The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring 48 teams for the first time in the tournament's history. The tournament will include 104 matches across 16 venues, each with its own distinctive tale. Some stadiums are built above old graves, while others are famous for their terrible playing surfaces that players fear, drawing attention for their unique renovations and histories.

One particularly notable venue is MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, which can hold around 79,000 spectators and will host the final match of the tournament. However, it has a reputation that causes trepidation among top athletes. Dubbed the 'graveyard of the anterior cruciate ligament,' it has seen several American football stars suffer injuries, leading to concerns about the playing surface. This peculiar characteristic highlights the intersection of sports, history, and urban development.

As the World Cup approaches, these stadiums not only serve as mere venues for games but also represent rich narratives encompassing local culture, history, and the evolution of sports facilities. These unusual stories contribute to the anticipation surrounding the tournament and offer fans a deeper understanding of the significance of each match location beyond just the excitement of the games themselves.