By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has announced the 16 host cities that are due to host matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the first edition of football’s showpiece to feature 48 teams.
The tournament will be the first to be hosted by three countries — Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).
The host cities for the tournament in four years’ time are as follows, in alphabetical order: Atlanta; Boston; Dallas; Guadalajara; Houston; Kansas City; and Los Angeles/SoFi Stadium.
Others include Mexico City; Miami; Monterrey; New York/New Jersey; Philadelphia; San Francisco Bay Area; Seattle; Toronto; and Vancouver.
The announcement followed the most transparent and comprehensive bidding process in football history, with FIFA’s decision having been made in the best interests of the game, taking into consideration the needs of all stakeholders involved in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Speaking on this, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said – “We congratulate the 16 FIFA World Cup Host Cities on their outstanding commitment and passion. 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.”
On his part, FIFA Vice‑President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani said, “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,” he added.
Modupe Gbadeyanka