In total, a record-setting 16 stadiums will host the action: 11 in the US, three in Mexico and two in Canada. From grounds which have stood prior to Apollo 11’s Moon landing, to ones which were only opened this decade, each has hosted some iconic football moments.
With the FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule set to be confirmed on Sunday, we have taken a look at a memorable footballing moment from each venue, with more sure to come at FIFA World Cup 26. You can find more information on each of the chosen stadiums here.
BC Place Vancouver: Hat-trick hero
The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ final headed to Vancouver, with USA looking to avenge their defeat to Japan four years earlier. They achieved it in stunning style, as Carli Lloyd hit a 14-minute hat-trick – complete with an audacious half-way line lob – to inspire the Americans to a 5-2 win.
Toronto Stadium: Canada end 36 years of hurt
Having not played at the FIFA World Cup™ since 1986, Canada’s impressive Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign came to a head with a game against Jamaica at Toronto Stadium. Knowing a win would punch their ticket to the finals, John Herdman’s side ran out emphatic 4-0 winners.
Estadio Azteca Mexico City: ‘The Goal of The Century’
While the Azteca has the unique distinction of hosting two pulsating FIFA World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, perhaps its most iconic moment came in the quarter-final of the latter tournament. Diego Maradona – having already scored the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal – picked the ball up inside his own half, danced around five England players and tucked home what would become known as ‘The Goal of The Century’.
Estadio Guadalajara: Coulibaly’s Golden Boot
At the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup™, Guadalajara played host to the goal-scoring brilliance of Côte d’Ivoire’s Souleymane Coulibaly. In three Group F matches at the venue, he scored a record-setting eight goals – including a four-goal haul versus Denmark and a hat-trick against Brazil – to set him on his way to the adidas Golden Boot.
Estadio Monterrey: Jamaica seal their spot
The Estadio Monterrey hosted seven matches at the 2022 Concacaf W Championship, including the final-day showdown between Jamaica and Haiti which determined who would advance to the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia & New Zealand. The Reggae Girlz ensured they would make it to a second straight tournament with a rousing 4-0 win.
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