The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the largest football tournament ever staged. Running from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, it is the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations and the first to feature 48 teams playing 104 matches. The 16 host stadiums span cities from Vancouver to Miami, from Mexico City to Boston — and getting the most out of it requires some planning. This guide covers every host city and venue, the official stadium bag policy, how to get to World Cup matches by public transport, and how luggage storage near stadiums can save your match day.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Tournament at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | 11 June – 19 July 2026 |
| Host Nations | United States, Mexico, Canada |
| Teams | 48 |
| Total Matches | 104 |
| Host Cities | 16 |
| Opening Match | Mexico vs South Africa, Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), 11 June |
| Final | New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), 19 July 2026 |
| Official Website | fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026 |
Note on stadium names: FIFA applies a non-commercial naming policy across all 16 venues during the tournament. So AT&T Stadium becomes Dallas Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium becomes Atlanta Stadium, SoFi Stadium becomes Los Angeles Stadium, and so on. This guide uses both names for clarity.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Key Tournament Dates
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | 11 June – 27 June 2026 |
| Round of 32 | 29 June – 3 July 2026 |
| Round of 16 | 5 – 9 July 2026 |
| Quarterfinals | 11 – 12 July 2026 |
| Semi-Finals | 14 – 15 July 2026 |
| Third-Place Match | 18 July 2026 |
| Final | 19 July 2026 — New York New Jersey Stadium |
All 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities and Stadiums
United States — 11 Venues
The US hosts 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches, including every game from the quarterfinals onwards.
| City | Stadium (Commercial Name) | FIFA Tournament Name | Capacity | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York / New Jersey | MetLife Stadium | New York New Jersey Stadium | ~82,500 | 8 matches including the Final (19 July) |
| Dallas | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | Dallas Stadium | ~92,967 | 9 matches including a Semi-Final (14 July) |
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) | Los Angeles Stadium | ~70,240 | 8 matches including a Semi-Final and major knockouts |
| Atlanta | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta Stadium | ~71,000 | 8 matches including a Semi-Final (15 July) |
| Miami | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami Stadium | ~64,767 | 7 matches including the Third-Place match |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) | San Francisco Bay Area Stadium | ~68,500 | 7 matches including a Quarterfinal |
| Seattle | Lumen Field | Seattle Stadium | ~69,000 | 7 matches including US group-stage fixtures |
| Boston | Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) | Boston Stadium | ~54,500 | 7 matches including a Quarterfinal |
| Houston | NRG Stadium | Houston Stadium | ~72,220 | 7 matches |
| Philadelphia | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia Stadium | ~65,878 | 7 matches including a Round of 16 |
| Kansas City | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City Stadium | ~76,416 | 6 matches |
Mexico — 3 Venues
| City | Stadium | FIFA Tournament Name | Capacity | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | Estadio Azteca (Estadio Banorte) | Mexico City Stadium | ~87,500 | 5 matches including the Opening Match (11 June) |
| Guadalajara | Estadio Akron | Guadalajara Stadium | ~49,850 | 5 matches (Group Stage) |
| Monterrey | Estadio BBVA | Monterrey Stadium | ~53,500 | 5 matches (Group Stage and Round of 32) |
Canada — 2 Venues
| City | Stadium | FIFA Tournament Name | Capacity | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | BMO Field | Toronto Stadium | ~45,736 | 7 matches |
| Vancouver | BC Place | Vancouver Stadium | ~54,500 | 7 matches |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadiums: A City-by-City Guide
New York / New Jersey — New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium)
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on 19 July 2026. It hosts eight matches in total across group stage and knockout rounds, including Brazil vs Morocco (13 June), France vs Senegal (16 June), and the Final.
With a tournament capacity of approximately 82,500, it is the largest venue by seated capacity for the Final. There is no general parking and no tailgating on-site for any of the eight matches at MetLife Stadium. Public transport is the only option — fans must use NJ Transit rail, shuttle buses, or rideshare.
NJ Transit rail will serve as the primary high-capacity option. Round-trip rail tickets are available via the NJ Transit app, capped at 40,000 per match, and require pre-purchase. Starting four hours before kickoff, service between Penn Station New York and Secaucus Junction will be limited to FIFA World Cup ticket holders. Following a recent price adjustment, NJ Transit round-trip tickets are now $105 per person. Round-trip shuttle bus tickets from Manhattan are available at $80.
