FIFA World Cup 2026 host nations

After controversial tournaments in Russia and Qatar,
the 2026 edition was heralded as a return to calmer waters
– the build up has been far from that utopian expectation

CANADA
Prime Minister: Mark Carney (left)

Hosted 2010 Winter Olympics and 2015
FIFA Women’s World Cup. Aiming to capitalise
on home advantage by progressing beyond
group stage for first time

Seeking to deliver more inclusive and
accessible tournament despite hosting fewer
matches, while cross-border security checks
with U.S. may pose logistical challenges

UNITED STATES
President: Donald Trump (right)

Staged 1994 FIFA World Cup – most attended
tournament in history (3.59m across 52 matches).
Reached Last 16 in 1994, while third place at
inaugural 1930 tournament is best performance.
Hosts 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles

Growing controversies include U.S.
immigration policy and use of ICE agents
to police tournament, security funding delays
after government shutdown and inflated costs
for ticketing, travel and accommodation

Ongoing uncertainty over participation of Iran due to Middle East conflict
– U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli has mooted replacing team with Italy

MEXICO
President: Claudia Sheinbaum (left)

Hosts third FIFA World Cup after solo
bids in 1970 and 1986 – reaching quarter-finals
on both occasions

Enduring wave of cartel violence after
killing of drugs lord “El Mencho”, with
warnings issued about travel to country. 
Recent shooting incident at ancient pyramid
complex of Teotihuacán killed one, injuring 13

Sources: FIFA, BBC, Reuters
Pictures: Getty Images
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