World Cup 2026: Host cities & time differences

The host cities and time differences

We’ve seen the UEFA Euro 2000 hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium, while Japan and South Korea were responsible for organizing the 2002 World Cup. EURO 2020? That tournament was held across all of Europe. However, a World Cup hosted by three countries is something we’ve never seen before. The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Here, you can read everything about the different host cities, including the time difference with the Netherlands.

One World Cup: 16 Host Cities

The 2026 World Cup will be played across three different countries and is divided over sixteen host cities: three in Mexico, two in Canada, and eleven in the United States. This comes as no surprise, especially since the U.S. already hosted a World Cup in 1994 with nine host cities. Below is an overview of all sixteen host cities:

Overview of World Cup 2026 Host Cities

It’s clear that each host city has its own story to tell. What is the name of the stadium? Which club plays there? How many spectators does it hold? And which major matches will be played there? Time to take a closer look at the sixteen host cities of the 2026 World Cup.

USA

Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located in Atlanta, the city where Frank de Boer once worked as a coach. This modern stadium serves as the home of both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC and has a capacity of around 75,000 spectators.

Normally, NFL and MLS matches are played on artificial turf, but for the 2026 World Cup, the pitch will be converted to natural grass. A total of eight matches will be played in Atlanta. In addition to two group matches involving Spain, the stadium will also host a semi-final.

Gillette Stadium - Boston

Gillette Stadium is located in Foxborough, near Boston, and has a capacity of approximately 65,000 seats. It is the home stadium of the New England Patriots and is known for its rich sporting history. The Patriots are multiple-time NFL champions.

During the 2026 World Cup, several group-stage matches will be played here, followed by fixtures in the knockout rounds. One standout match is England vs Ghana. We will also see Erling Haaland play two matches here for his country, Norway.

AT&T Stadium - Dallas

AT&T Stadium in Arlington is one of the largest and most impressive stadiums at the 2026 World Cup. With a capacity of around 80,000 seats, it is one of the biggest venues of the tournament. It is primarily used by the Dallas Cowboys and is famous for its overhead video screen.

During the World Cup, multiple group-stage matches will be played here, including the first match of the Netherlands national team. Ronald Koeman’s side will face Japan on June 14. The stadium will also be used later in the knockout phase.

NRG Stadium - Houston

NRG Stadium in Houston is a covered stadium with a capacity of over 72,000 seats. It is home to the Houston Texans and is known for its modern facilities and climate control system. This is especially useful, as Houston can get quite hot during the summer months.

This is also relevant for the Netherlands, who will play their second match here against Sweden. The closed roof ensures stable playing conditions, making it a suitable venue for major fixtures. Cristiano Ronaldo will also feature here, as Portugal plays two matches in this stadium.

Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is famous for its incredible noise levels. With over 70,000 seats and as the home of the Kansas City Chiefs, it is considered one of the most intimidating venues in the NFL.

During the World Cup, both group-stage matches and knockout fixtures will be played here, including Tunisia vs the Netherlands. Lionel Messi will also travel to Kansas City with Argentina to face Algeria, who will later also play Austria at this venue.

SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is one of the most modern sports venues in the world. It has a capacity of around 70,000 fans and is home to multiple NFL teams. The stadium is particularly known for its futuristic design, adding to the spectacle of matches played here.

During the 2026 World Cup, the stadium will host several group matches and knockout fixtures. The United States will play matches here against Paraguay and Turkey, and the venue is expected to be packed with American fans.

Hard Rock Stadium - Miami

Hard Rock Stadium is located near Miami and has a capacity of over 65,000 spectators. It is no stranger to hosting major international events, including the Super Bowl and the Miami Open.

Fans from Brazil and Uruguay are expected to travel in large numbers to Miami, as their teams will play part of their group-stage matches here. In addition to several group matches and knockout fixtures, the stadium will also host the third-place match.

