Missed the opportunity to watch the current World Cup in Russia? Not to worry. With FIFA accepting the 2026 joint bid of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, your chance to catch one of, if not the best global sporting event is highly likely!
For creatives, the 2026 World Cup is more than just a chance to watch your soccer idols live in action. With plenty of art on display, be it in the stadium designs, architectural elements, intricately tucked away alleyways, or majestic natural landscapes, the tournament oozes with inspiration for photography, designing, recording footage and vector illustrations.
The expansion of 48 teams from the current 32, will see the 2026 World Cup be held across 16 magnificent cities. Mexico and Canada are expected to have three representatives. Meanwhile, the US will have to choose ten cities from its original list of 17. So, find out how can you get the best of both worlds and make the most of your trip as you feast your eyes on wonder strikes and sights, from our pick of host cities!
Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
Pyramid of The Sun Teotihuacan Mexico by Galyna Andrushko
The capital of the nation is home to Mexico’s biggest stadium, the Estadio Azteca. This high altitude (7,200 feet above sea level) national stadium will pose a challenge to the top contenders, promising thrilling encounters that are bound to leave fans breathless. When in Mexico, the ancient Mesoamerican pyramids of Teotihuacan is a must visit for a dose of Aztec inspiration. Meanwhile, the serene Coyoacan Park offers a respite for those seeking tranquility in the midst of a bustling city. The Museo Soumaya which accommodates over 66,000 pieces of art, also offers a healthy dose of creative inspiration.
Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)
Guadalajara Cathedral Jalisco, Mexico
Also known as Estadio Chivas, the 46,000 capacity stadium is an ideal World Cup host. The city itself is famous for its tequila and mariachi music, a fool-proof combination to get those creative juices flowing. If you are looking to wind down, then head to the Centro Historico, which promises to make the most of your afternoon visits as you take in some of the most architecturally delightful sights in the city. Before you head off, be sure to visit the bold paintings of Jose Clemente Orozco in University of Guadalajara’s Museum of Arts.
Monterrey (Estadio BBVA Bancomer)
Cerro de la Silla Mountain, Monterrey, Mexico
The newly built Estadio BBVA Bancomer sits in one of the largest cities in Mexico, together with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MARCO). This creative hub which is divided into 11 halls, each with its very own distinct charm, must be on the bucket list of artists out there. Meanwhile, the grand mountains of Cerro de la Silla provide an excellent location for snapping stunning photography.
Montreal (Olympic Stadium)
Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal
It’s only fitting that Montreal’s iconic Olympic Stadium a.k.a the Big O, plays host for the 2026 tournament. To cram in as much of the famous European atmosphere of Montreal, make some time for a stroll down Saint Paul Street. Once you are done, the Notre-Dame Basilica has one of the most ornate gothic facades that you would ever witness. A stop at Station 16 also makes a great choice as it pushes the boundaries of contemporary art, exhibiting works with a definitive urban core.
Edmonton (Commonwealth Stadium)
View of Edmonton on a sunny fall day from the east side
This 42-acre complex promises a fantastic atmosphere to witness nail-biting encounters of football’s finest. The Fort Edmonton park offers a great place to immerse yourself into the history and culture of this town. For something a little more contemporary, you can do no wrong by checking out the Art Gallery of Alberta in downtown Edmonton. If that does not float your boat, then perhaps as walk into Edmonton’s haunted past is well worth a shot, with the city’s ghost tours. Perhaps the spine tingling, bone chilling effect of harrowing tales might just be the catalyst for some creative inspiration?
Toronto (BMO Field)
Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Canada
Although the BMO field has previously hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the stadium could do with a seating capacity upgrade. Toronto though, does not require any such restructuring. The home of Drake is also known for its National Geographic acclaimed St Lawrence Market, perfect for food photographers and anyone looking for a hearty meal. For landscape artists, consider a trip to the majestic Niagara Falls. As for the rest, if you are still short on creative inspiration, the picturesque Nathan Phillips Square is sure to light up your world.
New York (MetLife stadium)
Central Park Autumn in midtown Manhattan New York City
This 82,000 seater stadium remains the primary outdoor sporting venue in the US. But before that, a pit stop at the iconic Central Park is a must. Being able to surround yourself with acres of man-made gardens, meadows, forests, and rolling hillsides is a privilege in any city. If the high life is what you seek, then the High Line park should do the trick to give you a captivating view of NYC. For creatives, no visit to the city that never sleeps is complete without checking out the mecca of the art scene – the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Featuring everything from avant-garde fashion design to mummified royalty, this museum offers something for every creative out there.
