World Cup 2026: Complete Guide to the 16 Host Cities — Hotels, Attractions, and the Best Games of Each Destination

Here is the rewritten article with hyperlinks applied for destinations available on the Aeriva platform.

For the first time in football history, the World Cup will be held simultaneously in three countries.

From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will host 104 matches spread across 16 cities, making this tournament the largest and most ambitious in FIFA's history.

There are 48 teams, 39 days of competition, and a universe of tourist experiences awaiting the most passionate travelers.

More than just football, the 2026 World Cup is an invitation to discover North America in all its diversity — from the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the pre-Columbian ruins of Mexico, from the beaches of Miami to the mountains behind Vancouver's skyline.

Aeriva has selected, city by city, the best hotels, unmissable experiences, and highlight matches for you to plan your dream trip.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES — 11 cities, 78 matches, the final

The United States hosts the largest share of the tournament: 78 of the 104 matches, including all elimination phases starting from the quarterfinals, the two semi-finals, and the grand final. Eleven American cities are part of the World Cup map.

1.New York/ New Jersey — The World's Capital Hosts the Final

• Stadium: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) — capacidade aproximada de 82.000 lugares
• World Cup Games:8 matches — group stage (June 13, 16, 22, 25 and 27), Round of 32 (06/30), Quarterfinals (07/05), and the Grand Final (July 19)

No city carries the symbolic weight ofNew York. The world's financial capital, cradle of generations and home to one of the planet's most diverse populations, the metropolis that never sleeps will be the absolute epicenter of the World Cup 2026. MetLife Stadium, on the banks of the Hudson River in East Rutherford, will host the most anticipated match on the planet: the final on July 19.

Brazil debuts precisely inNew York, against Morocco, on June 13th — a match expected to fill the surroundings of MetLife Stadium with green and yellow.

• What to do in New York:Central Park is the city's lung and a must-visit. The High Line, a suspended park over deactivated tracks in Manhattan, offers a unique perspective of the city. The Brooklyn Bridge, MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the SoHo neighborhood, and the iconic Times Square complete the attraction menu. For an unforgettable gastronomic experience, Chelsea Market and Flushing (Queens) — the largest Chinatown outside Asia — are mandatory stops.
• Best Hotels:
• • The Plaza— A living legend in front of Central Park. Accommodations defining New York luxury. Starting from $1,300 USD per night.
  • Mandarin Oriental New York— Prime view of the Manhattan skyline and impeccable service. Starting from $1,200 USD per night.
  • Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park— Classic elegance with the best possible location. Rates starting from US$ 1,100.
  • Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown— Modernity and sophistication in the heart of Tribeca. A reference for those seeking the best without sacrificing contemporary flair.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton (East Rutherford)— Premium option near the MetLife Stadium for those who prioritize logistics. Rates starting from US$ 764.

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2. Dallas (Arlington, Texas) — The City with the Most Tournament Games

• Stadium:AT&T Stadium (Arlington) — capacity of up to 80,000 seats
• Games in the World Cup:9 games — group stage, round of 32, quarterfinals, and Semifinals (July 14)

Dallas is the big star of the tournament in the U.S. AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, is the stadium that will receive the highest number of games of any host city—nine in total—including one of the two semifinals.

With a retractable roof and state-of-the-art climate control system, the Texan arena is considered one of the most impressive places to watch a soccer game in the world.

Dallas is a city of fascinating contrasts: modern with glass skyscrapers downtown, cowboy culture and tradition in Deep Ellum, high-quality Texan cuisine, and a surprisingly sophisticated cultural scene.

• What to do in Dallas:The Deep Ellum neighborhood is the cultural heart of the city, featuring street art, bars, and live music. The Dallas Museum of Art has one of the largest permanent collections in the US South. Dealey Plaza, where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, and the Sixth Floor Museum are highly significant historical stops. For barbecue lovers, the restaurants in the Oak Cliff neighborhood are a revelation.
• Best Hotels:
• • Ritz-Carlton Dallas— The ultimate reference in luxury accommodation in the city. Five-star service in the heart of Uptown.
  • The Joule Dallas— Avant-garde design in a 20th-century historic building, featuring a suspended pool and contemporary art throughout the halls.
  • Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek— A historic property transformed into a unique charming hotel, featuring lush gardens and acclaimed gastronomy.
  • Omni Dallas Hotel— Connected to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, excellent for those who combine the Cup with business.

