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2026 World Cup in North America: Step 1 - the host cities


Jive Turkey

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Just now, mdmost said:

SoFi is smaller than both. 

It is, but it’s built for $$ generation, just like JerryWorld.  
 

JerryWorld will have by far the largest crowd of the 3 and is totally a cash generation center re:suites/clubs/offsite 

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On 6/15/2022 at 4:05 PM, Jive Turkey said:

Tomorrow is the day the U.S. host cities will be announced.  4 pm CDT on FS 1.

There will be at least 10 U.S. cities, and possibly an 11th.  this guy says there are 8 sure things, including Dallas and Houston.

https://sports.yahoo.com/world-cup-2026-host-cities-170311724.html

Which USA cities will (almost) definitely host 2026 World Cup games?

1. New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)

An obvious choice, and the favorite to host the final.

2. Dallas/Arlington (AT&T Stadium)

The grandeur of Jerry Jones’ palace outweighs any functional aspects that make it unsuitable for soccer. Originally pitched as a semifinal venue, Jerryworld is, according to one source, the only other candidate to host the final, because it has one thing that MetLife does not: a roof. Domes can make for strange soccer settings, but, contrary to traditionalist assumptions, FIFA loves indoor stadiums for their weatherproof-ness. The nightmare scenario is a July thunderstorm in North Jersey interrupting the most-watched game in all of sports.

3. Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

With one of the few NFL stadiums that regularly hosts soccer matches, Atlanta will be a prime candidate for a semifinal. It also could be the site of the International Broadcast Center, the tournament’s main media hub.

4. Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium, Rose Bowl?)

One ideal city, two less-than-ideal stadiums — and that’s why Los Angeles' status as a favorite to host the U.S. opener has gotten shaky. It has ritzy SoFi, with just about every imaginable amenity but not enough field space for soccer. It has the Rose Bowl, which is steeped in history but relatively bare-bones compared to the other venues on this list.

It’s unclear whether both will get games or, more likely, FIFA will choose one. SoFi is the logical choice, but if FIFA is unwilling to compromise on field dimensions, it might have to sacrifice thousands, if not tens of thousands of seats — an adjustment that could jeopardize L.A.’s candidacy for a high-profile match like an opener or semifinal.

5. Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)

Perhaps no city’s bid has been more squeaky-clean and impressive than Philadelphia’s. It began this whole process on the bubble. By late-April, according to a report from Grant Wahl, it was in the running for a semifinal, which could coincide with the 250th anniversary of the crafting of the Declaration of Independence in … the nation’s original capital, Philadelphia. (July 4 itself, though, would likely be the date of a quarterfinal.)

6. San Francisco/Santa Clara (Levi’s Stadium)

Grass field at a modern stadium in a moderate climate near an airport and an attractive metropolitan area. There’s a reason Levi’s has hosted some high-profile soccer matches since it opened, and there’s no reason to think it won’t get more in 2026.

7. Houston (NRG Stadium)

City infrastructure and the retractable roof are two big pluses — nobody wants to play in 95-degree Texas heat in June. It’s unclear whether Houston’s proximity to Dallas is a pro or con, but its proximity to Mexico, and specifically Monterrey, is another plus. Teams will, at some point, have to travel between the U.S. and its neighbors, and only two other American host cities (Dallas and Atlanta) are within a four-hours-or-less flight from Mexico City.

8. Seattle (Lumen Field)

Rich soccer culture? Check. Proximity to two other host cities (Vancouver and San Francisco)? Check. Natural grass? Nope, and that’s the reason Seattle doesn’t get more big-time internationals and preseason friendlies. But it isn’t alone here — nine of the 17 American stadiums in the mix have artificial turf. FIFA has said that, in general, “that’s not a concern.” Sod can be temporarily installed. And Seattle should be selected.

 

This article ended up being pretty solid. Their 8 were all in.

9 - Miami - in

10 - Baltimore - out

11 - KC - in

12 - Boston - in

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On 6/15/2022 at 2:45 PM, Captain Ron said:

United States
Atlanta - Mercedes-Benz Stadium (71,000)
Baltimore - M&T Bank Stadium (71,006)
Boston - Gillette Stadium (65,878)
Cincinnati - Paul Brown Stadium (65,515)
Dallas - AT&T Stadium (80,000)
Denver - Mile High Stadium (76,126)
Houston - NRG Stadium (72,220)
Kansas City - Arrowhead Stadium (76,416)
Los Angeles - Rose Bowl (92,542)
Los Angeles - SoFi Stadium (70,240)
Miami - Hard Rock Stadium (64,767)
Nashville - Nissan Stadium (69,143)
Orlando - Camping World Stadium (60,219)
New Jersey - MetLife Stadium (82,500)
Philadelphia - Lincoln Financial Field (69,796)
Santa Clara - Levi’s Stadium (68,500)
Seattle - Lumen Field (69,000)

Canada
Edmonton - Commonwealth Stadium (55,819)
Toronto - BMO Field (30,000)
Vancouver - BC Place (54,500)

Mexico
Guadalajara - Estadio Akron (49,850)
Mexico City - Estadio Asteca (87,523)
Monterrey - Estadio BBVA (53,500)

 

To compare

Qatar Stadiums to be used IN THE GOD DAMNED WINTER FOR THE WORLD CUP.

Who the fuck cares x6 (40,000)

Don't give a shit x1 (60,000)

Probably never used again building that killed many construction workers (80,000)

 

Fuck you FIFA

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Maybe this will get the gotdam Canadians off their asses in improving the Seattle - Vancouver rail line. Damn thing slows to a crawl for the last 30 miles across the border.

