About The Tournament

FIFA World Cup 2026: Everything You Need to Know

About the Tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, officially known as FIFA World Cup 26, will be the 23rd edition of the quadrennial international men's soccer championship organized by FIFA. The tournament will be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, making it the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries.

Format and Expansion

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a new format with 48 teams participating, an increase from 32 teams in the 2022 tournament. This expansion will result in an increase in the number of matches played, from 64 to 104. The tournament will consist of a group stage, knockout stage, and a final match.

Match Schedule and Venues

The FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule has been released, with the tournament kicking off on June 8, 2026, and the final scheduled for July 19, 2026. The tournament will be played across 16 cities in the three host countries, with the opening match being held in New York/New Jersey.

Qualifiers

The qualification process for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has not yet been finalized, but it is expected that the top teams from each FIFA confederation will automatically qualify. Additional teams will qualify through playoffs and inter-continental playoffs.

Legacy and Impact

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to have a significant legacy and impact on the host countries. The tournament will provide an opportunity for these countries to showcase their soccer infrastructure and culture. It is also expected to attract a large number of tourists and provide a boost to the local economy.