2026 FIFA World Cup: North America Prepares for Historic 48-Team Tournament
WASHINGTON, January 25, 2026 – The largest and most ambitious FIFA World Cup in history is set to unfold across North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026. For the first time, three nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—will co-host the tournament, which has been expanded to feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches at 16 world-class stadiums. The event promises an unprecedented economic windfall, a massive logistical undertaking, and a festival of football designed to captivate a global audience.
Tournament Format & Schedule
The 2026 World Cup represents the most significant format change in the event’s history. The field has expanded from 32 to 48 national teams, which will be divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to a newly created Round of 32 knockout stage. The champion will still play seven total matches, matching the previous format. The tournament kicks off on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and concludes with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Host Cities & Stadiums
Matches will be spread across 16 venues in 16 cities, strategically grouped into Eastern, Central, and Western regions to minimize travel for teams and fans. The United States will host the majority of matches (78) across 11 cities, while Mexico and Canada will each host 13 matches.
| City & Country | Stadium | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| East Rutherford, NJ, USA | MetLife Stadium | Host of the World Cup Final (July 19). Most expensive stadium ever built at $1.6 billion. |
| Mexico City, Mexico | Estadio Azteca | Host of the Opening Match (June 11). First stadium to host three World Cup opening matches. |
| Arlington, TX, USA | AT&T Stadium | Will host nine matches, including a semi-final. |
| Santa Clara, CA, USA | Levi’s Stadium | Technologically advanced Silicon Valley venue hosting six matches. |
| Foxborough, MA, USA | Gillette Stadium | Will leverage Boston’s deep Scottish heritage for Scotland’s group matches. |
| Vancouver, Canada | BC Place | Downtown stadium with excellent public transit access. |
| Atlanta, GA; Miami, FL; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Seattle, WA; Toronto, Canada; Guadalajara & Monterrey, Mexico | Mercedes-Benz, Hard Rock, NRG, Arrowhead, SoFi, Lincoln Financial, Lumen, BMO, Estadio Akron, Estadio BBVA | Other world-class venues hosting group and knockout stage matches. |
Projected Economic Impact & Preparations
The scale of the 2026 World Cup is expected to generate an economic boom for the host nations. Studies project the tournament could generate between $30.5 billion and $80.1 billion in gross economic output globally and create between 185,000 and 824,000 jobs. The United States alone anticipates 1.24 million international visitors, with 742,000 representing incremental travel. Major infrastructure investments are underway, including a $100 million federal transit support package passed by the U.S. House to help host cities manage fan mobility. Mexico is investing heavily in airport renovations, a new airport train line, and digital tools like a bilingual tourism app to manage an expected 5.5 million additional visitors.
Qualified Teams & Key Matches
As of January 2026, 42 of the 48 teams have qualified, including host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico. Powerhouses like defending champion Argentina, Spain, France, England, and Brazil have secured their spots. The final six qualifiers will be determined through intercontinental and European playoffs in March 2026. The group stage draw, held on December 5, 2025, has set the stage for compelling early matchups, including a rematch of the 2018 semi-final between England and Croatia in Dallas, and Brazil opening its campaign at the final venue, MetLife Stadium, against Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 World Cup?
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
How many teams are playing?
For the first time, 48 teams will participate, up from 32 in previous tournaments.
How can I get tickets?
Official tickets are sold exclusively through FIFA.com. Fans are advised to beware of unauthorized resellers and refer to official channels for the FIFA-approved ticket relocation system.
What is the new tournament format?
48 teams in 12 groups of four. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, advance to a new Round of 32, followed by the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.
What is the expected impact on travel and accommodation?
Significant congestion is expected at airports and in host cities. Hotels are projected to implement surge pricing and multi-night minimums. Alternative accommodations like Airbnb are expected to play a major role, with an estimated 380,000 guests using the platform during the event.