Washington, D.C. (FedExField)
Chesapeake and Ohio canal national historical park in Georgetown Washington
Having hosted top artists including Beyonce and Jay Z, as well as serving as the venue for the International Champions Cup tie between Real Madrid and Juventus, this stadium surely manages to hold its own for a bid to host a World Cup match. For a day out, skip the hustle for the major attractions and head down to Georgetown Historic District. Located between 27th to 37th street, and dotted with restaurants boutiques and museums, these streets offer a leisurely and colorful trip down memory lane.
Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
Beautiful Philadelphia skyline at night
Better known as ‘The Linc’, this is the home of the Philadelphia Eagles. And when you are in Philly, chowing down on cheese-steaks is a no-brainer. To burn it all up, run up the legendary Rocky steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art while Eye of the Tiger plays in your head. On your way there, do take a moment to digest the gorgeous view of the downtown city from the Eakins Oval.
Los Angeles (Rose Bowl)
Palm trees in Venice Beach, California
Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the Rose Bowl is surely not short on prestige. And neither is Venice Beach short on tourists. While you are there, do take advantage of the scenery for some creative works. Next, go for a walk on the swanky Rodeo Drive and capture that million-dollar imagery through your lens. Alternatively, spend a day in Disneyland and reminisce about your good old childhood days as you come up with your version of evergreen animated characters.
Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
Spiral glass window
With a massive high definition video display and a retractable roof, the home of the Dallas Cowboys makes a fitting host for the World Cup. If end-to-end counter-attacking display and swashbuckling strikes in a billion dollar stadium do not kick-start your creative juice, then head over to the Thanksgiving Square. Built to pay homage to worldwide cultures and tradition, this square oozes with modern day architecture with three sierra granite elegant monoliths and the charming Glory Window.
Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
The gorgeous blooming roof of Atlanta’s newly built Mercedes-Benz Stadium makes it a shoe-in for staging the prestigious tournament. In addition, the city’s majestic Fox Theatre is the perfect spot to dig into the local culture via a Broadway performance. If you are looking to dive into some architectural history, then the Georgia State Capitol offers you just that.
Boston (Gillette Stadium)
Beacon Hill is a fascinating, early 19th-century neighborhood with narrow streets
The Gillette stadium is no stranger to the sporting scene as it serves as the home of NFL’s New England Patriots and the MSL’s New England Revolution. If all that huffing and puffing of passionate cheers makes your belly growl, then a fried clams tour on the North Shore will keep you fueled as you feast your eyes to lovely ocean views. For further creative inspiration, Beacon Hill is highly regarded as one of the most picturesque locations in the city, along with the greater Boston area, which displays visually striking public art.
Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
Miami Calle Ocho mosaic at Little Havana Domino Park
The Hard Rock Stadium is perhaps one of the most versatile sporting grounds in the world, having hosted the NFL, MLB, and even WrestleMania XXVVIII! For some creative thinking, lather your sunscreen and hit up Miami’s golden beaches. Alternatively, check out the 12 million dollar revamp of The Bass, which holds a series of internationally-renowned acquisitions, including folk art, photography and video installations. Once that’s done, head over to Little Havana, sit back, light up a cigar, and hum to Latin music while you sketch away and take in the city’s distinct Cuban vibe.
Houston (NRG Stadium)
Houston sunset skyline from the memorial park at Texas
The NRG Stadium is a multi-purpose venue is part of the mammoth NRG park. And speaking of mammoth, check out the Houston Museum of Natural Science which possesses an amazing collection of mineral specimens, including the Tyrannosaurus rex. For something a little more laid back, have a picnic at the Eleanor Tinsley Park and feast your eyes to the spectacular views of Houston’s skyscrapers.
Seattle (CenturyLink Field)
Seattle skyline in dramatic sunrise colors
The CenturyLink Field ensures a fantastic atmosphere, having held the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar in an outdoor stadium in 2013 and 2014. As for the roar in your tummy, cure it by devouring local favorites in Pikes Place Market and try your hand at food photography. But before that, check out the Museum of Pop Culture and marvel at some intriguing works of art.
So there you have it, our pick of host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which promises to serve up the best of travel and inspiration! For more creative guidance, check out our specially curated ‘likebox’ linked above for these host countries. If you’re searching for some creative inspiration, explore our freebies page or learn something new with our tutorials.