FIFA has locked in the official seating capacities for all 16 stadiums hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup across Canada, Mexico and the United States, marking the last major operational milestone before the tournament kicks off.
The confirmation sets the stage for what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history. With 48 teams, more matches than any previous edition, and venues spanning three nations, the tournament is on track to shatter the all-time cumulative attendance record of 3.5 million set at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, also held in the United States.
Mexico City's Estadio Azteca leads all venues with a capacity of 80,824, narrowly ahead of the New York New Jersey Stadium at 80,663. Dallas (70,649) and Los Angeles (70,492) follow as the next largest hosts.
Mid-range venues include San Francisco Bay Area (68,827), Houston (68,777), Atlanta (68,239), Philadelphia (68,324) and Kansas City (69,045), while Seattle (66,925), Miami (64,478) and Boston (64,146) round out the US host cities.
Across the border, Canadian venues BC Place in Vancouver (52,497) and Toronto (43,036) will also be in action, alongside Mexican hosts Monterrey (51,243) and Guadalajara (45,664).
FIFA described the finalised capacities as a reflection of the scale and ambition of the first 48-team edition, with each venue prepared to deliver a world-class matchday experience. Officials say the cumulative attendance record is now firmly within reach given unprecedented global demand for tickets.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin in June, with matches spread across all three host nations before culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