MetLife Stadium - New Jersey

MetLife Stadium, located in New Jersey just outside New York City, has a capacity of over 82,000 seats. It is the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets. Due to its location near one of the world’s largest cities and its size, it is considered one of the most important venues of the tournament.

Multiple group-stage and knockout matches will be played here, but the main highlight is the final. The 2026 world champion will be crowned in this stadium.

Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia

Philadelphia is also part of the tournament, with Lincoln Financial Field hosting matches. The stadium holds around 69,000 fans and is home to the Philadelphia Eagles. It is known for its passionate supporters and intense atmosphere.

This atmosphere will be especially noticeable during the match between Brazil and Haiti, two nations with extremely loyal fan bases. The city’s love for sports could make this one of the most vibrant venues of the tournament.

Levi’s Stadium - San Francisco

Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, near San Francisco, and has a capacity of around 68,000 spectators. It is home to the San Francisco 49ers and is known for its modern and sustainable design.

During the World Cup, a mix of group-stage matches and knockout fixtures will be played here. Paraguay will feature prominently, facing both Turkey and Australia at this venue.

Lumen Field - Seattle

Lumen Field in Seattle is one of the loudest stadiums in the world and home to the Seattle Seahawks. With over 68,000 fans, the atmosphere is always intense. The stadium also offers a stunning view of the city skyline.

The United States will play a match here, much to the delight of local fans. Belgium will also travel to Seattle to face Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, who will later also play against Iran at this venue.

Canada

BMO Field - Toronto

BMO Field in Toronto is a football-specific stadium that will be expanded to approximately 45,000 seats for the World Cup. The stadium is home to Toronto FC and is known for its compact and atmospheric design. Dutchman Aron Winter once served as head coach of the club.

Several exciting matches will be played in Toronto. Germany will face Ivory Coast, while Panama takes on both Ghana and Croatia. In addition, the stadium will host several knockout-stage matches, giving Toronto an important role in the later rounds of the tournament.

BC Place - Vancouver

BC Place is located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Vancouver. With a capacity of around 54,000 spectators, it is one of the largest stadiums in Canada. The venue features a modern retractable roof and sits in a stunning location, surrounded by mountains and water.

Host nation Canada will play two home matches at BC Place, starting with a clash against Qatar, followed by a match against Switzerland. Australia will also face Turkey in Vancouver, while New Zealand travels to the west coast of Canada to take on both Egypt and Belgium.

Mexico

Estadio Azteca - Mexico City

Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, with a capacity of over 80,000 fans. It has already hosted multiple World Cup finals, making it a true symbol of football history.

Mexican fans will be delighted to see their team play all of its group-stage matches on home soil. It begins with a “home” match against South Africa at Estadio Azteca. After a short trip to Guadalajara, the host nation will also face the Czech Republic in the capital. Teams in Group A can expect a very warm welcome.

Estadio BBVA - Monterrey

One of the smaller venues at the 2026 World Cup is Estadio BBVA in Monterrey. This is the city where Vincent Janssen once made a name for himself. The stadium is a modern venue with a capacity of around 53,000 spectators and is located at the foot of impressive mountains, creating a unique backdrop.

Although the Netherlands will not play here, Dutch fans will still see this stadium in action. Matches such as Sweden vs Tunisia and Tunisia vs Japan will be held here, along with South Africa vs South Korea in this beautifully situated venue.

####Estadio Akron - Guadalajara

Finally, there is Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Located in the western part of the city, this stadium stands out thanks to its unique design, featuring a wave-shaped roof. It has a capacity of around 48,000 spectators.

This stadium will also host several attractive fixtures. EURO 2024 winners Spain will face Uruguay here, while South Korea will play two matches in Guadalajara. The local crowd will get a chance to experience the passion of international football up close.

WK 2026 wedstrijden: tijdsverschil met Nederland

Below is an overview of the local time differences between the host cities and the Netherlands: