The biggest FIFA World Cup ever. 48 teams. 16 cities. 3 host nations.
12 groups of 4 — top 2 + 8 best third-placed teams advance
16 cities across the United States, Mexico & Canada
Must-watch fixtures from the group stage
Everything you need to know about the historic 2026 World Cup
For the first time, the World Cup features 48 teams in 12 groups, with 104 total matches — up from 64 in 2022. Three nations co-host: the USA, Mexico & Canada.
Opening match: Mexico vs South Africa, June 11 in Mexico City. USA's opener: June 12 vs Paraguay in Los Angeles. Final: July 19 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in a legendary final vs France. Can 39-year-old Messi and La Albiceleste go back-to-back for the first time since Brazil in 1962?
12 groups of 4 teams. The top 2 from each group plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance to a 32-team knockout round. More football, more drama.
First World Cup with three host nations. First time all six confederations have at least one guaranteed spot. Curaçao is the smallest nation ever to qualify.
Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil, England and Germany lead the field. Spain enter as world #1 after their Euro 2024 triumph. Mbappé vs Haaland in Group I is unmissable.