On June 13, 2018, in Moscow, during the 68th FIFA Congress, the 203 voting delegates from member countries selected the United 2026 project as the host for the 2026 World Cup. This project proposes a co-hosting of the world’s largest football competition by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The joint bid received the majority of votes, with 134 votes, surpassing Morocco’s bid, which only garnered 65 votes. Since that date, North America has been preparing to host the 23rd edition of the World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. So, what should we know about the United 2026 project?
I - United 2026: The record breaking project
The 2026 World Cup is set to be an extraordinary tournament that breaks all records. First, it will be a historic milestone as, for the first time ever, three countries will co-host the event. Among the iconic venues chosen, the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will become the first stadium to host three opening matches, following the World Cups of 1970 and 1986, which saw the triumphs of legends like Pelé and Maradona. Another record is that this edition will feature 48 teams, up from 32 in previous tournaments, thus expanding the competition and offering more opportunities for nations around the world.
From a financial perspective, the trio promises to make the 2026 World Cup the most lucrative in history, with projected revenues of $14 billion. Ticket sales for this edition are expected to exceed $2.5 billion, supplemented by $1.5 billion in hospitality-related revenues. The United States already holds the record for the highest number of tickets sold for a World Cup, with 3.6 million spectators in 1994 for a 24-team tournament. For 2026, the bid proposal also anticipates marketing revenues of $3.6 billion, along with $1.4 billion for events and activities organized alongside the tournament.
II - Where will the 2026 World Cup matches take place?
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic event, not only because it will be the first to be organized by three countries, but also because 16 cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States will have the honor of hosting matches. Each of these cities was chosen for its vibrancy, modern infrastructure, and ability to gather huge crowds of supporters.
In Canada, Toronto and Vancouver will proudly represent the country by hosting matches. Mexico, a country accustomed to organizing major sporting events, will be represented by three cities: Guadalajara, Monterrey, and of course Mexico City, home to the iconic Estadio Azteca. This stadium, which can hold up to 87,500 spectators, will once again make a mark by hosting the opening match in 2026.
In the United States, 11 cities have been selected to participate in this grand competition. On the West Coast, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles will be buzzing with the excitement of the tournament. In the central part of the country, Kansas City, Dallas, and Houston will offer their state-of-the-art stadiums to host matches. Finally, on the East Coast, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, and New York will welcome matches that promise to be unforgettable.
III - And the final ?
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has chosen MetLife Stadium to host the final of the 2026 World Cup. This stadium, located at the gates of New York, was preferred over SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and AT&T Stadium in Dallas, after intense competition among these iconic venues. The grand final will thus be played in front of over 82,000 supporters, providing New Jersey with exceptional global visibility.
The mayor of New York, Eric Adams, praised this decision, stating that it would further strengthen the city’s position on the international stage for decades to come. In addition to the final, MetLife Stadium will also host seven other matches, making it one of the central hubs of the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico ready to offer a grand football experience. The months of anticipation promise many thrilling moments, and this event will be a true feast for sports fans around the world.
In the meantime, you can continue to use Transfergratis to carry out your transactions from Canada to Africa for free and at the current exchange rate. And to stay updated on all the news about the World Cup, simply activate notifications for the Transfergratis blog!