Walking to MetLife Stadium from surrounding roads is not permitted on match days. Plan to arrive early — gates open approximately two to two and a half hours before kickoff.
Dallas — Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas hosts nine matches — more than any other venue — including a Semi-Final on 14 July. By FIFA’s current ticketing net capacity, Dallas Stadium stands at approximately 70,122.
AT&T Stadium is not served by rail. The best public transport option from Dallas is the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) to CentrePort/DFW Airport station, followed by the AT&T Stadium shuttle. Pre-purchase parking through JustPark (FIFA’s official parking partner) is available, ranging from $75 to $175 depending on the match. Rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones require a 20–30 minute walk to the gates.
Los Angeles — Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood hosts eight matches including knockout-round fixtures and is the US group-stage home for several major national teams. The stadium is an indoor-outdoor venue with a fixed translucent canopy, located approximately two miles from LAX.
The Metro C Line (Green) to Hawthorne/Lennox station connects to a walkable path to the stadium. Rideshare drop-off is at a designated zone requiring a 20–30 minute walk to the gates. Pre-purchased parking through JustPark ranges from $150 to over $250 for knockout rounds.
Atlanta — Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium sits right downtown, and MARTA’s Blue or Green Line to Vine City Station gets fans there for a $5 round trip. It hosts eight matches including a Semi-Final on 15 July, making it one of the most transit-accessible stadiums in the tournament.
Miami — Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium)
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens hosts seven matches including the Third-Place match. It is not directly served by Miami-Dade rail, so fans should use park-and-ride shuttles or rideshare. Pre-purchased parking has reached $249.99 for marquee fixtures. Shuttle services run from various points across Miami to the stadium on match days.
San Francisco Bay Area — San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium)
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara hosts seven matches including a Quarterfinal. The VTA light rail connects from downtown San Jose, and Caltrain runs to Santa Clara station with connecting shuttles on match days. The stadium is approximately 45 miles south of San Francisco, so fans based in the city should factor in significant travel time.
Seattle — Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field)
Lumen Field is served by Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail. A special ORCA 3-Day World Cup Pass costs $18 and covers unlimited rides across the entire regional network. Lumen Field is one of the most transit-friendly venues in the tournament, sitting directly adjacent to King Street Station and the International District/Chinatown light rail stop.
Boston — Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium)
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough hosts seven matches including a Quarterfinal. It is the furthest venue from a major city centre, located roughly 30 miles south of Boston. Commuter Rail Route 4 (Providence/Stoughton Line) runs to Foxborough on match days with dedicated event service. Gillette Stadium is currently undergoing renovation ahead of the tournament and will be in its best condition when the World Cup arrives.
Houston — Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium)
NRG Stadium hosts seven matches and is located in the Texas Medical Center area. METRORail’s Red Line runs to NRG Park Transit Center. The stadium already has experience with major events having hosted NFL playoff games and UFC events, and its infrastructure is match-day ready.
Philadelphia — Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)
SEPTA’s Broad Street Line goes straight to the sports complex at NRG Station, making Lincoln Financial Field one of the easiest US venues to reach by public transport. The stadium hosts seven matches including a Round of 16 fixture.
Kansas City — Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium)
Arrowhead Stadium hosts six matches in the Group Stage and Round of 32. Kansas City has limited public transit infrastructure, making park-and-ride shuttles the most practical option for most fans. Pre-purchase parking and shuttle packages are available through JustPark.
Mexico City — Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca / Estadio Banorte)
The historic Mexico City Stadium will make history by becoming the first venue ever to host matches at three FIFA World Cups, after also hosting games in 1970 and 1986. It opens the 2026 tournament with Mexico vs South Africa on 11 June.
The stadium closed in May 2024 for a major renovation and reopened on 28 March 2026 after 665 days. The renovation added a 250-speaker sound system, two large video screens, new locker rooms, a hybrid pitch, and photovoltaic panels on the new roof. Capacity rose to roughly 87,500 after the original lower stands were restored.
Mexico City Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then a one-stop hop on the Tren Ligero (Xochimilco light rail) to Estadio Azteca station, puts fans at the gates. Benito Juárez International Airport is approximately 16 km away.
Guadalajara — Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron)
Estadio Akron in the western Guadalajara metro area hosts five Group Stage matches. It is the home ground of Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) and is well connected to the city by the Guadalajara light rail network.
