2026 FIFA WORLD CUP TO FEATURE 48 TEAMS ACROSS THREE COUNTRIES AND 104 MATCHES
Friday, 24 January 2025
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest yet, featuring 48 countries and 104 matches, up from the usual 32 teams and 64 games. Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it will be the first World Cup across three countries. The U.S. will host the majority of matches (78), while Mexico and Canada will each host 13. The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the final at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026. The expanded format adds an extra group stage and knockout round, increasing the number of teams and matches. While the host nations are confirmed, qualifiers will determine the remaining 45 teams. The 2026 World Cup marks the first time Canada will host, and the third time Mexico will, after 1970 and 1986.