2026 FIFA World Cup: Everything You Need to Know
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off one year from now. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first World Cup shared by three countries.
This will be the 23rd edition of soccer’s most prestigious tournament. Since its launch in 1930, the World Cup has continued to grow. In fact, the 2026 edition will be the biggest ever, with 48 teams taking part.
When Is the 2026 World Cup?
The World Cup kicks off one year from now. It will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Meanwhile, the final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. During FIFA’s tournament, the venue will be known as the New York New Jersey Stadium.
How to Get Tickets for the 2026 World Cup
Fans can register their interest in tickets directly through FIFA. Registration allows supporters to receive updates about ticket sales and availability.
Who Will Play in the 2026 World Cup?
So far, more than a dozen countries have qualified for the 48-team tournament. These include the co-hosts United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as defending champions Argentina.
In addition, Japan, Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Ecuador have also booked their places.
Europe will have 16 teams, more than any other region. Meanwhile, Africa will send nine teams and Asia eight, with both regions also earning playoff spots.
South America will have six direct qualifiers and one playoff place. North and Central America and the Caribbean will also have six direct spots and two playoff places. Finally, Oceania will have one direct qualifier and one playoff place.
Which Cities Will Host the 2026 World Cup?
The United States will host matches in multiple cities. These include Arlington, Atlanta, East Rutherford, Foxborough, Houston, Inglewood, Kansas City, Miami Gardens, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Jose.
In Canada, games will be played in Toronto and Vancouver. Meanwhile, Mexico will host matches in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City.
What Is the Format of the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup format will be similar to recent tournaments, but with more teams. There will be 12 groups of four teams.
Each team will play the others in its group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. In addition, the eight best third-place teams will also qualify.
As a result, the knockout phase will run from the round of 32 to the final.
Who Won the Last World Cup?
The previous World Cup took place in Qatar in 2022. In the final, Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Which Country Has Won the Most World Cup Titles?
Brazil holds the record with five World Cup titles: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002.
Germany and Italy have each won four titles, while Argentina has won the tournament three times.