In 2026, the FIFA World Cup will return to North America, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico set to co-host the tournament. This will be the first time the World Cup is hosted in three different countries and also the first time the U.S. has hosted since 1994. With new tournament expansions, record-breaking attendance expectations, and massive economic impact, the 2026 World Cup is set to be the biggest in history. In this article, we will explore the details of the event, how the hosts are preparing for the tournament, and what changes fans can expect.
Historically, the United States has played a crucial role in growing the game of soccer, despite the sport traditionally being less popular than American football or basketball in the country. The 1994 World Cup, hosted by the United States, set records for attendance and helped launch the country’s professional league, Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996. Since then, soccer has grown in popularity across the nation, with increased youth participation and training facilities, higher online view ratings, and international stars like Lionel Messi joining the MLS.
One of the biggest changes in the 2026 World Cup will be its format. For the first time in history, the tournament will feature 48 competing teams instead of the regular 32, allowing for more nations to participate. The matches will be held across 16 cities, with big U.S. locations such as New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami selected as host venues and the final to be played in New Jersey. This expansion is expected to create record-breaking fan attendance, with over 5 million tickets projected to be sold, making it the largest World Cup ever in terms of audience size. FIFA has even planned to have a Super Bowl like half-time show during the final with the possibility of stars such as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, or Coldplay to perform.
In preparation for the tournament, the United States has invested significantly towards stadium renovations and expansion, transportation infrastructure, and security measures. FIFA has worked towards ensuring that stadiums meet international standards, while major cities are preparing for an increase of tourists and economic boosts as the World Cup is just around the corner. Hosting the World Cup is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue for the U.S. economy, with industries like hospitality, transportation, and tourism benefiting significantly.
As the World Cup approaches, excitement continues to build among soccer fans across the world. Tickets are scheduled to be sold to the public after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup finishes in July. It is certain that the World Cup will have a huge influence on the future of the sport in the USA. With more teams, historic venues, and massive global viewership, the United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to host one of the most memorable World Cups in history.