Overview of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, widely known as FIFA World Cup 26, is set to be the 23rd edition of this prestigious tournament. This quadrennial international men’s soccer championship will feature national teams from member associations of FIFA competing for glory. Scheduled to occur from June 11 to July 19, 2026, the tournament is set to capture the attention of soccer fans worldwide.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be one of the most significant tournaments in football history. It marks the 23rd edition of the event and introduces several firsts that will shape the future of international soccer.
Host Nations and Dates
The tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026. For the first time, three countries will jointly host the event:
- United States (main host)
- Canada
- Mexico
Together, they will provide 16 host cities and stadiums for matches, making it the largest and most geographically diverse World Cup to date.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Countries | United States, Canada, Mexico |
| Tournament Dates | June 11 – July 19, 2026 |
| Number of Teams | 48 (expanded from 32) |
| Number of Venues | 16 cities |
Expansion to 48 Teams
This World Cup introduces a major change in format. For the first time, 48 teams from six football confederations will participate. The expansion creates opportunities for new nations to compete on the global stage, offering more representation and diversity.
Two debutant nations, Jordan and Uzbekistan, will make their first appearance in the competition. In addition, Canada, Mexico, and the United States are automatically qualified as hosts.
Host Countries and Cities
Uniquely, the 2026 tournament will be jointly hosted by three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time in history that the FIFA World Cup is hosted by three nations simultaneously. Soccer enthusiasts can look forward to matches taking place in 16 vibrant cities, ensuring a diverse and rich experience for fans both in attendance and watching from home.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will unfold across 16 iconic stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Each venue has been carefully chosen for its capacity, modern facilities, and ability to host matches at the world’s biggest football festival.
- Mexico brings tradition and passion with Estadio Ciudad de México (87,523), the historic Estadio BBVA in Monterrey (53,500), and Estadio Akron in Guadalajara (49,813).
- The United States offers the largest share of venues, from the massive MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey (82,500) and AT&T Stadium in Dallas (expandable to 105,000) to modern arenas like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Football cities such as Kansas City, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Miami, and Boston also join the list with capacities ranging from 64,000 to 76,000+.
- Canada adds northern flair with BC Place in Vancouver (54,500) and BMO Field in Toronto, which will be expanded to hold nearly 46,000 fans.
These stadiums combine colossal seating, cutting-edge design, and electric atmospheres. With matches spread across North America’s biggest metropolitan regions, fans can expect a truly continental World Cup experience, blending tradition in Mexico, innovation in the USA, and passion from Canada.
Expanded Format and Participation
One of the standout features of the 2026 World Cup is the expansion of the tournament format. For the first time, 48 teams from six confederations will compete, greatly increasing opportunities for nations to showcase their talents on the world stage. This change reflects FIFA’s commitment to promoting global soccer and increasing its reach. With 16 venues across the three host countries, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a landmark event filled with excitement and unforgettable moments.