Overview of the FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be an exciting tournament in the world of football. It will be a momentous occasion as the tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will mark the first time the World Cup features 48 teams, expanding the tournament’s global reach.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be a landmark tournament—the first edition staged across three nations and the first with 48 teams. Spanning June 11 to July 19, 2026, the event—also branded as FIFA World Cup 26—will unfold across 16 venues in 16 host cities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Below is a concise, reader-friendly guide to the essentials: dates, hosts, venues, and a snapshot of nations already qualified by confederation.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | 23rd FIFA World Cup |
| Dates | June 11 – July 19, 2026 |
| Hosts | United States (primary), Canada, Mexico |
| Venues / Cities | 16 venues in 16 host cities |
| Teams | 48 (from 6 confederations) |
| Branding | FIFA World Cup 26 |
Why this edition is historic: It’s the first World Cup hosted by three countries and the first to feature an expanded 48-team field, opening the door to more nations and storylines than ever.
Host Countries & Tournament Footprint
- United States: The primary host with the largest share of matches and the widest geographic spread of stadiums.
- Canada: A vital co-host, welcoming global fans to modern arenas and vibrant, football-loving cities.
- Mexico: A storied World Cup nation returning as a host, bringing tradition, atmosphere, and passionate support.
The cross-border staging offers travelers diverse experiences, from North American mega-metropolises to iconic sporting cathedrals—all linked by world-class infrastructure.
Teams Qualified So Far (By Confederation)
Below is the current snapshot of qualified teams to date as provided, grouped by region. More nations will be confirmed as qualification windows close.
AFC (8)
- Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan (debut), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan (debut)
CAF (9)
- Algeria, Cape Verde (debut), Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
CONCACAF (3) – Hosts
- Canada, Mexico, United States
CONMEBOL (6)
- Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
OFC (1)
- New Zealand
UEFA (1)
- England
Note: The list above reflects teams already qualified to date and will expand as additional places are secured across the six confederations.
What Fans Should Know
- Match calendar: The tournament runs June 11 to July 19, 2026, aligning with peak summer travel in North America.
- Venues: With 16 host stadiums across three countries, expect a broad spread of group and knockout fixtures, creating many travel-friendly clusters for supporters.
- Expanded field: With 48 teams, more nations—and more fans—will experience the world stage, shaping fresh rivalries and surprise stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the World Cup start and end?
It kicks off on June 11, 2026, and concludes on July 19, 2026.
Where is it being held?
Across the United States (primary host), Canada, and Mexico, using 16 venues in 16 host cities.
How many teams are participating?
48 national teams from 6 confederations.
Which teams have qualified so far?
See the regional lists above for the latest snapshot provided.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises a continent-spanning celebration of football, combining historic firsts with the festival atmosphere fans love. With three hosts, 48 teams, and 16 iconic venues, the stage is set for an unforgettable month of world-class soccer—from the opening whistle in mid-June to the trophy lift in July 2026.
Schedule and Venues
The finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are set to take place in July, with the exact dates yet to be confirmed. The matches will occur across various iconic venues in North America. Notable stadiums like the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the Rose Bowl in California, and more are being readied to host this international event.
Participating Teams and Live Streaming
As we look forward to the tournament, football fans are eager to witness their favorite teams and players. The qualification process is underway, with nations vying for their spot in the finals. Fans can look forward to watching matches live, with streaming options making it more accessible than ever to enjoy the thrill of the World Cup from the comfort of their homes.
With a unique format and increased global participation, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of football.