2026 Fifa World Cup: As the world gears up for the most anticipated football event, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a spectacular celebration of the sport.
With teams from across the globe, thrilling matches, and passionate fans, this tournament is set to make history.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
It will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, up from 32, and will include 12 groups of 4 teams. The tournament will increase from 64 to 104 games and last 39 days.
Mexico will host for the third time, while the U.S. and Canada will host for the first time. Argentina is the defending champion.
2026 Fifa World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by a joint bid from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, winning 134 votes over Morocco’s 65 votes during the 68th FIFA Congress in 2018.
This marks the first time the World Cup will be co-hosted by three countries. Co-hosting was previously banned but allowed for this edition. The voting excluded UEFA and AFC due to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts.
| Main Point | Details |
| Host Countries | United States, Canada, Mexico |
| Dates | June 11, 2026 – July 19, 2026 |
| Edition | 23rd FIFA World Cup |
| Format | 48 teams, 12 groups of 4 teams |
| Number of Matches | 104 matches, up from 64 |
| Group Stage | June 11 – June 27, 2026 |
| Knockout Rounds | Round of 32 (June 28 – July 3), Round of 16 (July 4 – July 7) |
| Quarterfinals | July 9 – July 11, 2026 |
| Semifinals | July 14 and July 15, 2026 (Dallas & Atlanta) |
| Third-Place Match | July 18, 2026, in Miami |
| Final | July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey |
| Ticket Release Phases | 1. Lottery, 2. First Come, First Serve, 3. Another Lottery, 4. Final Release |
| Ticket Categories | Category 1 (premium), Category 2, Category 3, Category 4 (least expensive) |
| Ticket Prices | Cheapest: ~$323, Premium: ~$4,307 |
| World Cup Qualification Process | Involves 6 confederations, 206 teams, with qualification until March 2026 |
| Notable Matches to Watch | Brazil vs. Germany, USA vs. Mexico, France vs. Argentina |
| World Cup Final Venue | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, Capacity: 82,500 |
| Stadiums in USA | 11 venues including SoFi Stadium, AT&T Stadium, NRG Stadium, etc. |
| Stadiums in Canada | BMO Field (Toronto), BC Place (Vancouver) |
| Stadiums in Mexico | Estadio Azteca (Mexico City), Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) |
| Total Number of Stadiums | 16 stadiums across the three countries |
| FIFA President | Gianni Infantino |
| Star Players to Watch | Brazil’s stars, Germany’s squad, France (defending champions), Argentina |
| Qualification Dates | First match: Sept 7, 2023, Final match: March 26, 2026 |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a monumental event, hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will run from June 11, 2026, to July 19, 2026. Here’s a snapshot of the key dates and locations:
- Opening Ceremony & First Match: June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Group Stage: June 11 – June 27, 2026.
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3, 2026.
- Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026.
- Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11, 2026.
- Semifinals: July 14 and 15, 2026 (to be held in Dallas and Atlanta).
- Third-Place Match: July 18, 2026, in Miami.
- World Cup Final: July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Group Stage Matches
There will be 72 group-stage matches held across various cities in the three host countries. Here are some notable matches in the group stage:
- June 11, 2026: Mexico’s opening match at Estadio Azteca.
- June 12, 2026: USA’s first match at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.
- June 13, 2026: Canada’s first match at BMO Field, Toronto.
Read also: T20 World Cup 2026: Schedule, Teams, Hosts, and Key Details
Host Countries and Venues
For the first time, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tri-nation hosting arrangement will bring a diverse cultural experience to the tournament.
The matches will be held in iconic stadiums like the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and the BC Place in Vancouver.
2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are already in high demand due to the excitement surrounding the event. Here are some key points about purchasing tickets:
Ticket Release Phases
FIFA typically uses a four-stage process for ticket releases:
- Phase 1: Lottery Phase – A randomized process where fans can apply for tickets.
- Phase 2: First Come, First Serve – After the teams have been drawn into groups, tickets are released on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Phase 3: Another Lottery – Similar to Phase 1, another lottery phase ensues.
- Phase 4: Final Release – Another first come, first serve scenario.
These phases ensure that tickets are distributed fairly and efficiently.
Ticket Categories and Pricing
Tickets are broken down into several categories based on seating locations:
- Category 1: Most expensive, near the center circle.
- Category 2: Seats in the four corners of the pitch.
- Category 3: Behind the two goals.