But I am stoked AF that my home town is hosting World Cup matches within walking distance of me (Fan Fest on the Seattle waterfront even closer). Shit yeah! Bring on North Macedonia v Cabo Verde!

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Maybe this will get the gotdam Canadians off their asses in improving the Seattle - Vancouver rail line. Damn thing slows to a crawl for the last 30 miles across the border.
But I am stoked AF that my home town is hosting World Cup matches within walking distance of me (Fan Fest on the Seattle waterfront even closer). Shit yeah! Bring on North Macedonia v Cabo Verde!

This is where I plan on being, I don’t even care who I could see play.
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1 hour ago, shnsajax said:


This is where I plan on being, I don’t even care who I could see play.

Yeah, my preference would be to see USMNT or England.  But I'll gladly go see the best match in Houston, whichever teams that ends up being.

Edited by TexArcher
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Can't tell you how cool this is for me personally. Born and raised in Dallas but my Dad despised soccer so I was never even aware the 1994 World Cup was in my own backyard. Now 32 years later I will be able to take my now 4-year old son to a World Cup match. Pretty damn pumped about it. 

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5 hours ago, Jive Turkey said:

interesting thread from last year regarding how AT&T Stadium will have to reconfigure the stadium to fit in a properly sized field.

 


jerrha said he’s not holding anything back to land the final 

Edited by tx 3 putt
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6 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

Guadalajara is a great, great city 

Mexicans por todos lados.

 

5 hours ago, Trey3216 said:

Yep. KC mob paid a bigger tribute

The Hunt family is largely responsible for soccer in the United States. Add to that the Kansas City soccer community is strong and this is the “Middle of the Country” winner! And it should be. 
 

5 hours ago, Trey3216 said:

SoFi or JerryWorld 

I would choose SoFi, but that’s an 11am kickoff. You can’t even have a ridiculous pregame at that point. 

SoFi just looks like a World Cup Final stadium should look like, only without thousands of dead slave laborers disposed of in cement pourings. 
 

5 hours ago, perfectchaos007 said:

San Antonio may not be hosting, but they are roughly equidistant to 3 different hosting sites that are 5 hour drive or less away. Not a bad location if you’re trying to catch several games 

This would be an excellent base city for teams that may play in Texas and/or Monterrey. 
 

3 hours ago, Zepol87 said:

Tickets are gonna be fucked for this. 

[“WRONG!” emoji]
 

1 hour ago, TexArcher said:

Yeah, my preference would be to see USMNT or England.  But I'll gladly go see the best match in Houston, whichever teams that ends up being.

You meant to write Argentina, but your auto fill fucked up. 
 

1 hour ago, LurkingHorn said:

Can't tell you how cool this is for me personally. Born and raised in Dallas but my Dad despised soccer so I was never even aware the 1994 World Cup was in my own backyard. Now 32 years later I will be able to take my now 4-year old son to a World Cup match. Pretty damn pumped about it. 

You are the dad that you never had. 
 

💪🏼❤️🥅

👨👦

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40 minutes ago, tx 3 putt said:

If I can see Argentina in Hou, I’ll be a very happy man !!!!

Im taking cash down payments for my two extra rooms. 

I’m renting an RV and parking in front of @Ldogg53’s house. 

We’re going to asado like porteños.:

Vino tinto, carrrrrrrne… y un montón del sal, y nada más.

Puede ser…Fernet y Coke… y un kilo de Dulce De Leche por persona.

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26 minutes ago, Napoleon said:

I’m renting an RV and parking in front of @Ldogg53’s house. 

We’re going to asado like porteños.:

Vino tinto, carrrrrrrne… y un montón del sal, y nada más.

Puede ser…Fernet y Coke… y un kilo de Dulce De Leche por persona.

I'm in. 

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45 minutes ago, Napoleon said:

I’m renting an RV and parking in front of @Ldogg53’s house. 

We’re going to asado like porteños.:

Vino tinto, carrrrrrrne… y un montón del sal, y nada más.

Puede ser…Fernet y Coke… y un kilo de Dulce De Leche por persona.


ill bring the pan and vino !!!

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29 minutes ago, shnsajax said:

I fully expect the US to play all their group games inbetween Philly and Boston, Canada will play all their group games in Seattle and Vancouver, and Mexico will play all of theirs in Azteca and maybe one in Houston. 

 

Houston is a second home to el tri 

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2 hours ago, shnsajax said:

I fully expect the US to play all their group games inbetween Philly and Boston, Canada will play all their group games in Seattle and Vancouver, and Mexico will play all of theirs in Azteca and maybe one in Houston. 

There are only 2 group stage games starting in 2026.

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1 minute ago, Ted Lange said:

There are only 2 group stage games starting in 2026.

I was just ‘splaining dees to mi hermano, 32 teams will get 3 games, like now, while 16 teams get souvenirs & Continental Breakfasts.

16 groups of 3 nations

2 group games per nation

Top 2 teams from each group advance to “The Round of 32”, which starts a single elimination knockout tournament.

What we don’t know yet is whether trajectories are set for all teams from the start (most probable option single flights & hotels need to be set in a tournament over an entire continent), or whether a drawing will be held once the field is cut to 32… or 16. (Less probable due to horrible transportation infrastructure.)

At 48 teams, World Cups will either require multiple host countries or use stadiums in the 20K to 30K range… or both.

Even without Mexico & Canada, the USA hosting is on par with EUROPE or South America hosting the World Cup. From our population, to the NFL stadiums (not to mention college football stadiums), to our population and it’s international composition, no group of two or three countries can check off all of the ready-made advantages of the USA hosting a “modern World Cup” with the exception of stadium proximity/superior ease of transportation.

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