The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a significant event in soccer history, hosting 48 national teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament includes 104 matches played in 16 stadiums, an increase from 64 games in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which had only eight venues.
The opening match will see Mexico face South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11. The final match is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Despite the wide range of host cities, Chicago, a major sports hub, is not part of the hosting roster. Former mayor Rahm Emanuel explained his decision to exclude Chicago in an interview with The Athletic. Emanuel expressed concerns about financial risks for taxpayers, particularly regarding a clause requiring a dome over Soldier Field at a considerable expense. Emanuel stated, “Not a chance am I going to have you tell me on a $50 to $100 million expense, and you’re the one directing me to come up with that money.”
To qualify as a host city, requirements included stadium upgrades, security and infrastructure commitments, tax exemptions on ticket sales, and controlled commercial zones. Chicago’s primary concern centered around the contract clause allowing FIFA to demand costly alterations to Soldier Field.
Chicago’s official stance highlighted the lack of certainty from FIFA on key issues, describing FIFA’s unwillingness to negotiate as a deterrent to pursuing a host city bid.
As a result, FIFA selected alternative cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
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