The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest tournament in World Cup history, featuring 48 national teams, 104 matches, and 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, marking the first time the event is co‑hosted by three nations.
🌎 Host Nations & Cities
The tournament spans 16 stadiums:
- USA (11 cities): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York–New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle
- Mexico (3 cities): Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
- Canada (2 cities): Toronto, Vancouver
🏆 Tournament Format
The 2026 edition introduces a new expanded format:
- 48 teams (up from 32)
- 12 groups of four
- Top two teams + eight best third‑place teams advance
- New Round of 32 before the Round of 16
This expansion increases the total matches from 64 to 104, making it the most extensive World Cup ever.
📅 Key Dates
- Opening Match: June 11, 2026 — Mexico vs. South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Group Stage: June 11–27
- Round of 32: June 28–July 3
- Final: July 19, 2026 — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
🌍 Qualified Teams
All three host nations — USA, Canada, Mexico — automatically qualify. Other notable qualifiers include Argentina (defending champions), Brazil, England, France, Germany, Japan, Morocco, and many more. Debut nations include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
🎥 How to Watch
In the United States:
- FOX & FS1 (English)
- Peacock, Telemundo, Universo (Spanish)
⚽ Why This World Cup Matters
- First World Cup hosted by three countries
- First men’s World Cup in North America since 1994
- Largest expansion in tournament history
- First‑ever World Cup halftime show planned for the final