If you’re planning ahead for global sporting events, you’ll want to mark June 11, 2026, on your calendar—the date the next FIFA World Cup kicks off. This tournament stands out, not just because it’s hosted across three countries, but also for its historic expansion to 48 teams. With matches set for legendary venues and a new format in play, you might wonder how these changes will impact what you’ve come to expect.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to commence on June 11, 2026. The opening match will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a historic stadium that has hosted previous World Cup matches.
The tournament will span 39 days, featuring a total of 104 matches held across 16 venues located in three host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Canada’s first match is set for June 12, 2026, taking place in Toronto. The tournament will culminate in the final match on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The 2026 World Cup will be notable for being the first to feature an expanded format, allowing more teams to participate compared to previous editions. This event represents a significant milestone in global football, particularly as it showcases matches across multiple nations.
For the first time, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This collaboration marks a significant moment in international sports, as multiple nations come together to organize a global tournament.
Matches will take place across 16 different venues in these nations, spanning a month-long period from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The tournament will commence at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which is notable for being one of the most iconic stadiums in football history. Canada's BMO Field in Toronto will stage its first match a day later.
In the U.S., several major cities, including East Rutherford, Inglewood, and Miami Gardens, are also slated to host games, contributing to the tournament's overall reach and engagement.
This triennial hosting arrangement is expected to have implications for infrastructure, tourism, and the overall promotion of football in North America.
It represents a strategic effort to enhance the sport's profile and accessibility in the region. The implications of this collaborative hosting will be closely monitored as the event approaches.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest tournament in the event's history, taking place across three host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Scheduled to commence on June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, this tournament will feature an expanded format that includes 48 teams, increasing from the previous 32-team format.
Under the new structure, the teams will be divided into 12 groups of four. Each team will compete in three group matches, and the format allows for the advancement of the top two teams from each group, in addition to the eight best third-placed teams, to the knockout stage of the tournament. This alteration aims to enhance competition and provide more opportunities for teams to participate on the world stage.
Overall, the tournament will consist of a total of 104 matches, which represents a significant increase compared to past World Cups. This expanded format not only creates additional competitive matches but also offers a wider array of teams the chance to participate, potentially increasing global interest and viewership in the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will grant automatic entry to its three host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The remaining 45 available spots will be determined through a competitive qualification process involving 216 countries and territories. This rigorous selection is set to culminate in March 2026, when the final roster of 48 qualified teams, including the hosts, will be established.
As of now, several teams with strong previous performances in international competitions, such as Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, have already secured their qualifications.
The official draw to establish group stage matchups is scheduled for late 2025, which will determine the format of the tournament and facilitate the organization of matches among the qualified teams. This process emphasizes the importance of each national team’s performance in the lead-up to the event, as only the top contenders from each region will participate in the World Cup.
As the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches completion, fans are preparing to purchase tickets for what's anticipated to be a significant event in soccer history.
The official sale of World Cup tickets commenced on October 2, 2025, targeting lottery winners drawn from a pool of 4.5 million applicants. Ticket pricing is structured across four categories, ranging from $60 to $6,730.
American Airlines AAdvantage members have the opportunity to redeem miles for tickets, providing an alternative avenue for acquisition.
Moreover, a second random selection draw will take place following the final team draw scheduled for December, allowing additional fans the chance to secure tickets.
This structured approach to ticket sales aims to accommodate a wide range of budgets and preferences among spectators.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the tournament is set to undergo some notable changes that will impact the format and structure of the event.
The tournament will expand to include 48 teams, which will be organized into 12 groups of four teams each. This expansion will increase the total number of matches from 64 to 104.
The tournament is scheduled to commence on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca, a significant venue in World Cup history.
Additionally, the knockout stage will feature not just the group winners and runners-up, but also the eight best third-placed teams, which represents a shift in the progression system.
This change may introduce an increased level of unpredictability and competition among teams, as more nations will have the opportunity to advance to the knockout rounds compared to previous tournaments.
These adjustments are designed to enhance the overall experience of the tournament, providing more opportunities for teams to compete on the world stage while also addressing the growing global interest in football.
Get ready for an unforgettable summer in 2026 as the FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. With 48 teams, expanded venues across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and an action-packed 39-day schedule, you’re in for more matches and excitement than ever before. Start planning your trip or mark your calendar—this World Cup will be one for the history books, and you won’t want to miss it!