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Between June 11 and July 19, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played across 16 cities in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. The tournament will feature 48 national teams, up from 32 in Qatar 2022, making it the largest edition in FIFA history and the first hosted by three countries.
Mexico Returns as a Host Nation
Mexico previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986. In 2026, it will become the first country to host the men’s tournament three times.
The opening match is scheduled for June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Pelé lifted the trophy there in 1970, and Diego Maradona led Argentina to the title in 1986.
Guadalajara and Monterrey will also host matches, giving Mexico three host cities in total. The U.S. will host the majority of the tournament across 11 cities, while Canada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver.
The World Cup’s History in the U.S. and Canada
For the U.S., this will be the second time hosting the men’s World Cup. The previous edition held there took place in 1994, a tournament remembered for record attendance figures and for helping accelerate professional soccer growth in the country. That World Cup eventually led to the launch of Major League Soccer two years later.
Canada, meanwhile, has never hosted a men’s FIFA World Cup before. The country hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015, but 2026 will mark its first participation as a host nation for the men’s tournament.
Why Los Cabos Will Feel Part of the Tournament
No matches will be played in Baja California Sur, but Los Cabos sits inside the tournament’s natural audience. Most summer visitors come from the U.S., Canada, and mainland Mexico, the three tournament hosts.
The tournament falls directly into Los Cabos’ summer travel season, when resorts, bars, and restaurants already see large numbers of North American visitors. Unlike Qatar 2022, which was played in November and December because of the heat, the 2026 edition returns to the traditional June and July calendar.
Many matches will air during daytime hours in Baja California Sur, hitting bars and restaurants at peak service.
Where to Watch in Los Cabos
Several sports bars across Los Cabos are likely to broadcast matches, though specific schedules, watch parties, and reservation policies will not be confirmed until closer to the tournament.
In Cabo San Lucas, options along the marina and downtown include Sancho’s Bar, John’s Place, Jungle Bar, Hooliganz, Cabo Cantina, Baja Cantina, Hammerhead Sports Bar, and Tapes Sports Bar. In San Jose del Cabo, Shooters Sports Bar has long catered to Canadian and American visitors during major international tournaments.
Readers planning their viewing should call venues directly closer to June for confirmed broadcast schedules, opening hours for early matches, and reservation availability for high-demand games.