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3.Los Angeles— The Glamour of the West Coast

• Stadium:SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) — capacity of 70,240 seats
• World Cup Matches:Group stage matches starting June 12th

Los AngelesIt is the destination with the most cinematic aura of the tournament. The city of Hollywood, the golden beaches of Santa Monica, and the Walk of Fame hosts World Cup matches with the energy of a place accustomed to being center stage. SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood — home of the Los Angeles Rams —, is one of the planet's most modern stadiums, featuring a translucent roof and state-of-the-art fan experience.

• What to do in Los Angeles:The Getty Center offers one of the best art collections in the world with a panoramic view of Los Angelesbreathtaking. The Venice Beach neighborhood, with its street artists and famous boardwalk, contrasts with the opulence of Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. For film lovers, a tour through Hollywood studios (Universal Studios, Warner Bros.) is practically mandatory. Malibu, just 45 minutes away, offers paradisiacal beaches with exceptional seafood restaurants.
• Best Hotels:
• • The Beverly Hills Hotel — The legendary "Pink Palace," ultimate symbol of Californian glamour since 1912.
  • Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica — The only luxury hotel with its toes in the sand in Santa Monica. Unmatched views and service.
  • Hotel Bel-Air — Hidden in the hills of Bel-Air, this hotel is a sanctuary of privacy and sophistication where celebrities stay.
  • NoMad Los Angeles— Stunning design in a historic downtown building, with rooftop pool and award-winning restaurant.

4.Miami— Football, Sun, and Lifestyle

• Stadium:Hard Rock Stadium — capacity of 65,000 seats
• World Cup Matches:7 matches — group stage, round of 32, quarterfinals, and Third Place Playoff (July 18)

Miamiit is the most Latin city in the United States and promises to be the favorite of South American fans. With an effervescent atmosphere since Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami, the city is living its golden age of football. Hard Rock Stadium will host seven matches — including Brazil vs Scotland on June 24, in the group stage — and the third place playoff on July 18.

• What to do in Miami:South Beach, with its Art Deco architecture and dazzling beaches, is the city's postcard view. The Wynwood neighborhood, with its street art murals, has transformed into one of the world's most vibrant contemporary art centers. Bayside Marketplace, the Brickell neighborhood (the tropical Manhattan), and the Design District's gastronomic scene complete the Miami experience. An afternoon in Everglades National Park is a unique adventure.
• Best Hotels:
• • St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort— Ultimate luxury reference inMiami, with a world-class spa and direct access to Bal Harbour beach.
  • Faena Hotel Miami Beach— The most iconic and artistic property inMiami, featuring décor by designer Philippe Starck.
  • Edition Miami Beach— Contemporary and cool, with a spectacular pool and restaurant from Chef Jean-Georges.
  • The Setai Miami Beach— Asian and elegant, the Setai combines impeccable architecture with extremely high level personalized service.

5. Atlanta — The Southern City with a Global Soul

• Stadium:Mercedes-Benz Stadium — capacity of approximately 71,000 seats
• Matches at the World Cup:Group stage matches and Semi-final (July 15th)

Atlanta is one of the biggest surprises for those visiting the American South for the first time.

The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. and home of Coca-Cola has a vibrant culture, gastronomy ranging from soul food to fine dining, and a Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a retractable roof considered one of the most beautiful stadiums in the Western Hemisphere.

Atlanta hosts one of the semi-finals on July 15th.

• Things to do in Atlanta:The King Center and the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. are stops of extremely high emotional and historical impact. The World of Coca-Cola is a unique interactive experience. The Sweet Auburn neighborhood and the Old Fourth Ward have history, art, and fantastic gastronomy. The Atlanta BeltLine, an urban trail and street art circuit connecting 45 neighborhoods, is one of the most admired urban projects in the US.
• Best Hotels:
• • Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead— The maximum standard of luxury in Atlanta, in the heart of the city's most sophisticated neighborhood.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta— Extraordinary service with a privileged location in the historic center of Midtown.
  • The Loews Atlanta Hotel— Contemporary, well-located and with great cost-benefit for the premium segment.

