The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a historic event, featuring 48 teams across three host countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This guide covers everything you need to know about the tournament, from the format to the participating teams and stadiums.
Dates and Schedule
- Opening Match: Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Final Match: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Host Cities: The final will be in New York, with the opening match in Mexico City.
Tournament Format
- Teams: 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32.
- Group Stage: 12 groups of four teams.
- Knockout Stage: Top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place teams progress to the round of 32.
Host Countries and Cities
- USA: 11 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
- Mexico: Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico City.
- Canada: Vancouver, Toronto.
Participating Teams
- New Format: 48 teams from six continental confederations.
- Automatic Qualifiers: USA, Canada, and Mexico as host nations.
- Distribution: 16 spots for UEFA, 9 for CAF, 8 for AFC, and others.
Stadiums
- Total: 16 stadiums across three countries.
- Notable Venues: Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, MetLife Stadium in New York.
Ticket Information
- Updates: Register online to receive the latest news on ticket sales and availability.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a monumental event in football history, with more teams, more matches, and a unique multinational hosting arrangement. Stay tuned for more updates as the event approaches.
