2026 FIFA World Cup: Everything You Need to Know
Published June 12, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a historic event, expanding to 48 teams and hosted across three North American nations. Here's a look at what to expect as preparations continue for the tournament.
Published — local time around the world
As the world gears up for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, excitement is building for what promises to be an unprecedented global football spectacle. This edition of the tournament will mark a significant milestone, being the first to feature an expanded format of 48 national teams, a substantial increase from the previous 32. This expansion is expected to bring more nations into the fold, offering a wider array of talent and increasing the competition's global reach.
The hosting duties for this monumental event will be shared across three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tri-nation hosting arrangement is another first for the World Cup, promising a diverse and vibrant backdrop for the matches. A total of 16 cities have been selected as venues, spread across these three nations, ensuring that fans from various regions will have the opportunity to experience the tournament firsthand.
Scheduled to take place between June and July 2026, the tournament will span several weeks of intense football action. With more teams competing, the format will see an increased number of matches, providing fans with even more thrilling encounters. Preparations are well underway in all host cities, from stadium upgrades to infrastructure development, all aimed at delivering a world-class experience for players, officials, and millions of supporters who will follow the event globally.