6. Houston — The Most International City in Texas

• Stadium: NRG Stadium — capacity of 72,000 seats
• World Cup Games:Group stages and preliminary knockout rounds

Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. and possibly the most ethnically diverse in the country. With over 145 languages spoken and a culinary scene that reflects all this multiculturalism, Houston surprises visitors.

The NRG Stadium, with its retractable roof, guarantees comfort even in the Texas heat of June.

• What to do in Houston:The Space Center Houston is one of the most impressive attractions in the U.S. — and the only place in the world where you can see an Apollo capsule up close. The Museum District features 19 free museums in a single area. The Montrose neighborhood has the best culinary and nightlife scene in the city. For art lovers, the Menil Collection is one of the most important museums in Texas.
• Best Hotels:
• • Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston — The most luxurious hotel in Texas, with a two-story spa, helipad, and Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District — Boutique hotel with bold design and perfect location near the Museum District.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Houston — Classic elegance with an outdoor pool and personalized service.

7. Philadelphia — The City of Freedom and Sporting Passion

• Stadium:Lincoln Financial Field — capacity of 69,176 seats
• Cup Matches:Group stage — including Brazil x Haiti (June 19)

The oldest of the great American cities receives the World Cup with historical pride. The Lincoln Financial Field, home to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, is a stadium famous for the intensity of its fans — and Brazil will play here against Haiti on June 19.

Philadelphia is also the city of the famous cheesesteak, a gastronomic experience that every visitor must have.

• What to do in Philadelphia:The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the American Constitution was signed in 1787, are must-see visits. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is famous for the stairs immortalized by Rocky Balboa. The Old City neighborhood has one of the best bar and restaurant scenes on the East Coast. Reading Terminal Market, operating since 1892, is one of the best public markets in the country.
• Best Hotels:
• • The Rittenhouse Hotel— The most elegant address in Philadelphia, facing Rittenhouse Square.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center — At the top of one of the city's tallest buildings, with unforgettable panoramic views.
  • Hotel Monaco Philadelphia — A personality-filled boutique hotel in a historic building in the heart of Center City.

8. Boston — Tradition, Academia, and the Gillette Stadium

• Stadium:Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) — capacity of approximately 65,000 seats
• World Cup Matches: 7 matches — group stage, round of 32, and quarter-finals

Boston hosted the World Cup in 1994 and has a special relationship with football (soccer), being one of the American cities where the sport has high penetration.

Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, is home to the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution, and will host seven matches in 2026.

• What to do in Boston:The Freedom Trail is a 4 km route connecting 16 historic sites from the American Revolution. Harvard and MIT, in Cambridge (crossing the Charles River), offer charming guided tours. Fenway Park, the oldest operating baseball stadium in the US, is a must-stop for any sports lover. The Beacon Hill neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and 19th-century architecture, is simply extraordinary.
• Best Hotels:
• • Mandarin Oriental Boston— The city's maximum luxury standard, with an award-winning spa and renowned chef restaurant.
  • The Newbury Boston— Newly renovated, it occupies a historic building on the iconic Newbury Street with impeccable finish.
  • The Liberty Hotel— Located in an old 19th-century prison, it is one of the most unique and Instagrammable hotels in the US.

9.San Francisco(Santa Clara) — Silicon Valley Meets Football

• Stadium:Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) — capacity of approximately 68,500 seats
• World Cup Matches:Group stage and round of 16

The Bay Area region ofSan Francisco— with Levi's Stadium located in Santa Clara, in the heart of Silicon Valley — brings to the World Cup the flavor of one of the most innovative and technologically advanced regions on the planet.San Franciscois a city that enchants with physical beauty, cultural diversity, and the unique energy that only the crossing between tradition and innovation can generate.

• What to do in San Francisco:The Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed postcard of the USA — and deserves to be visited by bike. The neighborhood of Chinatown, the oldest in the US, and Fisherman's Wharf, with its sea lion colony, are mandatory stops. A visit to Alcatraz, the former federal prison on the bay island, is a chilling experience. For wine lovers, Napa Valley is less than 90 minutes away by car.
• Best Hotels:
• • Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco— Located on Market Street with access to some of the city's best art galleries.
  • The St. Regis San Francisco— Contemporary architecture with a valuable art collection, close to SFMoMA.
  • Fairmont San Francisco— The city's most historic hotel, atop Nob Hill, with a 360° view of the bay.

