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The 2026 World Cup has showcased some of football's most famous venues, but one England reporter believes there has been a clear standout after travelling across North America.
His rankings place the iconic Estadio Azteca at the top of the pile, while the stadium due to host this summer's World Cup final sits at the bottom.
Estadio Azteca among the best 2026 World Cup venues
Daily Mail chief football writer and England reporter Oliver Holt has revealed his personal rankings after visiting five World Cup venues during the tournament so far.
Holt placed Mexico City's Estadio Azteca first, ahead of Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) and Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), with New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) coming last.
His verdict comes after MetLife has faced repeated scrutiny throughout the tournament. France midfielder Adrien Rabiot described the pitch as feeling “more like an artificial surface”, while Brazil's Vinicius Junior criticised how quickly the grass dried out.
France boss Didier Deschamps also questioned the playing surface, although FIFA has consistently defended the venue and insisted all tournament pitches meet the required standards.
By contrast, the Estadio Azteca has once again underlined why it is regarded as one of football's greatest stadiums, producing another memorable atmosphere after becoming the first venue ever to host matches across three different FIFA World Cups.
FGG says: The Azteca's iconic status proves impossible to ignore
While everyone will have their own favourite World Cup stadium, it's hard to disagree with the Azteca being right near the top.
Few venues in world football can rival its history, atmosphere and cultural significance, making it a genuine bucket-list destination for supporters.
Holt’s list is an intriguing one, with ongoing issues at the tournament’s final venue continuing to leave a sour impression on many who’ve visited.
If you're looking to find out more about the tournament, then don't forget to check out our 2026 World Cup betting guide.