Monterrey — Monterrey Stadium (Estadio BBVA)
Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, on the eastern edge of Monterrey, hosts five matches. The Metrorrey Metro Line 1 connects central Monterrey to a station within walking distance of the stadium.
Toronto — Toronto Stadium (BMO Field)
BMO Field carries particular emotional weight for Canadian football — it was here that Canada secured qualification for the 2022 World Cup by beating Jamaica, ending a 36-year absence from the tournament. In 2026, Canada plays its home group-stage matches at the same venue. Toronto’s TTC streetcar Route 509 or 511 serves Exhibition station adjacent to the ground.
Vancouver — Vancouver Stadium (BC Place)
BC Place in central Vancouver hosts seven matches and is one of the most centrally located venues in the entire tournament. SkyTrain’s Canada Line and Expo Line both stop at Stadium-Chinatown station, a two-minute walk from the gates.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Bag Policy: What You Need to Know
The stadium bag policy is one of the most important things to get right before match day. Getting turned away at the gates because of the wrong bag — after spending thousands to travel and attend — is a very avoidable problem.
The Clear Bag Rule
All 16 World Cup 2026 venues follow a clear bag policy. Ticket holders can only bring bags made from transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC. The maximum permitted size is 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches (approximately 30 cm x 15 cm x 30 cm). Any bag larger than this may be refused entry.
A 1-gallon clear zip-lock bag is a widely used and fully compliant alternative.
Non-transparent small clutch bags or purses are permitted only if their dimensions do not exceed approximately 11 cm x 16.5 cm (roughly the size of a wallet). Everything larger than this must be clear.
What Is and Is Not Allowed
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Clear plastic, PVC, or vinyl bag (max 30 x 15 x 30 cm) | Backpacks (including clear backpacks with multiple pockets in many cases) |
| 1-gallon clear zip-lock bag | Opaque bags, handbags, or purses larger than clutch size |
| Small non-transparent clutch or wallet (max ~11 x 16.5 cm) | Camera bags, crossbody bags, and drawstring bags that are not clear |
| Personal medication with doctor’s certificate | Glass bottles, cans, outside food and beverages |
| Baby formula and sterilised water when accompanying an infant | Umbrellas with metal tips |
| Point-and-shoot cameras without detachable lenses | Professional cameras with detachable lenses or telephoto lenses |
| Mobile phones, small portable chargers | Selfie sticks, tripods, laser pointers |
| Sunscreen, sunglasses, light clothing layers | Vuvuzelas and noise-making devices |
| Valid match ticket (digital) + government-issued photo ID | Flags or banners on poles (handheld flags of reasonable size are generally permitted) |
FIFA has confirmed that stadiums will not provide bag check or storage services. If you arrive with a non-compliant bag, you will have to take it back to your hotel or car. Security personnel have final authority to deny entry for any item, even if it is not explicitly on the prohibited list.
Clear bags meeting NFL specifications are widely available at Walmart, Target, and Amazon for approximately $10–20 and are purpose-built for compliance at these venues.
Medical Exemptions
FIFA allows exemptions for fans with medical needs. Bring a doctor’s certificate — ideally in English, French, or Spanish — and contact the stadium accessibility team at least two weeks before your match. Arrive early and use the accessibility entrance.
How to Get to World Cup Matches: Transport by City
Plan your transport before you travel. Several venues have no general parking, drop-off restrictions, and match-day transit systems that require pre-purchased tickets.
