cup experience combining football with America’s 250th birthday celebrations. The city’s historic significance and accessible location make it an attractive option for fans seeking cultural depth alongside their matches.
| Stadium | Lincoln Financial Field |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Capacity | 69,796 |
| Total Matches | 6 |
| Match Numbers | 9, 29, 42, 55, 68, 89 |
| Key Match | Round of 16: Match 89 |
Stadium Features
Philadelphia is a major part of American culture and heritage, so it’s going to attract a large crowd simply because of its many historic tourist sights. The city’s central location provides easy access from New York, Washington DC, and Baltimore, making multi-city trips practical.
Average Ticket Price: $300-$400 (group stage Category 1)
Boston – Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium is both a great opportunity for budget-tight spectators but also comes with challenges. Namely, the stadium offers some of the most affordable tickets for important matches, but it’s not easy for transportation planning for international fans.
| Stadium | Gillette Stadium |
| Location | Foxborough, MA (30 min from Boston) |
| Capacity | 65,878 |
| Total Matches | 7 |
| Match Numbers | 5, 18, 30, 45, 61, 74, 97 |
| Key Match | Quarter-Final Match 97 |
Gillette Stadium is located in Foxborough, Massachusetts – NOT in Boston. No regular public transit serves the stadium, meaning visitors must arrange driving, ride-shares, or official shuttle services.
Average Ticket Price: $290-$390 (group stage Category 1)
Central Region Host Cities
The Central region has four venues in total, and two of which will be Semi-Final hosts. These cities offer a mix of world-class technology, passionate local soccer cultures, and generally more favorable pricing than other venues.
Dallas/Arlington – AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium hosts more World Cup matches than any other venue in the tournament, as there are going to be 9 matches in total played at the venue. That includes a Semi-Final on July 14.
| Stadium | AT&T Stadium |
| Location | Arlington, Texas |
| Capacity | 80,000-94,000 (expandable) |
| Total Matches | 9 |
| Match Numbers | 11, 22, 43, 57, 70, 78, 88, 93, 101 |
| Key Match | Semi-Final Match 101 |
Stadium Features
AT&T Stadium is the biggest venue in the entire World Cup this year. It has a retractable dome that ensures climate-controlled conditions – and that’s quite important when you are up against the Texas summer heat. The only issue visitors may have is transportation, as you are going to need a car to get there.
Average Ticket Price: $380-$520 (group stage Category 1). Semi-Final Tickets: $1,200-$2,500 (Category 1). These are estimations, the real price may vary.
Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Another venue that hosts a semi-final. Mercedes-Benz Stadium combines architectural innovation with proven soccer atmosphere, having set MLS attendance records with Atlanta United. The venue hosts a Semi-Final on July 15 and offers perhaps the best overall value among premium World Cup cities.
| Stadium | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Capacity | 71,000-75,000 |
| Total Matches | 8 |
| Match Numbers | 14, 25, 38, 50, 72, 80, 95, 102 |
| Key Match | Semi-Final Match 102 |
Stadium Features
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the world’s most distinctive venues. Atlanta United’s passionate fanbase has an established soccer culture, with the club setting an MLS single-game attendance record of 73,019.
Average Ticket Price: $350-$480 (group stage Category 1). Semi-Final Tickets: $1,200-$2,500 (Category 1)
Houston – NRG Stadium
NRG Stadium offers excellent value for money. It’s in America’s fourth-largest city and has a retractable roof so you are going to be great and comfortable even during the Texas summer.
| Stadium | NRG Stadium |
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Capacity | 72,220 |
| Total Matches | 7 |
| Match Numbers | 10, 23, 35, 47, 65, 76, 90 |
| Key Match | Round of 16 Match 90 |
Average Ticket Price: $300-$400 (group stage Category 1)
Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City represents the best overall value among USA host cities, because not only does it offer the lowest average ticket prices but also has a great soccer culture. It’s also the home to Kansas City Chiefs, a very popular football team in the NFL.
| Stadium | GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium |
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Capacity | 76,416 |
| Total Matches | 6 |
| Match Numbers | 19, 34, 58, 69, 87, 100 |
| Key Match | Quarter-Final Match 100 |
Arrowhead Features
Kansas City has earned its “Soccer Capital” reputation through decades of supporting professional soccer. The city offers the best value ticket prices among all US venues, making it ideal for fans seeking authentic World Cup atmosphere without premium market costs. Beyond football, Kansas City’s legendary BBQ scene provides world-class dining at reasonable prices.
Average Ticket Price: $280-$380 (group stage Category 1)
West Region Host Cities
The West Coast hosts three venues including both confirmed USA group stage matches. These cities offer iconic settings, established soccer cultures through MLS teams, and distinctly different experiences from coastal California to Pacific Northwest.
Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium hosts not one but two USA matches. First, there’s the opening match against Paraguay on June 12, and then the third group match with the winner of Playoff C on June 25.
| Stadium | SoFi Stadium (“Los Angeles Stadium” for FIFA) |
| Location | Inglewood, California |
| Capacity | 70,240 |
| Total Matches | 8 |
| Match Numbers | 4, 15, 26, 39, 59, 73, 84, 98 |
| Key Matches | USA vs. Paraguay, Group Match 4 |
Stadium Features
SoFi Stadium represents the pinnacle of modern venue construction at $5.5 billion. The translucent roof creates an open-air atmosphere while providing weather protection, and the 70,000-square-foot oval video board delivers stunning visuals from every angle. FIFA will officially designate it “Los Angeles Stadium” during the tournament.
