The 2026 World Cup: A New Era for Soccer in North America

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a monumental event, running from June 11 to July 19. For the first time ever, the tournament will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, showcasing soccer’s global reach and the increasing popularity of the sport in North America. Joint hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States will play a crucial role in this historic tournament, with the majority of the matches taking place in the U.S., marking another significant chapter in soccer’s evolution in the country.

But the spotlight will surely be on whether the champions crowned at MetLife Stadium will be the first soccer world champions to emerge on U.S. soil. This speculation adds an extra layer of excitement as fans eagerly anticipate the tournament.

Has the USA Hosted the World Cup Before?

Yes, the United States hosted the FIFA World Cup once before, in 1994. This tournament was notable as it was the last to follow the 24-team format that had been in place since 1986. In the years following, FIFA expanded the competition to 32 teams, a format that continued until Qatar 2022. While the U.S. has only hosted once, Mexico has had the honor twice—in 1970 and 1986—making it a seasoned host of this grand event. Interestingly, the 2026 World Cup will mark Canada’s inaugural experience as a host nation for international football’s biggest spectacle.

Who Won the USA ’94 World Cup?

The 1994 World Cup saw Brazil emerge victorious, marking the end of a 24-year wait for their fourth title. The match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena against Italy ended in a dramatic penalty shootout after 120 minutes of scoreless play. Brazil opened a new chapter in World Cup history as they became the first team to win the championship via penalties; notable misses from Italian stars Franco Baresi and Roberto Baggio added to the tension of the moment. Since then, Italy (2006) and Argentina (2022) have also secured World Cup wins via shootouts. Brazil would go on to claim their fifth title in 2002, and football fans are already buzzing about their quest for a sixth triumph in North America.

More: How soccer popularity in the U.S. can be traced back to one moment

Major Soccer Events Held in the United States

Men’s Soccer Events in the USA

The upcoming 2026 World Cup will be the third significant soccer tournament in the U.S. in just three years. In 2025, FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup was hosted at MetLife Stadium, where Chelsea triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain. The previous year, Argentina solidified their 2022 World Cup glory by winning the Copa America in the United States—a stark contrast to the heartbreak felt when they lost to Chile in a penalty shootout at the Copa America Centenario in 2016. This marked the first major soccer competition in the U.S. outside of the Gold Cup since the 1994 World Cup.

The USA has hosted or co-hosted all 18 editions of CONCACAF’s regional tournament since its inception in 1991, highlighting its pivotal role in soccer within the region.

Women’s Soccer Events in the USA

Turning to women’s soccer, the United States also hosted the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup in 2024, with the home team, led by interim coach Twila Kilgore, emerging victorious. This competition is distinct from the CONCACAF W Championship, which has been held in various formats since 1991; the U.S. has hosted five of the 11 editions and co-hosted with Canada in 2002.

The women’s game has given birth to some of the most iconic moments in U.S. soccer history. One of the most memorable was Brandi Chastain’s decisive penalty kick during the 1999 World Cup final against China, where her celebrated goal led the U.S. to victory at the Rose Bowl. The U.S. would go on to host the Women’s World Cup again in 2003, which saw Germany beat Sweden in the final, thanks to Nia Kunzer’s golden goal.