FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP  will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.This is a historic event as it is the first time the World Cup will be hosted by three nations, and it is the first time the tournament will return to North America since 1994.

Host Countries

For the first time, the World Cup will be hosted by three countries:

1. United States 
2. Canada
3. Mexico

This joint bid marks the return of the World Cup to North America for the first time since 1994, when the United States last hosted the tournament.

Tournament Dates

• Scheduled Dates: June 8 to July 3, 2026

Expanded Format

• Number of Teams: Expanded to 48 teams from the previous 32.
• Number of Matches: A total of 104 matches, up from 64.
• Group Stage Format: Teams will be divided into 16 groups of 3 teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, which starts with 32 teams.

Qualification Process

Regional Allocations: More teams from each continent will qualify:

• Asia: 8 slots
• Africa: 9 slots
• CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean): 6 slots (including the three host nations)
• South America: 6 slots
• Oceania: 1 slots
• Europe: 16 slots
• Intercontinental Playoffs: 2 slots

Host Cities and Venues 

The matches will be held across 16 cities in the three host countries:

Host Nations and Key Details

United States (Number of Host Cities: 11)

Host Cities and Venues:

Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Boston (Gillette Stadium)

Dallas (AT&T Stadium)

Houston (NRG Stadium)

Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)

Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)

Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)

New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)

Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)

San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium)

Seattle (Lumen Field)

Previous Hosting: The United States previously hosted the World Cup in 1994.

Canada (Number of host cities: 2)

Host cities and venues:

Toronto (BMO Field)

Vancouver (BC Place)

Significance: This will be the first time Canada will host the men's FIFA World Cup, although it successfully hosted the FIFA Women's                                                          World Cup in 2015.

Mexico (Number of host cities: 3)

Host cities and venues:

Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)

Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)

Monterrey (Estadio BBVA)

Previous hosting: Mexico has hosted the World Cup twice before, in 1970 and 1986. The Estadio Azteca is notably the only stadium to have hosted two World Cup finals.

Infrastructure and Preparation

• Stadiums: Selected cities feature a mix of new and existing stadiums upgraded to meet FIFA standards.

• Transport and Accommodation: Significant investments are being made to improve transport infrastructure and accommodation facilities to handle the influx of fans and teams.

Sustainability and Legacy

• Sustainability: Host cities are committed to eco-friendly practices and reducing the tournament’s carbon footprint.

• Legacy Programmes: Various legacy programmes focus on youth development and community engagement, ensuring long-term benefits beyond the tournament.

Economic and Cultural Impact

• Economic Boost: The tournament is expected to provide a significant economic boost to host countries, as well as increased tourism and global exposure.

• Cultural Exchange: The event promotes cultural exchange and unity among the diverse populations of the host countries.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an extraordinary event with its expanded format, multiple host countries and focus on innovation and sustainability. It is set to deliver a unique and exciting experience for players, fans and the global football community, marking a significant milestone in the history of the sport.