Average Ticket Price: $400-$550 (group stage Category 1). USA match prices are higher.
Seattle – Lumen Field
Lumen Field hosts USA vs. Australia on June 24, bringing the tournament to the passionate Pacific Northwest soccer market. The venue’s reputation as the loudest stadium in the NFL translates to electric atmosphere for soccer.
| Stadium | Lumen Field |
| Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Capacity | 69,000 |
| Total Matches | 6 |
| Match Numbers | 16, 32, 52, 63, 82, 94 |
| Key Match | USA vs. Australia (Match 32) |
| Public Transit | Light rail direct to stadium |
Stadium Features
Lumen Field has earned its reputation as the loudest stadium in the NFL, for sure. It’s great for acoustics, and great views of the Seattle skyline. It’s also very easy to get to, thanks to a light rail direct to the stadium.
Average Ticket Price: $350-$450 (group stage Category 1)
San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium
Levi’s Stadium brings World Cup football to the heart of Silicon Valley. However, the stadium is not in San Francisco the city, it’s in Santa Clara – which matters if you are travelling internationally.
| Stadium | Levi’s Stadium |
| Location | Santa Clara, CA (45 min from San Francisco) |
| Capacity | 70,909 |
| Total Matches | 6 |
| Match Numbers | 8, 20, 31, 44, 60, 81 |
| Key Match | Round of 32 Match 81 |
Stadium Features
Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, approximately 45 minutes south of San Francisco. So, it’s important to plan your transport and accommodation accordingly. This is also the stadium where the Super Bowl LX is hosted in February.
Average Ticket Price: $320-$420 (group stage Category 1)
Match Distribution by City
Here’s a table that shows how matches are distributed across venues. This might come in handy with planning multi-city trips and finding the best opportunities for specific tournament rounds if you are not planning on visiting just one or two matches.
| City | Group | R32 | R16 | QF | SF | Final | Total |
| Dallas | 5 | 2 | 1 | – | ✓ | – | 9 |
| NYC/NJ | 5 | 1 | 1 | – | – | ✓ | 8 |
| Los Angeles | 5 | 2 | – | ✓ | – | – | 8 |
| Atlanta | 5 | 2 | – | – | ✓ | – | 8 |
| Miami | 4 | 1 | 1 | ✓ | – | 3rd | 7 |
| Houston | 5 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | 7 |
| SF Bay | 5 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | 7 |
| Seattle | 5 | 1 | – | – | – | – | 6 |
| Kansas City | 5 | 1 | – | – | – | – | 6 |
| Philadelphia | 5 | 1 | – | – | – | – | 6 |
| Boston | 5 | 1 | – | – | – | – | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US city has the cheapest World Cup tickets?
Kansas City offers the lowest average ticket prices among all 11 US host cities, with group stage Category 1 tickets ranging from $280-$380. Houston and Philadelphia also provide excellent value compared to coastal markets.
What city is hosting the World Cup Final?
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York metropolitan area) hosts the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026.
Where is the USA playing World Cup games?
The USA national team plays group stage matches in Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) and Seattle (Lumen Field). USA vs. Paraguay takes place June 12 in LA, and USA vs. Australia on June 24 in Seattle. The third group match location depends on the final schedule.
Which World Cup stadiums have roofs?
Three US venues offer retractable roofs with climate control: AT&T Stadium (Dallas), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), and NRG Stadium (Houston). SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) has a translucent fixed roof that provides weather protection while maintaining open-air feel. Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) features a partial roof canopy for shade.
What’s the easiest World Cup city to get to?
That depends on where you are. For instance, Atlanta offers the best combination of airport accessibility and public transit (MARTA rail direct to venue). New York/New Jersey provides excellent international flight options through three major airports, though travelling to the stadium takes longer.
Can I visit multiple cities during the World Cup?
Yes, of course! Consider regional clusters such as the East Coast (NYC-Philadelphia-Boston), Texas triangle (Dallas-Houston), or West Coast (LA-San Francisco-Seattle).
Which cities have the best public transit to stadiums?
Seattle (light rail direct), Atlanta (MARTA rail), and Philadelphia (SEPTA subway) offer the best public transit access to their stadiums. New York provides good options but requires longer travel times. Dallas and Boston have no public transit to their venues – so plan on driving or taking organized shuttles.
What’s the weather like in July at World Cup cities?
July temperatures vary significantly by region. Texas cities (Dallas, Houston) and Miami will be hot and humid, so domed stadiums have an advantage. West Coast cities (LA, San Francisco, Seattle) offer more moderate conditions. East Coast cities (NYC, Philadelphia, Boston) typically see warm summer weather with occasional humidity.
Conclusion
All 16 host cities are remarkable venues capable of welcoming thousands of soccer fans in June and July. Out of 16, 11 are in the USA, and many host some of the key matches of the World Cup 2026. The crown jewel is certainly the Final that is going to take place in July at MetLife Stadium in New York.
If you are not going to the Final, there’s plenty of other options to consider. For the best overall value, consider Kansas City, Houston, or Atlanta – these cities mix both affordable tickets and great things to see and do outside of the matches. They are also more affordable in terms of transportation and accommodation than Miami, New York, and Los Angeles.
Whichever cities you choose, be sure to get your tickets on time. If you are not sure how, here’s a detailed guide on how to buy tickets for the 2026 World Cup.
Start your planning early, learn what other content you can enjoy in the city, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.