FIFA revealed the host cities for the 2026 World Cup early on Friday, with 11 venues picked from the US.
Rob Stone, Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden and Jenny Taft for Fox Sports were joined by Telemundo’s Andres Cantor and Ana Jurka, with the honour of revealing the host cities falling to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, and music artist Becky G.
The 48-team tournament will be spread across Canada, Mexico and the United States – the first time three host countries have been appointed – with the host cities as follows: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toronto and Vancouver.
The USA last hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994. Mexico has had the honor twice previously, in 1970 and 1986, whilst for Canada, it will be their first men’s FIFA World Cup, having hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015.
Representing their respective countries America’s Christian Pulisic, Mexico’s Hirving Lozano and Canada’s Jonathan Osorio were on hand to hear confirmation of the 2026 host cities. Pulisic, with 51 caps and 21 goals for his country, welcomed the chosen venues as preparations start in earnest now for the global event.
“We’re going into this World Cup with all the confidence in the world and hopefully come 2026 we’re going to have a really strong team,” said Pulisic.
Winger Lozano who boasts a haul of 15 goals from 58 Mexico caps shared his excitement during the live broadcast. “This a beautiful moment for our country, especially to host a World Cup for the third time.”
Osorio helped Canada to qualify for their first World Cup tournament since 1986 as they booked their place at Qatar 2022 and he was equally excited by the inclusion of Toronto and Vancouver among the host cities. “It’s amazing that the World Cup is finally coming to Canada. It’s something as kids it was hard to even dream of,” he said. “This will be huge for the growth of the game, similar to what the 1994 FIFA World Cup did for soccer in the US. It will grow the sport and unite the people. Canada is full of immigrants, like my parents; immigrants who also love football.”
