Astronauts capture images of 2026 World Cup host cities from space

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have captured a series of images of several cities slated to host matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding a unique space‑borne perspective to the tournament’s growing global narrative. Over the past decade, the ISS crew has routinely taken high‑resolution photographs of Earth’s major urban centers, and recent missions have focused on the six host cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Toronto, Vancouver, and the United States’ host cities in the United States and Canada—providing detailed views of stadiums, infrastructure, and surrounding landscapes.

The photographs, transmitted to ground stations and archived for public use, illustrate the scale and preparation of each venue, from the newly constructed stadiums in Canada to the renovated arenas in Mexico. NASA’s Earth Observation program has highlighted the images as part of a broader effort to showcase the ISS’s role in monitoring Earth’s environment and human development. The footage also serves as a promotional tool for the World Cup, offering fans a novel way to preview the host cities from orbit.

As the 2026 tournament approaches, these space‑borne images will continue to be shared by both NASA and FIFA, underscoring the intersection of international sport and space exploration. The collaboration demonstrates how space agencies can support global events by providing unique, high‑quality visual content that enhances public engagement and awareness.