football world cup 2026

What is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s FIFA World Cup — the biggest international football tournament in the world, held every four years.

🗓️ Dates

• Tournament period: June 11 – July 19, 2026

• Opening match: June 11, 2026 (Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City)

• Final: July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium (New Jersey/New York area)

📍 Host Countries

For the first time, the World Cup will be co-hosted by three nations:

• 🇺🇸 United States

• 🇲🇽 Mexico

• 🇨🇦 Canada
  Matches will be played across 16 host cities in North America.

👥 Expanded Format — 48 Teams

This edition expands from 32 teams to 48 teams participating.

• Teams are split into 12 groups of 4.

• Top two in each group plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance to a Round of 32 knockout stage.

• The tournament features a total of 104 matches.

🏆 Tournament Structure

• Group Stage: 12 groups of 4 teams → each plays three matches.

• Knockouts: Round of 32 → Round of 16 → Quarter-finals → Semi-finals → Third place match → Final.