2026 World Cup to Shine on North American Cities with SoFi Stadium Opener
The FIFA World Cup is set to undergo a significant expansion in 2026 when the tournament is held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This will be the first instance of the event being hosted by three countries and will mark the debut of Canada as a host nation. Mexico is preparing to host the men's World Cup for a record third time. With the expansion, the number of participating teams will increase from 32 to 48, and the number of matches played will rise to 104. FIFA has indicated that the host cities will be distributed with 11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada, with the specific cities to be named in May 2022.
The economic implications of this large-scale event are substantial. Projections suggest that the World Cup could contribute over $5 billion in short-term economic activity and support around 40,000 jobs. Cities in western Washington state are expected to benefit significantly, with anticipated revenue of $100 million.
In Philadelphia, excitement builds as the city prepares to host six matches during the tournament, including a special round-of-16 match on July 4th, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary. The city's involvement in the World Cup will feature a public fan fest that will run throughout the competition's span from June 11 to July 19. Local officials estimate that the events in Philadelphia could attract up to 500,000 people, with approximately half expected to secure tickets to the games at Lincoln Financial Field. The influx of visitors is also projected to boost local hospitality sectors, with an estimated 26,000 hotel room nights booked per game.