- Category 4: Also behind the goals, usually the least expensive.
Ticket prices vary depending on the category and the stage of the tournament. For example, group stage tickets are generally less expensive than knockout stage or final match tickets.
The cheapest tickets could cost around $323, while premium options, such as skybox tickets, could run up to $4,307.
How to Buy Tickets?
You can register your interest on the official FIFA website and stay updated with the latest information. Tickets are expected to go on sale by late 2025.
Hospitality Packages
For those looking for an enhanced experience, hospitality packages will also be available that offer exclusive amenities and premium seating.
For the latest updates and to register your interest, you can visit the official FIFA website here.
Teams and Star Players to Watch
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, up from the traditional 32. Keep an eye on Brazil’s explosive squad, led by stars like [Your Star Player], and Germany’s efficient and powerful team.
France, the defending champions, will also be looking to defend their title, while Argentina, with their attacking prowess, will be keen to make a mark.
World Cup 2026 Qualifying Groups
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 12 groups (A to L) with each group containing 4 teams. The host countries—Mexico, Canada, and the United States—will have teams in Groups A, B, and D, respectively.
The group stage will begin on June 11, 2026, and each group will have matches across various stadiums in North America. The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-place teams, will advance to the knockout stage.
Specific dates, venues, and match details for each group are outlined, with the rankings of third-placed teams determining additional spots in the knockout stage.
Matches Highlights of the Tournament
Some matches you definitely don’t want to miss include Brazil vs. Germany in the group stage—a rematch of their famous encounters. USA vs.
Mexico will be a highlight, featuring intense regional rivalry. France vs. Argentina is another must-watch, as both teams bring high stakes and top-shelf talent.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will have an expanded format featuring 48 teams up from 32, making it the largest World Cup yet. The qualification process involves teams from six confederations competing for spots.
- AFC (Asia): The qualification process consists of several rounds to narrow down the contenders.
- CAF (Africa): African teams compete in multiple stages, including preliminary rounds and group stages.
- CONCACAF (North, Central America, and the Caribbean): Teams are engaging in the new format where 34 teams will compete for a slot and an intercontinental play-off .
- CONMEBOL (South America): Teams play each other in a round-robin format, similar to previous World Cups.
- OFC (Oceania): For the first time, the OFC will have a guaranteed berth.
- UEFA (Europe): European teams will go through group stages followed by playoffs to secure their spots.
Current Status
- The qualification process started on September 7, 2023, and will continue until March 2026.
- Around 206 teams from 6 different confederations are competing in the qualification rounds.
Key Dates
- First match: September 7, 2023.
- Final match: March 26, 2026.
2026 World Cup Stadiums
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted in 16 amazing stadiums across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Here’s a list of the selected venues, which will bring together fans from around the world:
- United States
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- MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) – Capacity: 82,500.
- SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) – Capacity: 70,240.
- AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) – Capacity: 80,000.
- NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) – Capacity: 71,795.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA) – Capacity: 71,000.
- Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO) – Capacity: 76,416.
- Lumen Field (Seattle, WA) – Capacity: 72,000.
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL) – Capacity: 64,767.
- Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) – Capacity: 65,878.
- Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) – Capacity: 68,500.
- Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA) – Capacity: 69,796.
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- Canada
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- BMO Field (Toronto, ON) – Capacity: 45,5002.
- BC Place (Vancouver, BC) – Capacity: 54,000.
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- Mexico
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- Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) – Capacity: 87,523 21. Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Jalisco) – Capacity: 46,232.
- Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, Nuevo León) – Capacity: 53,500.
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2026 World Cup Final Stadium
The final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This iconic stadium, which is home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, has a seating capacity of 82,500 seats.
The final is scheduled to take place on July 19, 2026, marking the culmination of an exciting tournament held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico
FAQs (People also ask)
Which country will host the FIFA World Cup 2034?
Saudi Arabia
What is the full name of FIFA?
- International Federation of Association Football
- Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) / Full name
Who is the founder of FIFA?
- Robert Guérin
- Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) / Founder
How many African teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Nine
Who is hosting the World Cup 2038?
Mordor
Will Ronaldo play the 2026 World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he will “of course” play in the 2026 World Cup.
Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to redefine how the world experiences football. The unique tri-nation hosting will leave a legacy of unity and multicultural celebration.
Beyond the excitement on the pitch, this World Cup will inspire future generations and bring people together to celebrate the beautiful game.
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