Women's World Cup 2026 Host Cities Announced with Unprecedented Global Reach
FIFA officially announced the 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA Women's World Cup today, with matches set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 20 to July 20, 2026. The tournament will be the largest in Women's World Cup history, featuring 32 teams competing across North America in a groundbreaking format.\n\nThe United States will host 10 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Seattle. Canada will contribute three venues in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, while Mexico will stage matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Each host city was selected based on stadium capacity, infrastructure quality, and commitment to promoting women's football development.\n\n'This Women's World Cup will set a new standard for the sport,' said FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the announcement ceremony in Miami. 'With 32 teams competing across three countries, we're creating the most accessible and inclusive tournament in women's football history. The passion for the game in North America, combined with world-class facilities, will deliver an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.'\n\nThe tournament structure will feature eight groups of four teams each, with matches played simultaneously across all three countries during the group stage. The knockout rounds will be concentrated in major metropolitan areas, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This represents a significant expansion from the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which featured 32 teams but across just two countries.\n\nTicket sales for the tournament are expected to begin in March 2026, with FIFA projecting over 2 million tickets will be sold. The governing body has committed to affordable pricing strategies, with tickets starting at just $30 for group stage matches. Corporate partnerships have already exceeded $500 million, making it the most commercially successful Women's World Cup in history before a ball has been kicked.\n\nThe announcement comes at a pivotal moment for women's football, with global viewership and participation reaching record levels. The 2023 World Cup attracted over 2 billion viewers worldwide, while domestic leagues across North America continue to expand. Several host cities have announced plans for fan festivals and youth development programs leading up to the tournament, ensuring a lasting legacy for women's football across the continent.
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