Sixteen cities, three North American countries. 2026 marks the first time in history that the FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted across multiple countries on the continent—and many other firsts. It’s also the first men’s World Cup in Canada, as well as the first with 48 teams. Regarded as the biggest and most prestigious tournament in global football, the excitement and anticipation have been building since the announcement. With the opportunity comes plenty of planning and responsibility, and fans are eager to see just how the United States, Canada and Mexico will rise to the challenge.
Host cities are tasked with coordinating massive infrastructure upgrades, readying transit systems and making sure the fan experience meets FIFA’s strict standards. After all, the expectations are high, and we’re set to see hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of visitors flood the cities in search of a connection to the World Cup atmosphere in and out of the stadium.
Stadium Preparations for Confirmed Venues
While no new builds are expected for the 2026 World Cup, the cost and scale of the stadium preparations have been unprecedented. Many of the stadiums and cities selected to host matches have ample experience in curating a stellar sports fan experience. For example, the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is no stranger to hosting large-scale events, notably Super Bowl XLV, CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, the NCAA Men’s Final Four and several world championship boxing matches. It’s because of this resume that more matches are being hosted there than in any other city.
Of course, other stadiums also bring their own histories and capacities to the table. Toronto’s BMO Field, the home stadium of Toronto FC and the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, is undergoing renovations to add 17,756 seats. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, was constructed specifically to fit a FIFA-regulation pitch and is working on integrating an irrigation system for a natural grass field. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, is also improving its systems for natural grass conditions.
Expanding Transit and Airport Capacity for Fans
And it’s not just the stadiums that are getting a makeover. Mexico City International Airport is steadily working on its expansion and modernisation projects, with airport upgrades that are essential for welcoming the many international fans to the country. Not only are these measures crucial for proactive planning, but they also address recent disruptions caused by heavy rainfall and issues with passenger facilities. Transportation networks and stadiums are expected to be ready for the upcoming World Cup throughout Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. These improvements in logistical infrastructure are also expected to uphold the country’s global reputation in the long run.
Meanwhile, the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a chance for Vancouver to bolster its public transit system. There’s the Broadway Subway Project, a planned extension of the Millennium Line featuring six new underground stations. New Jersey’s NJ Transit has also been working on its system of buses and trains in hopes of being able to move 20,000 people an hour—double its current capacity.
Tourism and Hospitality Set for Record Growth
As this tournament gears up to be the largest in FIFA history, with 104 matches, there will naturally be massive demand for accommodation, entertainment, and dining in all host cities. FIFA has created complete hospitality packages that bundle premium tickets, food, beverages and more across three host nations to kickstart the fan experience the moment they arrive.
However, outside the stadium, city planners and businesses are preparing to capitalise on the influx of visitors in innovative ways. Pop-up accommodations, special restaurant offerings and even fan zones made explicitly for the World Cup are all in the pipeline.
For instance, Vancouver has introduced a 2.5% Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax on short-term accommodations to fund World Cup-related expenses through 2030. The city has also considered innovative accommodation solutions, including converting older buildings into temporary hotel spaces and even utilising a cruise ship as a floating hotel.
The Demand for Sports Betting and Gambling Platforms
Such a grand sporting event will create opportunities for fans to engage in multiple ways, including in the world of betting and gambling. Although there may need to be workarounds depending on local regulations, mobile-first platforms will act as a vehicle for fans to place bets, follow match outcomes and get even more invested in the action wherever they go. Casinos.com pay by phone and other similar services will allow users to deposit funds more quickly and get them engaged with the tournament experience faster. It’s the perfect representation of this economic ripple that’s expected to touch multiple industries.
Even if platforms do face regulatory challenges, operators can find ways to adapt, offering geo-restricted access or other mobile-friendly temporary solutions.
Football in North America Beyond 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will undoubtedly be a moment for the history books. But beyond that, solidification is its effect on football’s growing footprint in North America, especially Canada and the United States. While there certainly has been a presence for the sport through the burgeoning Major League Soccer, football still trails behind hockey, baseball and NFL football in terms of popularity and cultural influence. The World Cup is a prime opportunity to change that, inspiring a new generation of grassroots players, fans and aspiring professionals. Cities could see a surge in modern training facilities, football-compatible stadiums and youth development programs that didn’t exist previously.
