The FIFA World Cup is the world’s most popular football event, watched by billions of fans worldwide. The 2026 edition, officially called FIFA World Cup 26™ promises to be the biggest and most ambitious tournament ever. We will introduce new formats, feature more teams, and take place across three countries for the first time.
Tournament Dates
Start date: June 11, 2026
End date: July 19, 2026
Total duration: 39 days
These dates mark the return of the World Cup to its traditional June–July summer window after the unusual winter scheduling of the 2022 tournament.
Host Countries and Cities
For the first time ever, the World Cup will be co-hosted by three nations:
United States – 11 host cities
Mexico – 3 host cities
Canada – 2 host cities
In total, there will be 16 host cities hosting matches across North America.
Highlights
Opening match: Mexico City – June 11, 2026
Final match: MetLife Stadium (New Jersey), near New York City – July 19, 2026
Mexico becomes the first country to host three World Cups (previously in 1970 and 1986), and Canada will host Men’s World Cup matches for the first time ever.
Tournament Format – Expanded to 48 Teams
Group Phase
This will be the first World Cup with 48 teams, up from 32, spread across 12 groups of four teams (Groups A–L).
Each group has 4 teams
Each team plays 3 matches (one vs. every other team in the group)
Teams get 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw.
2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage – The 12 Groups
Group A
Mexico (host)
South Korea
South Africa
European Play-Off D winner
(Possible: Czechia / Denmark / North Macedonia / Republic of Ireland)
Group B
Canada (host)
Switzerland
Qatar
European Play-Off A winner
(Possible: Bosnia & Herzegovina / Italy / Northern Ireland / Wales)
Group C
Brazil
Morocco
Scotland
Haiti
Group D
United States (host)
Paraguay
Australia
European Play-Off C winner
(Possible: Kosovo / Romania / Slovakia / Türkiye)
Group E
Germany
Ecuador
Côte d’Ivoire
Curacao
Group F
Netherlands
Japan
Tunisia
UEFA Play-Off B winner
(Possible: Albania / Poland / Sweden / Ukraine)
Group G
Belgium
Egypt
Iran
New Zealand
Group H
Spain
Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde
Uruguay
Group I
France
Senegal
Norway
FIFA Play-Off winner
(Possible: Bolivia / Iraq / Suriname)
Group J
Argentina
Algeria
Austria
Jordan
Group K
Portugal
Colombia
Uzbekistan
FIFA Play-Off winner 1
(Possible: DR Congo / Jamaica / New Caledonia)
Group L
England
Croatia
Ghana
Panama
Knockout Rounds
After the group stage, the tournament moves into the single-elimination knockout phase:
Round of 32
Round of 16
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Third-place match
World Cup Final
Each match in the knockout rounds must produce a winner. If the score is tied after regular time, extra time and (if necessary) a penalty shootout will decide the result.
Total Matches and Schedule
Total matches: 104 – up from 64 in previous editions.
The group stage takes place from June 11–June 27, followed by the knockout rounds beginning June 28 and culminating in the Final on July 19.
Stadium Technology and Innovation
World Cup 2026 will use advanced football technology to ensure fairness and a better fan experience:
VAR (Video Assistant Referee)
Semi-automated offside technology
Goal-line technology
These tools help referees make accurate decisions in real time, reducing controversial calls and improving match quality.
Global Impact
World Cup 2026 will be one of the most watched sporting events in history, reaching billions of viewers worldwide. The expanded format gives more nations a chance to compete on football’s biggest stage and brings the tournament closer to fans in different parts of the world.
This edition will also boost tourism and international cooperation, celebrating diversity and unity through sport.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is not just another football tournament – it is a global celebration of the sport like never before. With more teams, more matches, and more countries involved, this edition promises unforgettable moments, historic achievements, and a future-shaping experience for players and fans alike.