10. Seattle — The Emerald City

• Stadium:Lumen Field — capacity of 72,000 seats
• Matches:Group stage and round of 16

Seattle is a revelation for first-time visitors. Surrounded by water, snowy mountains, and coniferous forests, the city of coffee (Starbucks was born here), grunge music, and Amazon has a unique charm.

Lumen Field, home to the Seattle Sounders — one of the largest MLS clubs — is known for having one of the loudest crowds in the US.

• Things to do in Seattle:The Space Needle, built for the 1962 World's Fair, is still the city's symbol and offers spectacular views of the mountains and Puget Sound. Pike Place Market, operating since 1907, is one of the liveliest public markets in the world — and where Starbucks opened its first store. The Capitol Hill neighborhood has the most vibrant cultural and culinary scene. A trip to Mount Rainier or the San Juan Islands is a sublime nature experience.
• Best Hotels:
• • Fairmont Olympic HotelThe grand dame of Seattle's hotels, boasting nearly a century of history and timeless elegance.
  • Hotel 1000 SeattleA luxury boutique hotel with state-of-the-art technology and stunning bay views.
  • The EdgewaterThe only hotel in Seattle situated on the Puget Sound — The Beatles stayed here in 1964.

11. Kansas City — The Heart of the American Heartland

• Stadium:Arrowhead Stadium — capacity of 72,330 seats
• Tournament Matches:Group Stage

Kansas City is the most "American" host city of the tournament—in the truest sense of the term.

Famous for Kansas City BBQ (considered by many to be the best barbecue in the world), its jazz history, and having one of the country's most passionate American football crowds, KC surprises with its hospitality and authenticity.

• What to do in Kansas City:The Kansas City Jazz Museum tells the story of one of America's greatest cultural contributions to the world. The Country Club Plaza, a neighborhood inspired by Spanish architecture, has boutiques, restaurants, and the city's best bar scene. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of the largest visual arts museums in the American Midwest. And, of course: dinner at one of the city's famous pit barbecues is mandatory—Joe's Kansas City or Q39 are safe starting points.
• Best Hotels:
• • The Raphael Hotel Kansas City— European boutique in the heart of the Country Club Plaza, with unique charm and history.
  • The Fontaine — Sophisticated and contemporary, the city's best modern hotel.
  • Marriott Kansas City Downtown — Excellent location and consistent standard for those seeking comfort without surprises.

🇲🇽 MEXICO — 3 cities, 13 matches, the historical opening

Mexico becomes the first country to host the men's World Cup three times (after 1970 and 1986). The tournament opening takes place at the legendary Estadio Azteca on June 11th, with Mexico vs South Africa.

12.Mexico City— The Largest Metropolis in Latin America

• Stadium:Estadio Azteca — capacity of approximately 87,000 seats
• World Cup Matches:5 matches — including the Opening Game (June 11th) and the round of 16

The opening of the 2026 World Cup will take place in one of the most sacred stadiums of world football.

The Estadio Azteca is the only venue for this edition that has already hosted World Cup finals — in 1970 (Brazil 4 x 1 Italy) and 1986 (Argentina 3 x 2 West Germany).

It is also where Diego Maradona scored the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century." To play or watch a game at the Azteca is a generational privilege.

But theMexico Citygoes far beyond football. It is a metropolis of 22 million inhabitants with one of the world's richest cultural offerings—international category museums, gastronomy that has conquered the world (eight restaurants with Michelin stars), and an absolutely unique urban energy.

• What to do in Mexico City:The National Museum of Anthropology is, for many specialists, the best museum on the American continent. Teotihuacán, the pre-Columbian pyramids 50 km from the city, are one of humanity's greatest wonders. The neighborhood of Coyoacán, where Frida Kahlo lived, has an unparalleled bohemian atmosphere. Colonia Roma and Condesa are the most sophisticated gastronomic neighborhoods in Latin America. And the Palace of Fine Arts — with its murals by Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros — is a must-visit.
• Best Hotels:
• • Four Seasons Mexico City— Located on the elegant Paseo de la Reforma, with lush gardens and a world-class spa.
  • Camino Real Polanco Mexico— An icon of Mexican modernist architecture from the 1960s, designed by Ricardo Legorreta.
  • St. Regis Mexico City— Facing the Bosque de Chapultepec, with stunning city views and impeccable service.
  • Quinta Real Santa Barbara— A supreme charm boutique hotel in the heart of Zona Rosa.

