Where the World Cup 2026 will be played: groups, cities, travel routes and host venues
A look at how the 2026 World Cup’s sprawling geography will shape travel, rhythm and the competitive balance for teams across North America.
The World Cup calendar is almost complete, divided into colorful sections that will soon align with the groups that, on December 5, will be officially finalized. Everything about this World Cup will be special, new and unlike anything before because, beyond being the largest ever in number of teams and host nations, it will feature a dedicated presentation led by Gianni Infantino.
This is how the western, central and eastern regions will be divided across the many host cities that will stage games in the 12 groups.
World Cup path across North America
Logistics will once again shape the 2026 World Cup. Once the draw resolves the final loose ends, organizers will complete the preliminary map of host cities already hinting at a tournament that will demand endurance and adaptation across stadiums set to host more than 104 games.
A newly released infographic highlights a defining detail: groups won’t just be played – they’ll be lived through constant travel.
Group A: the Tri’s territory, but not exactly comfortable
Mexico leads the group and will split its home games across Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Atlanta joins those three venues to form a group where trips exceed three hours each way. For any team, including the host nation, it will be a test of stamina rather than convenience.
Group B: Canada opens from its northern strongholds
Canada will host this group, starting in Toronto and Vancouver. From there, routes stretch down the US west coast, with Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles as mandatory stops. Cold conditions, long flights and stark environmental changes will shape the experience.
Groups C and D: primarily US-based routes
Group C is almost tailor-made for the country’s eastern corridor: Miami, Philadelphia, Boston and New York create a classic American sports route. Atlanta joins as a strategic southern hub, making this one of the tournament’s most urban clusters.
Group D, with the United States as group leader, centers its venues on the west and northwest: LA, Vancouver, San Francisco and Seattle make up the circuit. Expect long travel distances, steady weather and well-connected stadiums.
Groups E to I: mixed routes to complete the puzzle
Group E – still awaiting its top seed – will play in Toronto, New York, Philadelphia, Kansas City and Houston, creating a hybrid map of cold, heat and significant travel.
Group F returns to the continent’s central region: Houston, Monterrey, Dallas and Kansas City form a more compact but equally demanding path for teams hoping to advance.
Group G will feature three cities: Vancouver, Los Angeles and Seattle. Group H will stage two games in Miami, with Atlanta, Houston and a dash of Mexico through Guadalajara also in the mix.
Groups I, J, K and L will follow this order of host cities: Boston, New York, Toronto and Philadelphia. For the second of those groups, San Francisco, Dallas and Kansas City join the schedule. For the final pair, the venues will include Mexico City, Guadalajara, Miami, Atlanta and Houston. Group L, marked in burgundy, will use Toronto, Dallas, Philadelphia, Boston and New York as hosts.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.