2026 World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a landmark event in sports history, uniting three countries—USA, Canada, and Mexico—as hosts. This 23rd FIFA tournament, scheduled for June and July 2026, will be the first to feature 48 teams, making it the largest in history. The final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, promising an epic conclusion to the football celebration.

The tournament will span 16 cities: 11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. A total of 104 matches will be played, with the opening game at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. This stadium, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, will be the only one with a history of world championships. The USA will host 78 matches, including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, while Canada and Mexico will each host 13. For the first time, Canada will host a World Cup, and Mexico will become the first nation to host the tournament three times.

The expansion to 48 teams, announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in 2017, changes the format. Instead of 32 teams, the competition will feature 12 groups of 4 teams, with 32 advancing to the knockout stage. This increases the number of matches to 104, making the tournament more inclusive and dynamic. The USA, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualified as hosts, with 45 spots contested in qualifiers that began in September 2023 and will conclude in March 2026. Two final spots will be determined in intercontinental playoffs.

The qualification process is complex. In Europe (UEFA), 16 teams qualify through 12 groups, with group winners advancing directly and runners-up, along with top Nations League teams, competing in playoffs. Asia and South America also use multi-stage systems, while New Zealand has already secured a spot from Oceania. Russia, however, is excluded due to FIFA and UEFA sanctions.

The championship draws attention not only for its sporting significance but also for its cultural impact. Broadcasting rights have been acquired by 36 channels across 18 countries, including Russia’s Match TV, which will air all matches. The tournament will promote environmental initiatives and technological innovations, such as enhanced VAR systems. However, the selection of cities and stadiums has sparked debates, as none of the 1994 World Cup venues in the USA will be used, highlighting the scale of infrastructure upgrades.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be a global football festival, uniting millions of fans. Its unique format, geographic diversity, and innovative qualification approach make it one of the most anticipated events of the decade.