The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with 16 venues across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Among them are BC Place in Vancouver, Seattle Stadium, and the Bay Area venue, each with unique features and histories.
BC Place boasts a cable-supported retractable roof, the largest of its kind globally. The roof, added after the 2010 Winter Olympics, is expected to remain closed for the World Cup due to concerns about uneven sunlight affecting the natural grass surface. The stadium has hosted notable events like the 2010 Winter Olympics ceremonies and the 2015 Women's World Cup final, where the US defeated Japan 5-2.
Seattle Stadium, built on the site of the former Kingdome, features a distinctive roof covering most sideline seats, a pyramid-shaped bleacher section called the Hawk's Nest, and public art including Earth Dialogue by Native American artist Bob Houzous. The stadium has recorded seismic activity from crowd movements, such as Marshawn Lynch's 2011 Beast Quake run and Taylor Swift's 2023 Eras Tour concerts. In soccer, it hosted the 2022 Concacaf Champions League final where Seattle Sounders became the first MLS club to win the tournament.
The Bay Area venue replaced the iconic Candlestick Park and is praised for its environment-friendly design and clean sightlines. Its upper deck is closer to the field than most, thanks to a large block of luxury suites. While it may lack the soul of its predecessor, it offers a modern experience for fans.