| City | Stadium | Best Transport Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York / New Jersey | MetLife Stadium | NJ Transit rail from Penn Station | $105 round trip, pre-purchase required, capped at 40,000/match; $80 bus shuttle also available |
| Dallas | AT&T Stadium | TRE to CentrePort + shuttle | No metro; JustPark parking $75–$175 |
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | Metro C Line to Hawthorne/Lennox | ~20–30 min walk from station to gates |
| Atlanta | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | MARTA Blue/Green Line to Vine City | ~$5 round trip; best transit access in the tournament |
| Miami | Hard Rock Stadium | Park-and-ride shuttle | No direct rail; rideshare surges heavily |
| San Francisco Bay | Levi’s Stadium | VTA light rail + Caltrain | Allow extra time from San Francisco (~45 miles away) |
| Seattle | Lumen Field | Sound Transit Link Light Rail | ORCA 3-Day World Cup Pass $18 |
| Boston | Gillette Stadium | Commuter Rail from South Station | ~30 miles from Boston; pre-purchase strongly advised |
| Houston | NRG Stadium | METRORail Red Line to NRG Park | Well connected from downtown Houston |
| Philadelphia | Lincoln Financial Field | SEPTA Broad Street Line to NRG Station | One of the easiest venues to reach by rail |
| Kansas City | Arrowhead Stadium | Park-and-ride shuttle | Limited public transit; plan ahead |
| Mexico City | Mexico City Stadium | Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña + Tren Ligero | Direct to stadium gates |
| Guadalajara | Guadalajara Stadium | City tram / light rail | Connected to Guadalajara central network |
| Monterrey | Monterrey Stadium | Metrorrey Metro Line 1 | Station within walking distance |
| Toronto | BMO Field | TTC Route 509/511 tram | Exhibition station adjacent to ground |
| Vancouver | BC Place | SkyTrain Canada/Expo Line | 2 min walk from Stadium-Chinatown station |
Luggage Storage Near World Cup Stadiums
Match day logistics become significantly simpler when you don’t have your bags with you. Whether you’re catching an early flight into a host city and heading straight to the stadium, checking out of your hotel before an evening kick-off, or moving between cities during the tournament, storing your luggage is one of the most practical things you can do.
Third-party storage services operate near most host city stadiums. Radical Storage has locations across major US cities, with points convenient to the stadiums and transit hubs in New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, and Seattle. You can drop bags for the day, explore the host city, attend your match hands-free, and collect your bags at your convenience.
All bags stored with Radical Storage are covered by the included insurance policy. Booking takes under two minutes and locations are available seven days a week. Prices start from $4.90 per bag per day.
World Cup 2026 Match Day Tips
Getting the most out of your FIFA World Cup 2026 experience comes down to preparation. Here is what matters most:
Arrive early. Gates open two to two and a half hours before kickoff at most venues. Three hours for the Opening Match and the Final. Security lines build quickly and there is no fast-track without accessibility credentials.
Use a compliant clear bag. A 1-gallon zip-lock bag or a purpose-made clear NFL-style bag meeting the 30 x 15 x 30 cm maximum is the safest choice. Don’t gamble on a bag that might be borderline.
Pre-purchase transport. NJ Transit tickets for MetLife Stadium are capped and sell out. Sound Transit, MARTA, and SEPTA also offer pre-purchase options. Do not assume you can buy tickets at the station on match day.
No parking at MetLife. If you’re attending any of the eight MetLife matches including the Final, driving to the stadium is not an option. Transit is the only way in.
Bring your passport. International fans should carry their passport as government-issued photo ID. Digital match tickets must be on your phone and accessible offline.
Store your luggage first. If you’re moving between cities or have a checkout before your match, drop bags with Radical Storage near your transit hub. Don’t show up at security screening with more than your clear match-day bag.
Check the FIFA app. The official FIFA+ app has venue guides, real-time match schedules, and transport information for all 16 host cities. Download it before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Final takes place on 19 July 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. There is no general spectator parking — all fans must use public transport or official shuttles.
Dallas (AT&T Stadium) hosts the most matches of any venue at nine, including a Semi-Final. New York/New Jersey (MetLife) and Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) each host eight.
Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 30 x 15 x 30 cm (12″ x 6″ x 12″), or a small non-transparent clutch no larger than 11 x 16.5 cm. Backpacks, opaque bags, and larger purses are not permitted. Stadiums do not provide bag check services.
104 matches in total, across 16 stadiums in 16 host cities. The United States hosts 78 of those matches.
Yes. Radical Storage has locations near stadiums and transit hubs across the US host cities, available from $4.90 per bag per day. Book at radicalstorage.com.
Final Thoughts
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is genuinely unprecedented in scale — 48 teams, 104 matches, three countries, and 16 cities across one of the most geographically diverse hosting arrangements in the tournament’s history. That ambition makes it spectacular, but it also requires more planning than any previous World Cup. Knowing which stadium you’re going to, how to get there by public transport, and what you can and cannot bring inside is not optional information — it’s the difference between a smooth match day and a stressful one.
Get your clear bag sorted. Pre-purchase your transport tickets, especially for MetLife. Store your luggage rather than carrying it to the ground. And then focus on what matters: 104 matches of the world’s greatest sporting event, across three countries, over 39 extraordinary days.