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13. Guadalajara — The Cradle of Mexican Culture

• Stadium:Akron Stadium (Estadio Guadalajara) — capacity of approximately 49,850 seats
• Matches in the World Cup:4 matches — group stage

Guadalajara is the cultural heart of Mexico. It is here that mariachi, tequila, and charrería (traditional Mexican equestrianism) were born.

The second-largest city in the country boasts a stunning historic center, a gastronomic scene that rivals Mexico City, and hospitality worthy of the fame of the tapatíos (the inhabitants of Guadalajara).

• What to do in Guadalajara:The Cabañas Cultural Institute, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with murals by Clemente Orozco, is one of the largest mural art works of the 20th century. The city of Tequila, just 56 km away, is an almost mandatory visit — and includes visits to some of the world's most historic distilleries. Mercado Libertad (San Juan de Dios), one of the largest covered markets in the world, is an explosion of colors, aromas, and flavors. Tlaquepaque, a few kilometers from the center, is Mexico's artisan capital.
• Best Hotels:
• • One&Only Mandarina— An hour from Guadalajara, in the Nayarit Coast, it is one of Mexico's most exclusive resorts, located between the jungle and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Hotel Demetria— The most sophisticated address in Guadalajara, with contemporary design inspired by regional architecture.
  • Quinta Real Guadalajara— Located in a former 19th-century bullring, it is one of Mexico's most unique hotels.

14. Monterrey — The Industrial Capital of Mexico

• Stadium:Estadio BBVA (Estadio Monterrey) — capacity of approximately 53,000 seats
• World Cup Games:4 matches — group stage

Monterrey is the most economically developed city in Mexico, with a profile that resembles a European metropolis more than what many imagine of the country.

Surrounded by the imposing Sierra Madre Oriental, the city has spectacular nature right nearby and a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene. The Estadio BBVA is considered one of the world's most beautiful stadiums, with Cerro de la Silla as a natural backdrop.

• What to do in Monterrey:Parque Fundidora, installed in a former 19th-century steel mill, is one of the most successful urban regeneration projects in Latin America. Barrio Antiguo is the city's liveliest historic center, with bars, museums, and excellent cuisine. Cascada Cola de Caballo (Horse Tail Waterfall), located in Cumbres National Park in Monterrey, is one of the largest waterfalls in northern Mexico and is only 40 km from downtown. MARCO (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey) has one of the best collections of Latin American contemporary art.
• Best Hotels:
• • Safi Royal Luxury Valle — The city's most high-end hotel, featuring a spa, rooftop bar, and excellent gastronomy.
  • Quinta Real Monterrey — Classic elegance in the heart of Chepevera, with impeccable gardens.
  • Fiesta Americana Monterrey Valle — Contemporary and well-located, with excellent infrastructure for those blending tourism with business.

🇨🇦 CANADA — 2 cities, 13 matches, historic debut

For Canada, it is the first time in history that the country will host matches of a men's World Cup — a moment of national pride that promises to mobilize the entire country.

15.Toronto— The Most Multicultural City in the World

• Stadium:BMO Field — capacity expanded to 45,000 seats
• World Cup Matches:Group Stage — including Canada's debut (June 12)

TorontoIt proudly holds the title of the world's most multicultural city — more than 200 languages are spoken in its neighborhoods. Canada's economic capital has a cosmopolitan energy that combines the efficiency and safety typical of the country with the vibrancy of a first-rate global metropolis. BMO Field will host the historic debut of the Canadian national team on home soil on June 12.

