The world’s biggest sporting event is coming to North America, and it’s making history along the way.

For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. The expanded 2026 tournament will feature 48 national teams competing across 16 host cities, drawing millions of fans and global attention throughout the month-long event.

While Jacksonville won't host any matches, Florida will still play a major role in the tournament. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium is set to welcome World Cup action, and several cities across the Sunshine State will serve as training and home-base locations for teams competing on soccer’s biggest stage.

Whether you're planning a trip to catch a match, following your favorite national team, or looking for the best places to watch the games locally, here's your guide to the World Cup venues, the teams staying in Florida, and where Jacksonville fans can join the excitement.

More: World Cup 2026: What every soccer fan needs to know, from A to Z

When does the 2026 FIFA World Cup begin?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The opening match will be a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener, which ended in a 1–1 draw in Johannesburg.

Where are the World Cup games being played in 2026? Three host countries.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time the tournament has been staged across three countries.

1. The United States is set to host matches in 11 cities. Here is a list of the stadiums where the games will take place:

• Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

• Boston: Gillette Stadium

• Dallas: AT&T Stadium

• Kansas City: Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Stadium)

• Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium

• Miami: Hard Rock Stadium

• New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium (Tournament Final Location)

• Philadelphia: Lincoln Financial Field

• San Francisco Bay Area: Levi's Stadium

• 2. Mexico is set to host matches in 3 cities. Here is a list of the stadiums where the games will take place:

  • Guadalajara: Estadio Akron

  • Mexico City: Estadio Azteca

  • Monterrey: Estadio BBVA

  3. Canada is set to host matches in cities. Here is a list of the stadiums where the games will take place:

  • How many matches will be hosted in Florida? Any in Jacksonville or Miami?

    No, matches will be played in Jacksonville for the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, the Miami Hardrock Stadium will play host to seven matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the bronze final clash. See FIFA official schedule.

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    Where are the FIFA World Cup 2026 team base camp training sites in Florida?

    FIFA has confirmed the Team Base Camp (TBC) Training Sites for all 48 teams competing in the 2026 World Cup. These facilities will serve as each team's "home away from home" throughout the tournament, providing spaces for training, recovery and day-to-day operations while teams are not traveling for matches.

    While several World Cup matches will be played in Florida, three cities in the state have been selected as official team base camp locations:

    • Cabo Verde will base camp in Tampa, Florida. Will train at the Rowdies Waters Sportsplex, and will stay at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

    • Curaçao will base camp in Boca Raton, Florida. Will train at the Florida Atlantic University. and will stay at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center.

    • Portugal will base camp in Palm Beach, Florida. Will train at Gardens North County District Park in Palm Beach Gardens, and will stay at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.

    Players and staff from both national teams will spend the majority of their tournament stay at these locations, giving Florida soccer fans a chance to welcome international teams beyond the match venues.

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    Where to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Jacksonville

    You don't need a ticket to experience the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Several restaurants, pubs, breweries and entertainment venues across the Jacksonville area are already gearing up for kickoff and planning watch parties throughout the tournament.

    Here's a list of five places where fans can catch the action this World Cup:

    1. The Block Jax

    Looking for an outdoor viewing experience? According to their website and a social media post, The Block Jax plans to stream matches on a giant screen while offering visitors a variety of local food vendors and dining options throughout the venue.

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    Which games will be screened at The Block Jax for the World Cup 2026? See schedule:

    • 🇺🇸 June 25 — USA vs Türkiye

    • Additional watch parties with sound on:

    • 🇲🇽 June 11 — Mexico vs RSA

    • 🇨🇦 June 12 — Canada vs Bosnia

    • 🇨🇦 June 18 — Canada vs Qatar

    • 2. Culhane's Irish Pub

      Craving European pub vibes? Culhane's Irish Pub will show World Cup matches at both its Southside and Atlantic Beach locations. The pub also plans to embrace the tournament spirit with World Cup-themed food and drink offerings.

      3. Strings Sports Brewery

      Prefer cheering on your team from a local brewery? Strings Sports Brewery will air matches at both its Jacksonville Beach and Springfield locations, with food and drink specials available during the tournament.

      4. Decca Live

      Want a high-energy atmosphere? Decca Live is expected to host watch parties for major tournament events, including the opening match and the World Cup final, creating a lively setting for fans looking to celebrate with fellow supporters.

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      5. 93.3 The BEAT at Lynch's Irish Pub watch party

      Lynch’s Irish Pub will host a watch party with Michelob Ultra on Friday, June 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 514 1st St. N., in Jacksonville Beach for fans who want to watch the USA vs Australia soccer match.

      Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.

      This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Jacksonville

      Story byThe Florida Times-Union

      🇺🇸 June 12 — USA vs Paraguay

    🇺🇸 June 19 — USA vs Australia

    🇶🇦 June 13 — Qatar vs Switzerland

    🇩🇪 June 14 — Germany vs Curacao

    🇯🇵 June 14 — Japan vs Netherlands

    🇪🇨 June 14 — Ecuador vs Ivory Coast

    🇧🇪 June 15 — Belgium vs Egypt

    🇸🇦 June 15 — Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay

    🇫🇷 June 16 — France vs Senegal

    🇮🇶 June 16 — Iraq vs Norway

    🇬🇧 June 17 — England vs Croatia

    🇧🇷 June 17 — Brasil vs Morocco

    🇲🇽 June 18 — Mexico vs South Korea