FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. With 48 participating nations and 104 matches, it is the largest World Cup in history.
Opening Match
June 11, 2026 — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Final
July 19, 2026 — MetLife Stadium, New York
Host Cities
16 cities — 11 USA, 3 Canada, 2 Mexico
The new 48-team format
For the first time, 48 national teams will compete at the World Cup — up from 32 in previous editions. The tournament features 12 groups of 4 teams. The top two from each group plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance to the round of 16.
The tournament totals 104 matches across 39 match days. The group stage runs from June 11 to July 1; the knockout rounds begin July 4.
This expanded format allows nations from Africa, Asia and CONCACAF to earn more direct berths, reducing the need for inter-confederation playoffs.
The 16 host cities
🇺🇸 USA — 11 cities
New York/New Jersey (Final), Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Houston
🇨🇦 Canada — 3 cities
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal
🇲🇽 Mexico — 2 cities
Mexico City (Opening match — Estadio Azteca), Guadalajara
Where to watch in English
In the UK, ITV and BBC hold free-to-air rights for the 2026 World Cup, covering all England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland matches plus the knockout rounds. TNT Sports covers additional games.
In the USA, Fox Sports and Telemundo hold the English and Spanish broadcasting rights for all 104 matches. Streaming is available via Peacock, FuboTV and Fox Sports app.
Tournament schedule
| Round | Matches |
|---|---|
| Group stage | 72 matches |
| Round of 16 | 16 matches |
| Quarterfinals | 8 matches |
| Semifinals | 2 matches |
| Third-place playoff | 1 match |
| Final | 1 match — MetLife, NJ |
The complete version of this page — with live schedule, group details, match results and squad information — is available in French.
Version française complete