• What to do in Toronto: A CN Tower, com seus 553 metros, domina o skyline e oferece uma experiência de adrenalina (incluindo uma passarela de vidro no exterior). O bairro de Kensington Market, com lojas independentes e gastronomia de todo o mundo, é o coração alternativo da cidade. Distillery District, com seus edifícios vitorinianos de tijolos vermelhos, é um dos bairros mais fotogênicos da América do Norte. As Cataratas do Niágara ficam a apenas 90 minutos de carro — e merecem absolutamente a visita.
• Best Hotels:
• • Four Seasons Hotel Toronto— The best address in the city, in the elegant neighborhood of Yorkville, with a two-story spa.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Toronto— Breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline from spacious rooms.
  • Shangri-La Toronto— In the heart of the Entertainment District, featuring an Asian spa and a high-end restaurant.
  • 1 Hotel Toronto— Sustainability meets luxury at this globally renowned boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

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16.Vancouver— Paradise between the Ocean and the Mountains

• Stadium:BC Place — capacity of 54,500 with a retractable roof
• World Cup Matches:7 matches — group stage and round of 16

Vancouverconcludes the list of 16 host cities with one of the most iconic presences of the entire tournament. The most beautiful city in Canada—and, for many, all of North America—combines urban beaches with snowy peaks accessible in less than 30 minutes by car. BC Place, with its iconic retractable cover, will host seven matches, making Vancouverone of the most active cities in the tournament.

• What to do in Vancouver:Stanley Park, an urban park of 400 hectares on the Pacific Ocean coast, is simply spectacular—ideal for cycling, hiking, and contemplation. The Gastown neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and famous steam clock, is the historical heart of the city. Granville Island, with its public market and art scene, is one of Canada's most enchanting places. For adventurers, Whistler—the most famous ski resort in North America—is just two hours by car and offers trails and zip lines in summer.
• Best Hotels:
• • Fairmont Pacific Rim— The most luxurious hotel inVancouver, with direct views of the Port and the Coastal Range mountains.
  • Rosewood Hotel Georgia— A historical palace from the 1920s renovated with impeccable style, in the heart of downtown.
  • Wedgewood Hotel & Spa— European charm boutique hotel with award-winning SPA and prime location.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver— Classic and elegant, with direct connection to Pacific Centre Mall.

📅 Summary: Featured Matches by City

CityStadiumWorld Cup Highlights

New York/ NJ

MetLife Stadium

Brazil's Debut (06/13) + Final (07/19)

Dallas

AT&T Stadium

Most matches (9) + Semi-final (07/14)

Atlanta

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Semi-final (07/15)

Miami

Hard Rock Stadium

Brazil vs Scotland (06/24) + Third Place (07/18)

Philadelphia

Lincoln Financial Field

Brazil vs Haiti (06/19)

Los Angeles

SoFi Stadium

Group stage matches

Mexico City

Azteca Stadium

Opening: Mexico vs South Africa (11/06)

Toronto

BMO Field

Historic Canada debut (12/06)

Vancouver

BC Place

7 matches — largest Canadian volume

Boston

Gillette Stadium

7 matches + quarter-finals

Houston

NRG Stadium

Group stage

San Francisco

Levi's Stadium

Group stage + Round of 16

Seattle

Lumen Field

Group stage + Round of 16

Kansas City

Arrowhead Stadium

Group stage

Guadalajara

Estadio Akron

Group stage

Monterrey

Estadio BBVA

Group stage

✈️ Plan Your World Cup with Aeriva

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Aeriva is the Brazilian platform specializing in luxury hotels and premium experiences.

We develop specialized curatorship for each host city, with a selection of accommodations, private transfers, restaurants, and exclusive experiences for those who want to live the World Cup 2026 with the comfort and sophistication that the moment deserves.

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FAQ

What will the system and model of the World Cup be in 2026?

The 2026 World Cup debuts an expanded and historic format. Instead of the traditional 32 teams, the tournament features 48 teams. They are divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each. In the first phase, teams play against each other within their group in a single round-robin format.

What are two changes in the World Cup format in 2026?

The two main structural changes are:

1. The increase in the number of games: It has increased from 64 to a total of 104 matches.
2. The introduction of a new knockout phase: The addition of the phase of Round of 32 (second phase) before the quarterfinals. With this, the champion team will need to play 8 matches throughout the tournament, and no longer 7.

What will the qualification rules for the knockout phase be?

Advancing to the elimination phase (Round of 32) are the two top placed teams from each of the 12 groups. To complete the count of the 32 knockout teams, the top eight third-placed teams also qualify overall.

What are the tiebreaker criteria for the World Cup 2026?

