Best World Cup stadium? Sport experts have their say

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Best World Cup stadium? Sport experts have their sayImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Los Angeles Stadium hosts eight matches, including three knockout games, at the 2026 World CupPublished1 hour agoWith 16 cities across three nations hosting the 2026 World Cup, we have been treated to some very impressive stadiums. From Mexico's iconic Azteca Stadium - where the opening game took place - to New York New Jersey Stadium, which hosts the final on 19 July, players, fans and reporters have been taking in some new venues.

But which ones have lived up to expectations? And have any proved underwhelming? We asked our Sport reporters to tell us about their experiences in Mexico, USA and Canada.

The Details

Azteca Stadium (Mexico) - John Murray ( Radio 5 Live senior commentator)Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The Azteca hosted the opening game of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South AfricaIt's the Azteca - it has football history oozing out of every crevice. While the stadium has been modernised, it is undeniably still the place where Carlos Alberto scored that famous fourth Brazilian goal in the 1970 final and where Diego Maradona did his thing for Argentina in 1986. The strange thing is that the pitch seems to have that same shimmering quality I remember from watching the TV all those years ago.

And when you add a backdrop of passionate Mexicans - I doubt I will ever forget the cascade of sombreros at the opening match - I am sure there will be no better stage at this World Cup. Really, it should be hosting the final. Boston Stadium - Pat Nevin (Former Scotland winger and Radio 5 Live summariser)Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Boston Stadium hosted a full-capacity 64,146 crowd when Scotland lost 1-0 against MoroccoBoston's stadium is home to the New England Patriots.

Like many others here, it has a fantastic view from every seat in those steeply banked stands. For us in the media up in the Gods, it is great for tactical analysis but less helpful for player identification. Even Erling Haaland would look like an ant from that height.

What Experts Say

The giant bowl holds in the atmosphere well, but you have to get in first and that is not helped by possibly the most inadequate signage I have ever come across at a World Cup. Getting there from Boston takes an eternity but helpful staff lessen the blow a bit - though on the whole, they don't really know their way around either. Seattle Stadium - Gary Rose ( Sport football reporter)Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Seattle Stadium regularly plays host to NFL franchise Seattle SeahawksOf the three World Cup venues I've visited, Seattle Stadium - better known as Lumen Field - is the one that ticks the most boxes as the perfect stadium experience for me.

The ground is situated in the city's downtown and once you are inside it, it has one of the best backdrops I've experienced in football.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.