#world-cup-2026

#world-cup-2026

The huge, roaring screenings, the pubs' fizzling energy, the general sense of revelry in the streets... not to mention the ecstasy if and when England win. The joy of last summer's Lionesses Euros triumph is certainly still fresh in our memories. England and Scotland are already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, while Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could all still compete in North America in June.

AT&T Stadium's retractable dome and climate control create ideal July conditions in a state where outdoor summer football constitutes punishment. The 60-yard video screen is so infamous that punted footballs occasionally strike it during Cowboys games. It dominates the interior and is a show stopper, especially for the stadium's first-time goers. The capacity makes this the tournament's largest venue, though FIFA caps attendance at 94,000 for World Cup configurations.

When the players had the feeling that the right group was in the camp, that they knew their role, why they are in camp, what is expected of them, and they had the feeling that the tournament could even go on for another four weeks and they would be happy to be together... then they were successful. It will be very important that we don't select just on talent, but also on what we need from a player.

Mauricio Pochettino was just establishing himself among European club soccer's managerial elite, taking Tottenham to the Champions League final a year later. Few could have imagined that he'd be leading the USMNT into the 2026 World Cup, and perhaps fewer believe he'll stick around for the next cycle. Nevertheless, after a 2-1 win over Australia in Commerce City, Colorado to end the October window, Pochettino noted he's building a team with 2030 in mind, too.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, is a spectacular sports venue with a stunning exterior that will be one of the architectural highlights for visitors in the United States for World Cup 2026. It was officially opened in 2017, has a retractable roof inspired by the Roman Pantheon, according to the man behind the design, and boasts seating for 75,000 fans.

Lumen Field is most northerly by far of the 11 United States stadiums hosting matches at World Cup 2026. Located in the Pacific Northwest, it's much closer to Vancouver than Santa Clara, where the next-closest USA stadium stands. It's one of 16 World Cup 2026 venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and will host four group stage matches and two knock-out games under the name 'Seattle Stadium'.

17% - According to the Opta Predictor, reigning UEFA European Championship winners Spain are the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 (17%) - they could become the first nation to hold both simultaneously for a second time (2008, 2010, 2012 previously). Elect. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/tjCZKsEuj8 - OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 5, 2025

Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California USA (Image credit: Getty Images) Levi's Stadium is one of the 11 United States stadiums hosting matches at World Cup 2026 and one of two in the state of California. It will host six matches including one in the Round of 32. It's one of 16 World Cup 2026 venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and already has a wealth of experience when it comes to hosting football matches.

Most of the big-spending clubs in the Premier League had been interested in the Ghana international after he became one of the stars of the 2025-26 season. Semenyo is the third top scorer in the league with nine goals, plus has three assists. And now the former Bristol City man will finally have the opportunity to play in Europe - and the Champions League.

Gillette Stadium is the joint-smallest of the United States stadiums hosting matches at World Cup 2026 and will host seven matches including a quarter-final and games involving both England and Scotland. It's one of 16 World Cup 2026 venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and is the easternmost geographical point of the tournament. FourFourTwo has the complete lowdown on this World Cup stadium, from the capacity and history of Gillette Stadium to its usage at World Cup 2026.

Christian Pulisic is on pace for the best season of his career -- in a season that will conclude with a home World Cup for the United States. The American standout scored the opening goal for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday to raise his total to 10 goals and two assists in 15 matches across all competitions with the Rossoneri.

Estadio Akron is the smallest of World Cup 2026's three Mexican stadiums and will be the venue for just four matches, all of them in the group stage and including Mexico's game against South Korea. It's one of 16 World Cup 2026 venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and is the farthest west of Mexico's three stadiums. FourFourTwo has the complete lowdown on this World Cup stadium, from the capacity and history of Estadio Akron to its usage at World Cup 2026.

BMO Field is one of World Cup 2026's two Canadian venues and will host six matches including Canada's opener against the winner of Path A in UEFA's remaining play-off qualifying matches. It's one of 16 World Cup 2026 venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and is the smallest of all. It will be known as 'Toronto Stadium' for the duration of the competition.

"Mbappé, Lamine, Salah, Haaland, Raphinha or Julián Álvarez are the best in the world," he told Esquire magazine.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is one of the most eye-catching stadiums in use at World Cup 2026. Opened in 2009, it has a retractable roof and a capacity of 94,000 seated fans. The stadium is primarily used for American football as the home of the Dallas Cowboys and the venue for the annual college football Cotton Bowl Classic. It's slated to host Dallas Stars NHL matches in 2027 and has already welcomed fans of boxing and Wrestlemania.

NRG Stadium is the closest of the 11 United States stadiums hosting matches at World Cup 2026 to the three venues in Mexico. Houston, Texas is just inland from the Gulf of Mexico in southern USA. It's one of 16 World Cup 2026 venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and will host five group stage matches and two knock-out games under the name 'Houston Stadium'.

Hotels across North America have begun hiking prices to astronomical levels as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Next year's World Cup will take place in host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With the tournament's first matches set to begin in less than six months, hotels are trying to take full advantage of one of the world's largest sporting events.

As the local organising committee, SeattleFWC26's role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium, said Hana Tedesse, the vice-president of communications for Seattle Fifa World Cup 2026. SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington.

Fifa says it will include three-minute hydration breaks in each half of every game at next year's World Cup, not just those played in hot weather. The referee will stop the game 22 minutes into each half for players to take drinks, regardless of the temperature, the host country the United States, Canada or Mexico or whether the stadium has a roof and air conditioning.

Luka Modric and Nikola Vlasic are friends away from the field, but tonight they will be opponents and opposite numbers. Last January, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Vlasic included Modric in his select pantheon of the greatest. "It's crazy: you can't even try to press him because he never lets you have the ball." An admiration that borders on reverence for the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner.