2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring one of the largest sporting events to North America. This edition will include 48 national teams and 104 matches across three countries. With 16 host cities and 16 stadiums, the event will reach farther than any earlier tournament and will offer a huge number of matches for fans to follow. From June 11 through July 19, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will share the stage as players compete for the world title.

Mexico will contribute three stadiums. Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will open the tournament and will serve as one of the most prominent sites in soccer. It can seat about 8,3000 people and has been the setting for many legendary matches. Estadio Akron in the Guadalajara region seats about 48,000 and provides a strong soccer-centered atmosphere. Estadio BBVA in the Monterrey area has room for about 53,500 spectators and brings a modern design that fits the event.

The United States will provide the largest number of venues, with 11 stadiums across major regions. AT&T Stadium in Arlington near Dallas holds about 94,000 people and is expected to host several important matches later in the tournament. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta fits about 75,000 spectators and benefits from a controlled indoor environment. Houston Stadium, the tournament name for NRG Stadium, seats about 72,000 and provides another enclosed field.

On the west coast, the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, known outside the event as SoFi Stadium, seats about 70,000. Levi Stadium in Santa Clara provides space for about 71,000 fans and serves the Bay Area. Seattle joins with Lumen Field and its 69,000 seats. Philadelphia will host matches at Lincoln Financial Field with a similar capacity of about 69,000. Boston Stadium in Foxborough, known outside the event as Gillette Stadium, seats about 65,000 and brings a strong sports setting. Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, known outside the event as Hard Rock Stadium, also seats about 65,000 and will draw significant attention.

The final match will be held at New York New Jersey Stadium, known in daily use as MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. It holds about 82,500 spectators and will be the location for the last match of the tournament. This stadium hosts major NFL events and is fully prepared for a global soccer showcase.

Canada will host matches in two stadiums. BC Place in Vancouver seats about 54,000 and can adjust its interior conditions through its retractable-style roof system. Toronto will host matches at BMO Field which will be expanded to about 45,000 seats for the tournament. Its outdoor soccer centered layout fits naturally with the event.

This large network of cities creates an expanded spread of matches across the continent. With a bigger field of competition and additional group and knockout contests, fans will follow more matchups than in any earlier edition. The size of the event and the steady flow of games will fuel excitement in every host region.

World Cup 2026 Bag Policies

Visitors across all sixteen host cities can expect strict bag rules. Stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada have gradually moved toward more controlled entry procedures, and the World Cup will follow the same pattern with very limited exceptions.

Most venues will allow a clear bag that stays within a small size range. The common limit is about twelve inches by six inches by twelve inches, though each stadium may adjust the exact measurements. A small clutch or wallet-sized item is also usually allowed if it is small enough to hold in one hand. These smaller items often must stay under the size of a standard hand-sized purse.

Non-clear bags are usually not accepted. Bags that include thick material, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, drawstring bags, laptop bags, and similar items are almost always turned away at the gate. Visitors who bring them are usually asked to return the item to a vehicle or use a paid storage locker if the venue offers one.

Clear bags must remain fully transparent. Tinted material, frosted plastic, patterns, or colored sections can lead to rejection at security. The goal is to allow staff to check the contents with a quick glance. A clear tote made of simple plastic is the safest choice.

Medical bags and childcare-related bags may be allowed but will require an extra inspection. These need to be small and carried for the necessary items. Even then, visitors should expect officials to open and check everything before allowing entry.

Prohibited items vary but many stadiums follow the same structure. Items like large cameras with detachable lenses, umbrellas with metal points, outside food and drinks, and personal containers are typically blocked. Refillable bottles may be allowed at some sites, but usually must be empty at entry.

To avoid delays, visitors should plan to arrive early and keep their pockets and bags simple. Phones, keys, and small personal items are usually fine. Anything that looks like it might slow down screening can lead to a longer wait time.

A clear bag rule helps expedite the entry process, reduce lines, and speed up security checks. With the size of the crowds expected during the World Cup, this will help keep lines moving. The safest approach is to bring one small, clear bag and a small clutch-sized item only. Anything outside of this usually leads to a return trip to the car or a long wait in a storage area.

Stadium List for the 2026 World Cup

Estadio Azteca – Mexico City, Mexico – Capacity 83000

Estadio Akron – Guadalajara región, México – Capacity 48000

Estadio BBVA – Monterrey región México – Capacity 53500

ATT Stadium – Arlington, TX – Capacity 94000

Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, GA – Capacity 75000

Houston Stadium – Houston, TX – Capacity 72000

Los Angeles Stadium – Inglewood, CA – Capacity 70000

Levi Stadium – Santa Clara, CA – Capacity 71000

Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA – Capacity 69000

Lumen Field – Seattle, WA – Capacity 69000

Boston Stadium – Foxborough, MA – Capacity 65000

Miami Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL – Capacity 65000

New York New Jersey Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ – Capacity 82500

BC Place – Vancouver British Columbia -Capacity 54000

BMO Field – Toronto Ontario – Capacity 45000