Your Guide to the FIFA World Cup 26™
1. What is the FIFA World Cup 26™?
The FIFA World Cup 26™ is the world's biggest premier international football competition. Held every four years, teams face off in qualifying matches to compete for the title of World Champion. The official tournament draw is set to take place December 2025, with the complete lineup finalized March 2026.
2. The World's Biggest Stage
It's the most widely viewed and followed sporting event on the planet, bringing together men's national teams from countries across the globe.
Key Dates:
- Tournament Dates: June 11 to July 19, 2026.
- Opening Match: June 11, 2026, in Mexico City.
- Final Match: July 19, 2026, in New York/New Jersey.
3. The Road to Glory
The event returns in 2026 and a record number of participating teams will compete: 48, instead of 32. For the first time ever, there will be 104 matches, and tournament hosting will also be shared across Canada, Mexico and the United States. The hosts automatically qualify, and matches will be played across 16 cities in these 3 nations. The remaining 45 spots are earned through intense qualifiers across FIFA's 6 worldwide confederations.