How host cities reacted to being awarded 2026 World Cup games

FIFA finally announced the 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico that will serve as hosts for the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico will see Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City welcome the international tournament, while Canada boasts Vancouver and Toronto as seeds. The United States will host the majority of the World Cup, as 11 cities across the country prepare for the sport’s biggest competition. 

The American venues are: New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), Houston (NRG Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Kansas City, Missouri (Arrowhead Stadium), and Boston (Gillette Stadium).

Now, the newest hosts are reacting to the honor. 

Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee President Chris Canetti said: "We couldn’t be more thrilled to be selected as a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside so many great cities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The Houston community has truly backed our bid and is ready to welcome players and fans from all over the world for the World Cup. We are grateful to FIFA for recognizing the modern, sustainable and forward-thinking bid we have built and for allowing us to continue creating a lasting legacy."

SEA 2026 Chair and Seattle Sounders FC Owner Adrian Hanauer said: "This is perhaps the biggest day for the sport of soccer in the history of our region.

"To be awarded the FIFA World Cup is not only momentous for the city of Seattle, but for all of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. Crossing the finish line to become one of the host cities for this global event is a testament to the hard work of countless people. To the many individuals and agencies that were involved, on behalf of our entire local organizing committee, I would like to offer a sincere thank you and congratulations! We cannot wait to host FIFA World Cup matches at Lumen Field in 2026."

Kansas City, longtime training venue for the USMNT, also earned a bid. 

"To be named a host city for not only the biggest single sport event in history, but as part of the most competitive selection process FIFA has ever facilitated is an incredible accomplishment for our city, our bid committee and everyone involved," said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. 

"This is an important milestone in our work to make Kansas City an international destination for sports tourism and I could not be more proud."

Miami will host a World Cup match for the first time, after failing to secure a spot in 1994 when the United States last welcomed the men’s competition. The South Florida city also could not cement their bid when the US hosted 1999 or 2003 editions of the Women’s World Cup. 

"I’ve been very, very high on the World Cup coming here," Inter Miami CF owner Jorge Mas said. "I think the games at Hard Rock are going to be amazing. Our city’s been on the global stage. It’s a validation for our city."

USMNT star Christian Pulisic even shouted out Miami as one of the most 'exciting' contenders. 

"I think Miami is a really exciting one for me. You know, my family is living down there now, and that’s going to be an amazing atmosphere for sure," the Chelsea forward claimed.

FIFA will announce the venue for the inauguration and final at a later date.