About FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026, officially known as the FIFA World Cup 26™, will be the 23rd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men's football championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. The tournament will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, an expansion from the 32-team format used since 1998.

This expanded format promises more matches, more teams, and an even greater global celebration of football, bringing together cultures and nations from around the world.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11, 2026, to July 19, 2026. This expanded timeline accommodates the increased number of matches and teams, ensuring a thrilling and extensive football fiesta across North America.

(Note: Specific dates for group stages, knockouts, and finals will be confirmed closer to the event.)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will introduce a new format: 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new round of 32.

• Group Stage: 12 groups of 4 teams each.
• Round of 32: Top 2 from each group + 8 best third-placed teams.
• Knockout Stages: Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and Final.

This format guarantees more competitive matches and gives more nations the opportunity to participate in the prestigious tournament.

With the expansion to 48 teams, more confederations will have increased representation. The qualification process is ongoing, but here's the planned allocation of spots:

• AFC (Asia): 8 direct slots + 1 inter-confederation play-off slot
• CAF (Africa): 9 direct slots + 1 inter-confederation play-off slot
• CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean): 6 direct slots (including 3 hosts) + 2 inter-confederation play-off slots
• CONMEBOL (South America): 6 direct slots + 1 inter-confederation play-off slot
• OFC (Oceania): 1 direct slot
• UEFA (Europe): 16 direct slots

(Note: Final list of qualified teams will be updated as the qualification rounds conclude.)

The 48 participating teams will be drawn into 12 groups. The specific composition of these groups will be determined during the official draw ceremony, expected closer to the tournament start date.

(Placeholder for dynamic group list once available)

An expanded schedule will feature a total of 104 matches, spread across the 16 host cities. Details of specific match-ups, kick-off times, and venues will be finalized and released after the group stage draw.

(Placeholder for dynamic match schedule once available)

The tournament will be hosted across 16 cities in three countries:

• United States (11 cities): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle.
• Canada (2 cities): Toronto, Vancouver.
• Mexico (3 cities): Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey.

Each host city will offer world-class stadiums and facilities, promising an unforgettable experience for teams and fans alike.