The FIFA World Cup is the largest and most inclusive edition in the history of the 2026 tournament, featuring 48 teams for the first time. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it marks the first World Cup to be held in three countries. With matches from 11 June to July 19, 2026, this global spectacle will expand to 16 reputed cities and stadiums in North America. The initial game in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will witness an extended format with more matches and a record-breaking presence at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. The fixture and dates have been confirmed by FIFA. The tournament promises unforgettable moments, which actually show the world's best football talent on the continental platform.
Check Out: FIFA Club World Cup Complete Winners List (2000 to 2024)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Details
| Topic | Details |
| Dates | June 11 – July 19, 2026 |
| Hosts | USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Cities | 16 across 3 countries |
| Teams | 48 |
| Format | 12 groups → Round of 32 → Knockouts |
| Total matches | 104 |
| Starters | U.S.A, Mexico and Canada |
| Key venues | Estadio Azteca, MetLife Stadium |
Host Nations
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted specifically by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico- the first time the tournament has been hosted in three countries. This historical cooperation reflects the growing global appeal of football and brings the World Cup back to North America for the first time since 1994. A total of 16 cities will host matches.
United States (11 cities)
The U.S. will host most matches, including the finals, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Other major places include Sophie Stadium (Los Angeles), AT and T Stadium (Dallas), and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), which show the country's world-class sports infrastructure.
Canada (2 cities)
Canada will host matches in Toronto (BMO Field) and Vancouver (BC Place), which will host men's World Cup matches for the first time.
Mexico (3 cities)
Mexico became the first country to host the World Cup thrice. The matches will be held at Mexico City (Estadio Azteca), Guadalajara(Estadio Akron), and Monterrey (Estadio BBVA). Estadio Azteca will host the initial match. These 16 stadiums provide modern features, large-scale capacity, and rich football history, setting the platform for an unforgettable tournament.
Full Schedule
| Phase | Dates |
| Group Stage | June 11 - July 3 |
| Round of 32 | June 28 - July 3 |
| Round of 16 | July 4 - 7 |
| Quarter-finals | July 9 - 11 |
| Semi-finals | July 14 -15 |
| Third-place Play-off | July 18 |
| Final | July 19 |
Qualified Teams
By mid-2025, thirteen teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with many more sets to secure their locations in the coming months. Three host nations - the United States, Canada, and Mexico - have automatic qualifications from the CONCACAF region.
From Asia (AFC), six teams have already booked their spots: Japan, Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Australia. In particular, Uzbekistan and Jordan will make their World Cup debut. In the Oshinia region, New Zealand secured a single direct place. Qualified teams in South America include Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador.
Europe (UEFA) and Africa (CAF), which hold 16 and 9 direct slots respectively, have finalized their qualified teams so far.
Overall, 48 nations will participate, with six additional teams to qualify through the inter-conference playoffs prescribed for March 2026. The full lineup will be confirmed by 31 March 2026.
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