The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played across 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

These venues range from 45,000 to 92,967 seats, making this the largest World Cup in history with 48 teams and 104 matches.

The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which holds 82,500 people.

The opening match will be at Mexico City’s famous Estadio Azteca, which holds 83,000 fans.

Each stadium has different seating configurations for World Cup matches.

Some stadiums are very large (like AT&T Stadium in Texas with almost 93,000 seats), while others are smaller but still hold more than 40,000 people. 

This guide tells you the capacity of each stadium, how many matches will be played there, what makes each venue special, and important details about seating and views.

Quick Reference: All 16 Stadium Capacities

This table shows all 16 stadiums arranged by size (largest to smallest).

You can quickly see which stadiums are biggest and which matches they will host.

• Note: Capacities shown are FIFA World Cup 2026 configurations. Some stadiums can hold more people for regular NFL or soccer games, but World Cup matches require special seating setups.

Below you will find detailed information about each stadium’s capacity, seating layout, views, match schedule, and what makes each venue special.

Stadiums are listed in alphabetical order.

1. AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)

• FIFA Name: Dallas Stadium
• Capacity: 92,967 seats
• Number of Matches: 9 (Including 1 Semi-final)

Match Schedule

AT&T Stadium is the largest World Cup 2026 venue and one of the biggest stadiums in the world.

It can hold almost 93,000 fans for World Cup matches, making it perfect for the most important games.

The stadium is home to the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and has a retractable roof, which means it can be opened or closed depending on the weather.

• Seating and Views: The stadium has seats on four levels – lower bowl, club level, suite level, and upper deck. Even from the upper deck, views are good because of the stadium’s steep design. There is a massive HD video board (screen) hanging in the center of the stadium that is one of the largest in the world.
• Special Features: The stadium has air conditioning and climate control, so it will be comfortable even in hot Texas summer weather. With 9 World Cup matches including a semi-final, this stadium will host some of the tournament’s biggest moments.

2. Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

• FIFA Name: Kansas City Stadium
• Capacity: 73,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 6

Match Schedule

Arrowhead Stadium (also called Kansas City Stadium for the World Cup) holds 73,000 fans.

It is famous for being the loudest outdoor stadium in the world according to Guinness World Records.

Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) fans are known for making extreme noise, and World Cup fans will create an incredible atmosphere here.

• Seating and Views: The stadium has a bowl shape that wraps around the field, bringing fans very close to the action. There are three main seating levels. The lower bowl puts you near the field, while upper deck seats still offer clear views of the entire pitch.
• Special Features: This is an open-air stadium, so matches will be played under the sky. The steep seating design and horseshoe shape create amazing sound that makes the atmosphere electric. Expect very loud crowds during World Cup matches.

3. BC Place (Vancouver, Canada)

• Capacity: 54,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 7

Match Schedule

BC Place in Vancouver is one of Canada’s two World Cup venues. It holds 54,000 people for World Cup matches.

The stadium has a retractable roof (can open and close), making it perfect for Vancouver’s rainy weather.

BC Place hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

• Seating and Views: The stadium has excellent sightlines from all seats. There are three main seating bowls – lower, middle, and upper. Recent renovations improved seating comfort and added modern amenities. The roof will likely be closed for World Cup matches to ensure good weather conditions.
• Special Features: BC Place is in downtown Vancouver, making it easy to reach by public transport. The retractable roof means matches will not be affected by rain. The stadium’s modern design creates a great viewing experience for soccer matches.

4. BMO Field (Toronto, Canada)

• FIFA Name: Toronto Stadium
• Capacity: 45,000 seats
• Number of Matches: 6 (Including Canada’s opening match)

Match Schedule

BMO Field is the smallest World Cup 2026 stadium with 45,000 seats, but it is a true soccer-specific stadium designed specifically for football.

This means every seat is close to the field with excellent views.

BMO Field will host Canada’s opening match, making it a very important venue for Canadian fans.

• Seating and Views: Because BMO Field was built for soccer, the seating is much closer to the field than in NFL stadiums. There are two main levels – lower bowl and upper deck. All seats have clear views with no obstructions. The intimate size creates an amazing atmosphere.
• Special Features: This is an open-air stadium in downtown Toronto near Lake Ontario. The stadium is undergoing expansion to increase capacity for the World Cup. The close seating and passionate Toronto fans will create one of the loudest and most exciting atmospheres in the tournament.

5. Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Mexico)

• FIFA Name: Estadio Guadalajara
• Capacity: 48,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 4

Match Schedule

Estadio Akron is a modern stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city.

It holds 48,000 fans and is home to Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), one of Mexico’s most popular football teams.

The stadium opened in 2010 and hosted the 2011 Pan American Games.

• Seating and Views: Estadio Akron has a unique design with steep seating that brings fans very close to the action. The stadium has two main tiers (levels) of seating. All seats face the center of the pitch perfectly. The modern design ensures excellent views from every section.
• Special Features: This open-air stadium showcases Mexican football culture at its best. Guadalajara is known for passionate football fans and mariachi music. The stadium is at altitude (about 1,500 meters above sea level), which can make playing more difficult for teams not used to it.

6. Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico)

• FIFA Name: Estadio Ciudad de Mexico
• Capacity: 83,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 5 (Including the Opening Match on June 11, 2026)

Match Schedule

Estadio Azteca is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. With 83,000 seats, it is the second-largest World Cup 2026 venue.

This will be the FIRST stadium ever to host World Cup matches in three different tournaments (1970, 1986, and 2026).

The World Cup 2026 will begin here with the opening match.

• Seating and Views: The stadium has a massive bowl design with two main tiers. The lower bowl is close to the field, while the upper tier can feel far from the action. However, the sheer size and history of this stadium create an unforgettable atmosphere. Diego Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” goal happened here in 1986.
• Special Features: Estadio Azteca is at high altitude – 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level. This makes playing very difficult for teams not used to the thin air. The stadium atmosphere is legendary, with Mexican fans creating incredible noise and color. This is a must-see venue for any football fan.

7. Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, Mexico)

• FIFA Name: Estadio Monterrey
• Capacity: 53,500 Seats
• Number of Matches: 4

Match Schedule

Estadio BBVA is one of Mexico’s newest and most modern stadiums, opening in 2015. It holds 53,500 fans and is home to CF Monterrey.

The stadium is known for its beautiful architecture and excellent facilities. Monterrey is Mexico’s third-largest city and an important industrial center.

• Seating and Views: This stadium has exceptional sightlines with steep seating that puts all fans close to the action. There are two main seating bowls. The modern design means there are no bad seats – every location offers clear views of the entire pitch. The stadium’s architecture creates excellent acoustics for crowd noise.
• Special Features: Estadio BBVA has a striking modern design with a steel frame structure. The open-air stadium has beautiful mountain views in the background. The venue represents Mexico’s commitment to world-class football infrastructure. Monterrey’s hot climate means matches will likely be played in comfortable evening temperatures.

8. Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)

• FIFA Name: Boston Stadium
• Capacity: 65,000 Seats
• Number of matches: 7 (Including 1 Quarterfinal)

Match Schedule

Gillette Stadium holds 65,000 fans and is located in Foxborough, near Boston. It is home to the New England Patriots (NFL) and New England Revolution (MLS).

The stadium hosted matches during the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Gillette Stadium is undergoing renovations to improve facilities for the 2026 World Cup.

• Seating and Views: The stadium has three main seating levels – lower bowl, club seats, and upper deck. Views are good from most sections, though the upper deck can feel distant from the field. The stadium’s design focuses on creating a loud atmosphere, which helps smaller crowds sound louder.
• Special Features: This open-air stadium will showcase New England’s passionate sports culture. With 7 matches including a quarterfinal, Gillette Stadium will be a key venue in the tournament. The stadium is about 40 kilometers from downtown Boston, accessible by train or car.

9. Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)

• FIFA Name: Miami Stadium
• Capacity: 65,000 Seats
• Number of matches: 7 (Including the Bronze Final – Third Place Match)

Match Schedule

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami holds 65,000 fans for World Cup matches.

It is home to the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and hosts many major events including the Miami Open tennis tournament and Formula 1 racing.

The stadium will host the Bronze Final (third place match), making it one of the most important venues.

• Seating and Views: The stadium underwent major renovations in 2015-2016, adding a partial roof that covers most seats while leaving the field open. There are multiple seating levels with excellent views throughout. The roof provides shade from Miami’s intense sun while maintaining an outdoor atmosphere.
• Special Features: Miami’s tropical climate means matches will be hot and humid. The partial roof helps keep fans comfortable by providing shade. The stadium is in Miami Gardens, about 30 minutes from downtown Miami. The venue’s experience with major international events ensures excellent organization.

10. Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)

• FIFA Name: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
• Capacity: 71,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 6

Match Schedule

Levi’s Stadium holds 71,000 fans and is one of the newest stadiums in the United States (opened in 2014).

Located in Santa Clara in California’s Silicon Valley, it is home to the San Francisco 49ers (NFL).

The stadium will also host Super Bowl LX in 2026, making it a very busy venue that year.

• Seating and Views: This modern stadium has excellent sightlines from all seats. There are three main seating bowls – lower, club, and upper levels. The stadium was designed with the latest technology, including massive video boards and great acoustics. All seats offer clear, unobstructed views of the field.
• Special Features: Levi’s Stadium is an open-air venue in the heart of Silicon Valley. The stadium has excellent public transportation connections via Caltrain and VTA light rail. The venue represents modern American stadium design with cutting-edge amenities and technology.

11. Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

• FIFA Name: Philadelphia Stadium
• Capacity: 69,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 6

Match Schedule

Lincoln Financial Field (often called “The Linc” by locals) holds 69,000 fans.

It is home to the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), one of the most passionate fan bases in American sports.

Philadelphia has a strong sports culture, and fans will create an electric atmosphere for World Cup matches.

• Seating and Views: The stadium has steep seating in three main levels that bring fans close to the action. The bowl design creates excellent acoustics, making the crowd sound very loud. Views are clear from all sections, though upper deck seats can feel high above the field.
• Special Features: This open-air stadium is known for having some of the loudest and most passionate fans in sports. The stadium is easily accessible by Philadelphia’s public transit (SEPTA) with a subway station right at the stadium. Philadelphia’s historic downtown is about 15 minutes away by train.

12. Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)

• FIFA Name: Seattle Stadium
• Capacity: 69,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 6

Match Schedule

Lumen Field in Seattle holds 69,000 fans for World Cup matches.

The stadium is famous for its incredibly loud atmosphere – the crowd noise is so loud it has registered on seismographs (earthquake detectors) during NFL games.

It is home to the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and Seattle Sounders (MLS).

• Seating and Views: The stadium has a unique horseshoe design with steep seating that creates amazing views and sound amplification. One end is open, offering views of downtown Seattle’s skyline. The seating is very close to the field compared to many NFL stadiums. There are three main levels of seating.
• Special Features: The partial roof covers most seats while keeping the field open to the elements. Seattle’s passionate soccer culture (Sounders fans are famous) means World Cup matches will have incredible atmosphere. The stadium is in downtown Seattle, walkable from many hotels and accessible by light rail.

13. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)

• FIFA Name: Atlanta Stadium
• Capacity: 75,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 8

Match Schedule

Mercedes-Benz Stadium holds 75,000 fans and is one of the most modern stadiums in the world (opened in 2017).

It is home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS).

The stadium is famous for its unique retractable roof that opens like a camera lens. With 8 matches, it will be one of the busiest World Cup venues.

• Seating and Views: This stadium has incredible sightlines from every seat. The seating bowl is steep and close to the field. There is a massive 360-degree video board (called the “Halo Board”) that circles the entire stadium. All seats offer unobstructed views with excellent visibility.
• Special Features: The retractable roof will likely be closed for World Cup matches, providing perfect climate control. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known for affordable food and drink prices compared to other major stadiums. The stadium is in downtown Atlanta, connected to public transit (MARTA rail).

14. MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)

• FIFA Name: New York New Jersey Stadium
• Capacity: 82,500 Seats
• Number of Matches: 8 (Including the FINAL on July 19, 2026)

Match Schedule

MetLife Stadium is where the World Cup 2026 Final will be played on July 19, 2026. With 82,500 seats, it is the third-largest World Cup venue.

Located in New Jersey (near New York City), the stadium is home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets (NFL).

This will be the most important stadium of the entire tournament.

• Seating and Views: The stadium has four main seating levels providing views from various heights. Lower bowl seats are close to the action, while upper deck seats offer views of the entire field. The stadium is very wide, so seats on the sidelines (along the sides) can feel far from the field.
• Special Features: This open-air stadium represents the New York metropolitan area, one of the world’s most important cities. The stadium is accessible by NJ Transit trains from Manhattan’s Penn Station. Hosting the World Cup Final makes this the most prestigious venue of the tournament.

15. NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas)

• FIFA Name: Houston Stadium
• Capacity: 72,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 7

Match Schedule

NRG Stadium in Houston holds 72,000 fans for World Cup matches. It is home to the Houston Texans (NFL) and has a retractable roof.

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and has a very diverse population with large Latino and international communities, making it perfect for World Cup atmosphere.

• Seating and Views: The stadium has seating on three main levels. The retractable roof allows for climate control, which is important because Houston is extremely hot and humid in summer. Views are good from most seats, though the upper deck can feel distant. The stadium was designed to amplify crowd noise.
• Special Features: The retractable roof will likely be closed for World Cup matches, providing comfortable air-conditioned conditions. Houston’s multicultural population will create a truly international atmosphere. The stadium has hosted multiple major events including Super Bowls and international soccer matches.

16. SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)

• FIFA Name: Los Angeles Stadium
• Capacity: 70,000 Seats
• Number of Matches: 8 (Including 1 Quarterfinal)

Match Schedule

SoFi Stadium is the newest and most expensive stadium in the world (cost $5 billion to build, opened in 2020).

It holds 70,000 fans and is home to both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers (NFL).

The stadium will also host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

• Seating and Views: SoFi Stadium has revolutionary design with seating that wraps around the field in a unique bowl shape. The stadium has a fixed translucent roof (not retractable) that covers everything while letting natural light in. There is a massive double-sided video board hanging from the roof. All seats offer excellent views.
• Special Features: This is the most technologically advanced stadium ever built. The translucent roof provides weather protection while maintaining an outdoor feel. SoFi Stadium represents the future of stadium design. Located in Inglewood (Los Angeles area), it showcases California’s commitment to world-class sports infrastructure.

Understanding Stadium Capacity for FIFA World Cup 2026

What Does “Capacity” Mean?

Stadium capacity means the total number of people who can sit in the stadium for a match.

For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has set special capacities for each stadium.

These numbers may be different from the normal capacity when these stadiums host other sports like American football or regular soccer games.

Why Are World Cup Capacities Different From Regular Capacities?

For World Cup matches, FIFA requires:

• Space for media areas, TV cameras, and broadcasting equipment.
• VIP and hospitality seating sections.
• Special FIFA family and sponsor seating.
• Safety zones and emergency exit paths.
• Natural grass field installation (some stadiums usually use artificial turf).

Because of these requirements, the World Cup capacity may be 5,000 to 15,000 seats less than what the stadium can hold for regular matches.

Tips for Choosing Seats and Understanding Stadium Sizes

Bigger is Not Always Better

Very large stadiums like AT&T Stadium (93,000 seats) and MetLife Stadium (82,500 seats) offer more ticket availability and host the most important matches.

However, smaller stadiums like BMO Field (45,000 seats) and Estadio Akron (48,000 seats) often have better atmosphere because fans are closer to the field.

Consider the Weather

June and July weather varies greatly:

• Texas and Florida stadiums: Very hot (32-38°C / 90-100°F). Choose stadiums with roofs like AT&T, NRG, Hard Rock, Mercedes-Benz.
• California stadiums: Warm but comfortable (25-30°C / 75-85°F). Open-air stadiums like Levi’s and SoFi are pleasant.
• Seattle and Vancouver: Mild and possibly rainy (18-23°C / 65-75°F). BC Place has roof; Lumen Field is open.
• Mexico stadiums: Hot with high altitude. Estadio Azteca at 2,200m altitude can cause breathing difficulty.

Seating Recommendations

• Lower bowl seats: Closest to the field, best views, most expensive, but you feel the action
• Club/Suite level: Mid-height with good overall view, more comfortable, access to better food and bathrooms
• Upper deck: Highest and farthest from field, cheapest tickets, but still good for seeing the full game strategy

Soccer-specific vs NFL Stadiums

BMO Field is the only true soccer-specific stadium among the 16 venues.

This means seats are closer to the field than in NFL stadiums.

In NFL stadiums, the football field is smaller than a soccer pitch, so seats along the sides can feel farther from the action.

Choose seats behind the goals or at midfield for best views in NFL stadiums.