FIFA revealed the cities that will host the sport's most important event. Three will be in Mexico, two in Canada and the remaining eleven in the United States.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ will be the first with 48 participating teams and three host countries.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is already underway: FIFA has announced the 16 host cities for what will be a historic tournament. It will be held for the first time in a tripartite format between Canada, USA and Mexico, and will also be the debut of the 48-team format. It was a moment of celebration for an American continent that, on the eve of Qatar 2022, can already begin to feel the party that the region will be celebrating in four years' time.

The anticipated announcement came in a special programme produced in partnership with FOX and Telemundo networks from New York, televised live in the host countries - Canada, Mexico and the USA - and streamed live around the world on FIFA+.

22 bidding cities competed for the right to host the 80 matches to be played between 9 June and 18 July 2026. The decision was not an easy one, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented, but in the end Washington DC, Denver, Baltimore, Nashville, Orlando and Edmonton were ruled out. Without them, the 16 host cities will be:

United States.

Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle.

Canada.

Vancouver and Toronto.

Mexico.

Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.

The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the most transparent and comprehensive bidding process in football history, a process in which FIFA sought the best for the beautiful game and the specific needs of all stakeholders involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

"We would like to congratulate the 16 World Cup host cities for their incredible commitment and passion. Today is a historic day for all the cities and states, for FIFA, for Canada, the United States and Mexico, who will deliver the greatest spectacle on the planet. We look forward to working with them to host a World Cup that is second to none and that will mark a milestone on the road to making football truly global," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"The level of competition in this selection process is unparalleled. We are incredibly grateful to the 16 cities that have been selected, but also to the other six, with whom we look forward to staying in touch to explore further opportunities to host fans and participating teams. This is a World Cup with three host countries that will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the region and the entire football world," added FIFA vice-president and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani.

Sources images: Twitter FIFA WorldCup.