🌍 FIFA World Cup

World Cup 2026

USA · Mexico · Canada · Jun 11 – Jul 19, 2026 · 48 teams

Groups Matches Teams
48 Teams
12 Groups
104 Matches
16 Venues
39 days Duration

What is the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the thirty-first edition of the tournament and the first in history with 48 teams. It takes place in the USA, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 venues with over 100 matches spanning six weeks. The opening match is at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and the final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford (New York/New Jersey).

Tournament format

The tournament introduces a new format: 12 groups of 4 teams (replacing the traditional 8 groups). The top two from each group — 24 teams — plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance to a new Round of 32. This is followed by the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place match and final. A total of 104 matches will be played, a historic record.

Frequently asked questions about the 2026 World Cup

When does the 2026 World Cup start?
The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, with the opening match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, one of the most iconic football venues in the world. The final will be held on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup is the first in history with 48 teams. They are divided into 12 groups of 4 teams. The top two from each group (24 total) plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32, a new stage debuting in this edition.
Where is the 2026 World Cup held?
The 2026 World Cup is held across 16 venues in three countries: the United States (11 cities: New York/NJ, Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Boston, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia and Atlanta), Mexico (3 cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey) and Canada (2 cities: Toronto and Vancouver).
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in the US?
In the United States, the 2026 World Cup will air on FOX and FS1 (English) and Telemundo (Spanish). Streaming will be available on Peacock and Tubi. FOX will broadcast the biggest matches, including all USMNT games.
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in the UK?
In the UK, the 2026 World Cup will air on BBC and ITV, both free-to-air. BBC iPlayer and ITVX will provide streaming coverage. The broadcasters will share the match schedule between them.
What is the format of the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams in 12 groups of 4. The top 2 from each group (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance to a new Round of 32. Then come the Round of 16 (16 teams), quarter-finals (8), semi-finals (4), third-place match and the final on July 19. A total of 104 matches will be played, a historic record.