FIFA is gearing up to reveal the host city for the final of the 2026 World Cup during the much-anticipated schedule announcement for the inaugural 48-team tournament this Sunday. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will not only unveil the city for the final but also the venue for the opening match.
Reports suggest that Dallas is the frontrunner to secure the prestigious final, scheduled for July 19, with AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team, emerging as a likely choice. However, MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, is actively lobbying for the privilege of hosting the pinnacle game in New Jersey.
Los Angeles is also in contention, having hosted the World Cup final in 1994 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Although the Rose Bowl is not a host venue for the 2026 tournament, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, another NFL stadium, is a contender for hosting the final.
Difficult discussions between FIFA and SoFi Stadium owners regarding desired venue changes for 2026 have sparked questions about the stadium’s chances of hosting the final. Both Dallas and Los Angeles boast roofed stadiums to combat potential stormy weather.
Despite being one hour behind New York in the time zone, Dallas argues that the roof on their 80,000-seat venue in Arlington can better mitigate the impact of summer heat. While considered less glamorous and ‘global’ than L.A. and New York, Dallas emphasizes its close connections to co-host Mexico.
The recently redeveloped Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is widely seen as the favorite to host the first game and opening ceremony. As the spiritual home of Mexican football, the Azteca has previously hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, making it the first stadium to host games in three separate World Cups.
The much-anticipated decisions will be unveiled in a television show broadcast from Miami in North America, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino leading the announcements.
The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams adds an additional 24 matches, totaling 104 games across the 16 chosen venues. The competition format will feature 12 groups of four teams, followed by a straight knockout format. Specific match-ups will be revealed after the draw, following the completion of the qualification process.
The 16 host cities for the tournament include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.
