The 2026 FIFA World Cup Cities
By Shane Stay
Here you go soccer fans, the 2026 FIFA World Cup map:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the best one ever, literally. I’m looking forward to it. Over a billion—people and maybe well-trained pets—are looking forward to it. Hold on a sec. Let’s just go over a quick little slight thing…It’s just a second, it really won’t be that big-a-deal.
It goes without saying, there’s something interesting with this map. Why’s there only one in the middle? Yeah, right. There’s 3 on the East Coast, where Bob Bradley is sipping tea, Princeton sweater on, with a painting of a yacht on the wall. Listen, listen to me yacht fella, put your tasty beverage down. “What?” Did you say what? Say what again! Say what again! I dare you, I double…And those 3 are right next to each other? Huh? What? You can scratch Boston or Philly from that list, duh. New York, Philly would work. Atlanta, yes. Miami, yes. Dallas and Houston? Pick one. I’d go with Dallas. Seattle, yes. SF, where I owned a restaurant, sure, I guess, it gives me a chance to mention Vine & Barrel. LA, where I grew up—in part—with family, I guess. But let’s go to the middle bit. Just Kansas City? Really? Really??? No Detroit, Chicago, or St. Louis as a second? Oh ok, yeah that makes sense. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense, no, I get it: Because St. Louis and Chicago have nothing to do with the history of soccer in America. They really don’t. Everyone knows that. Especially St. Louis, the capitol of soccer in America. Realistically, delete Houston—they might not notice—from the list and add either St. Louis or Chicago. No, I’m not saying this as a native of St. Louis and one who’s lived in Chicago. For argument’s sake, let’s just say I live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I don’t but just imagine maybe I do…right by the place where Rockefeller had secret UFO meetings. When I buy groceries, I say hi to all the locals. Over there. Even then, I’d still be noticing one in the middle, because…it’s weird. As someone else told me, it’s weird. Only one in the middle?
An example. Just a reminder: Many moons ago, when NCAA DI soccer in America was essentially a pro league, St. Louis University gathered 10 championships, still the record. So, all of it makes sense except for 3 huddled together on the East Coast and 2 in the Lone Star state. Seriously? I would also suggest this: Since Chicago hosted in 1994, have St. Louis and Kansas City host in 2026. Therefore, Houston’s back in the mix. Houston’s back, baby! You like that, Houston? You feel better? But then again, what do I know? I’m just a guy with a picture of Giresse on the wall. Now that’s weird.
Shane Stay is a bestselling author whose books include THE World Cup 2022 Book, This is Our CITY, The Euro 2020 Book, THE Women’s World Cup 2019 Book, Major League Soccer 2019, European Soccer Leagues 2019, THE World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet, and The Cairo Project. Shane has also written stories in the genres of sport, humor, and modern culture which have appeared in various online and print publications. In 2008, he co-authored a print book, published a magazine story, bottled Leaf Dressing, worked clubs as a comedian, played professional soccer, was a restaurateur, and received a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University. He has appeared on TV and has featured on numerous radio broadcasts, including ESPN and NPR. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Be on the look for Shane’s new book, Your Guide to the 2026 World Cup 
Praise for Shane Stay Books
THE World Cup 2022 Book
“Job well done,” Pat McBride
USMNT | Coach of the Original St. Louis Steamers
THE World Cup 2018 Book
“Soccer’s super tournament, the World Cup, kicks off in Russia in June, and Stay has written a comprehensive guide for the quadrennial event.” Matthew Reiss, New Eastside News, Chicago
“Shane Stay scores with new soccer book.” David Templeton, Petaluma Argus-Courier, Petaluma, California
“You have an eleven here with The World Cup 2018 Book.” John Vorperian, Cable TV Host, “Beyond the Game” on Altice 76; Fios 45, White Plains, New York
Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet
“…A very interesting book.” Rick Kushman,
Capitol Public Radio NPR, Sacramento
”That’s the innovative thinking American soccer needs and I think that’s what you’ve proven here with your book.” Taylor Jacobs, Press Play Radio, Seattle