Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
In the midst of the upcoming 2022 World Cup, the 16 host cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada were announced for FIFA's 2026 edition of the tournament. While many pundits' focus will be on the stadiums hosting matches in Qatar from mid-November, here is a look at the best of what's in store in four years' time.
Home of Club América, Cruz Azul and the Mexico national football team, the Estadio Azteca is an icon of modern football. With a capacity of 87,523 and a lifespan going back 60 years, the Azteca is the oldest stadium set to host the 2026 games. It is most memorable for hosting the 'Game of the Century' between Italy and West Germany in 1970, which ended 4-3, as well as both the 'Goal of the Century' and 'Hand of God' by Diego Maradona in Argentina's 2-1 win over England in 1986.
With a similar all-time great in Leo Messi, Argentina will be looking for success in Qatar 2022, as they have FIFA World Cup odds from Paddy Power of 13/2 to go on and win the tournament. Paddy Power also provides World Cup betting tips throughout the tournament, including news and updates on each team's progress. Incidentally, Mexico will be one of the teams looking to stop the progress of La Albiceleste, from Group C, alongside Saudi Arabia and Poland.
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, 29 June 1986
— 433 (@433) November 26, 2020
IG/davidyarrow pic.twitter.com/2tv8pBhz0u
Boasting the largest capacity on this list, the AT&T Stadium in Texas is an impressive feat of modern architecture. Alongside its 100,000 seats, the stadium includes a massive video board above the centre of the pitch, which was the world's biggest at its time of installation. It is a frequent venue not just for football but also for NFL and basketball, setting an attendance record of 108,713 back in the 2010 NBA season.
Despite their impressive stadium, Texas as a state is yet to produce any football players of note, aside from ex-Spurs star Clint Dempsey. Nevertheless, Team USA currently boasts a plethora of young talent, from captain Christian Pulisic to Giovanni Reyna and in-form Leeds man Brenden Aaronson. The first test for these starlets will be in Qatar in 2022 when they come up against Iran, England and Wales in Group B.
Inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas ahead of a Quarter-final matchup for #CANMNT pic.twitter.com/PJmPTXajbW
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) July 25, 2021
The Estadio BBVA needs no introduction. While it is far from the biggest or most historic item on this list, the location in which it is situated speaks for itself. Another beautiful feat of modern architecture, its open roof exposes an unrivalled view of Mexico's natural beauty, with the stadium located just outside the country's Cerro de la Silla.
Home to C.F Monterrey in Liga MX, many of the Mexico national team will be familiar with this ground. The likes of Rodolfo Pizzaro, Luis Romo and Jesús Gallardo will hope to play at least some of the 2026 tournament on home soil, but first their attention must turn to Qatar 2022. As mentioned, they will try to stop a rampant Argentina from qualifying from Group C, before hoping to beat Saudi Arabia and Poland to qualification to the round of 16.
Monterrey's Estadio BBVA Bancomer has been chosen as one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 17, 2022
Name a stadium with a lovelier backdrop than this pic.twitter.com/sn1iYzz3IF
2026 may seem far away, but it is never too soon to get excited about some of the world's finest stadiums. It remains to be seen which location will be awarded the eagerly anticipated final, and which teams it will host within it.
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All good things have to come to an end, and the same unfortunately has to be said for football stadiums too. This article looks at the grounds which are soon to host their last match, the stadiums whose days are numbered and where fans will be watching their football from next.
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