World Cup 2026 venues revealed amid debate over handling of sexual abuse allegations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first tournament staged across three nations. Sixteen venues have been confirmed, with the opening match on 11 June 2026 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and the final scheduled for 19 July at New York’s MetLife Stadium. Major U.S. sites include Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and Dallas’ AT&T Stadium, while Canada will see games in Vancouver and Toronto, and Mexico in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara.

The tournament arrives amid criticism of football’s muted response to ongoing sexual‑abuse allegations. Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, charged in the United Kingdom with multiple rape and sexual‑assault offenses, played in the competition despite the pending case. Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz and former player Thierry Henry emphasized the presumption of innocence, while advocates argue that football bodies should address such accusations more proactively. The controversy highlights broader concerns about how the sport handles allegations of violence against women.