If two or more national teams finish the group stage tied in points, the order of tiebreakers follows these steps:

1. Points obtained in the direct confrontation;
2. Goal difference in the direct confrontation;
3. Goals scored in the direct confrontation;
4. Superior goal difference in all group matches;
5. Highest number of goals scored in all group matches;
6. Fair Play Points:Where yellow and red cards deduct points from the team;
7. FIFA World Ranking:If the draw persists until the end, classification will be decided by the teams' positions in the most recent edition of the FIFA Rankings released before the tournament.FIFA abolished the use of coin tosses or draw balls in this edition.

Why will the World Cup of 2026 take place in 3 countries?

FIFA's decision to hold the tournament jointly between the United States, Mexico, and Canada has strategic and logistical objectives.

Expansion to 48 teams requires massive infrastructure of large-capacity stadiums, training centers, and high-standard hotel networks.

By splitting the host location, organization costs are diluted, and modern existing arenas are utilized, eliminating the need to build stadiums from scratch.

Furthermore, FIFA organized the schedule into regional "clusters" to prioritize vertical travel and reduce exhausting movements for delegations.

🟨 New Football Rules (IFAB Guidelines 2025/2026)

What are the new rules and changes in football for the World Cup of 2026?

Football underwent important updates from IFAB that directly affect the game dynamics and refereeing starting from the 2025/2026 season:

• The "Captain Only" Rule:To prevent the famous collective confrontation with referees, only the captain of each team (identified by arm band) is allowed to approach the referee to discuss important decisions respectfully. Any other player who invades the exclusive 4-meter area created by the official may be immediately cautioned with a yellow card.
• New penalty for goalkeepers (8-second Rule):The time limit a goalkeeper can hold the ball in their hands increased from 6 to8 seconds. The refereeing will make a visible countdown with their hand in the last 5 seconds. If the goalkeeper exceeds the time limit, the penalty has changed:it is no longer an indirect free kick in the area, but rather a corner kick granted to the opposing team.
• VAR Public Announcement:Referees have the option of making a public announcement on the stadium's sound system explaining the final verdict after long reviews on the pitch monitor.

Is it true that FIFA changed the offside rule?

No.The project known as the "Wenger Offside" (where an attacker would only be offside if their body was entirely in front of the defender) is still in restricted testing phases in smaller leagues and grassroots categories, but it is not in force for the 2026 World Cup.

The classic offside rule remains valid.

The only small technical addition by IFAB is that, for throws made by the goalkeeper with hands, the exact reference point to check for an offside becomes the last point of contact of the hand with the ball (the moment of release).

What is the new goal kick rule?

The main structure of the penalty shootout has not changed (the ball remains in play as soon as it is kicked and moves clearly, able to be received inside the box itself).

However, IFAB included a procedural guideline: if the game is stopped by the referee for medical or external reasons and the ball was last touched inside the penalty area, the restart will be by a ball to the ground directly for the goalkeeperof the defending team.

Additionally, tournaments have gained permission to set strict time limits for kicks to prevent the traditional "delay".

What is the rule for area infringement during a penalty?

The rule establishes that line players must remain outside the box and behind the penalty mark until the ball is kicked.

Infringement is only penalized if the player who infringed gains direct advantage from the play (for example, if the goalkeeper parries the ball and the infringing attacker scores, or if the invading defender diverts the rebound).

Otherwise, if the goal occurs directly or the ball goes out of bounds without interference from the infringers, the play continues normally.

When did it change to 5 substitutions?

The rule that allows up to 5 substitutions per team (made in a maximum of 3 periods of the game, plus halftime) was originally introduced temporarily in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and wasmade permanent by IFAB in 2022.

It remains valid for the 2026 World Cup, with the addition of an extra substitution in case of knockout round extra time. The mandatory extra substitution protocols are also in effect in cases confirmed or suspected of concussion (head trauma).

💼 Labor Legislation (Brazil)

Is it mandatory to release employees on days of the Brazilian National Team's matches in the World Cup?

No, by law there is no legal obligation.In Brazil, labor law (CLT) does not provide for automatic time off or closure of private companies on days when the national team plays in the World Cup.

The release of employees, reduction of working hours, or installation of televisions in the workplace depend exclusively on a mutual agreement between the company and the employee, internal benefit policies, or collective agreements from each professional union.