The World Cup returns to the United States next summer, hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. will take the lead with 11 host cities including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. These venues reflect a wide range of geographic and cultural identities, highlighting America’s growing investment in soccer and its ability to host world-class events.
For the first time ever, 48 teams will compete in the tournament, expanding from the traditional 32. The format includes 12 groups of four, with the top two teams and eight best third-place finishers advancing to the knockout stage. This structure means more matches, more nations represented, and more opportunities for dramatic moments. The United States men’s national team, as a host nation, will qualify automatically and is expected to benefit from strong home support.
Globally, the FIFA World Cup is considered the biggest sporting event in existence. It is watched by billions, celebrated across continents, and has the power to bring countries together through sport. The 2026 edition will open at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca and conclude with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In between, cities across North America will take turns hosting fans from every corner of the world.
The economic impact of hosting is expected to be massive. According to projections from FIFA and local economic studies, the World Cup could generate over 17 billion dollars in GDP for the U.S. alone. Cities will benefit from increased tourism, local spending, job creation, and infrastructure investment. Los Angeles, for example, is projected to bring in over 500 million dollars in economic activity, including tens of millions in tax revenue and wage growth.
Culturally, this tournament is a landmark moment for soccer in the United States. With Major League Soccer continuing to grow, youth participation on the rise, and increasing national interest in global competitions, the 2026 World Cup is expected to leave a lasting legacy. New fans will be drawn in, and young players will be inspired by watching the world’s best compete on American soil.
Hosting the majority of the tournament’s biggest matches, including all quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final, the U.S. becomes the center of the soccer universe for more than a month. The ripple effects will last far beyond July 2026, helping reshape how the sport is viewed and supported in the U.S.
In short, the World Cup’s return to American soil is more than just a major sports event. It’s a cultural moment, an economic catalyst, and a milestone for soccer’s growth in the United States.