The 2026 FIFA World Cup will span Canada, Mexico and the United States for the first time, turning 16 North American cities into a global soccer stage welcoming the world’s most watched sporting event.
CoStar News examined each host city and what the monthlong tournament could mean for local infrastructure, real estate, tourism and economic development long before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.
In the United States, 11 host cities are gearing up for an influx of spending and international visitors alongside hometown crowds. Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is set to host eight matches with capacity expanded to 75,000, drawing on one of the country’s strongest soccer cultures: Atlanta United has led MLS in attendance for nine straight seasons.
That scale is expected to translate into a sizable economic lift across markets. In Georgia’s capital alone, officials estimate the World Cup could generate about $500 million.
Yet the tournament faces challenges: International travel to North America for the World Cup is pacing lower than originally projected, dampened by high costs and lingering concerns over safety and access.
The timing is especially notable for downtowns still recovering from the pandemic. Across several host cities, large real estate projects are coming online as the spotlight arrives, aiming to capture event‑driven foot traffic.
More broadly, the event showcases how cities present themselves to the world — through transit systems, hospitality and mixed‑use districts. For Canada, where Vancouver and Toronto will host matches for the first time, the tournament offers a debut moment to highlight urban infrastructure and international appeal.
Taken together, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up as more than a sports spectacle. It is a continent‑wide test for cities — and a rare chance to turn attention into lasting economic and real estate impact.
Here are links to CoStar News’ separate scouting reports on each World Cup market.
United States
Houston
Canada
Mexico
Matches will be hosted at venues in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.