From a concrete legend in Mexico City to a $5 billion glass cathedral in LA — a tour of the venues that will define the summer.
Estadio Azteca, the old soul
Nothing else on this list has Azteca's history. Pelé lifted a World Cup here. Maradona scored the most debated goal ever scored here. In 2026 it becomes the first stadium to host matches at three different World Cups.
It is loud, steep, and unforgiving at altitude — over 2,200 metres above sea level. Visiting teams will feel their lungs before they feel the crowd.
SoFi and MetLife, the modern giants
Los Angeles offers SoFi Stadium, a building that cost north of $5 billion and looks like it. The final, meanwhile, lands at MetLife in New Jersey — a venue built for the NFL, retrofitted for the biggest match on earth.
These are not romantic grounds. They are spectacle machines, with screens the size of buildings and corporate boxes that cost more than a house. Different beauty, same goal.
The quiet contenders
Do not sleep on Seattle's noise, Kansas City's Arrowhead acoustics, or Monterrey's Estadio BBVA framed by the Cerro de la Silla mountain. Some of the best atmospheres will come from grounds the casual fan cannot name yet.
Atmosphere does not always follow the budget. By July, a couple of these will have made their reputations.
