2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off in 2 Months

48 teams to compete in expanded tournament across 3 host nations

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors representing the 48 teams, 16 host cities, and global scale of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.The 2026 FIFA World Cup's expanded field and diverse global reach is captured in a cubist, geometric artistic interpretation.Inglewood Today

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is less than two months away, featuring an expanded field of 48 teams competing across 104 matches in 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Defending champion Argentina will look to repeat, while several nations including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debuts.

Why it matters

This year's World Cup marks the first time the tournament has been co-hosted by three nations and the first with an expanded 48-team field, up from the previous 32. It represents a historic expansion of the world's biggest soccer event.

The details

The tournament will kick off on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where co-host Mexico will face South Africa. Canada and the United States will also host group stage matches, with each host nation playing all three of its group-stage games in its home country. The final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11.
  • The tournament concludes with the final on July 19.

The players

Argentina

The defending World Cup champion, looking to claim back-to-back titles.

Cape Verde

A first-time World Cup qualifier making its debut on the biggest stage in soccer.

Curaçao

Another first-time World Cup qualifier set to make its tournament debut.

Jordan

Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Uzbekistan

One of the new faces in the expanded 48-team World Cup field.

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What’s next

The full 2026 World Cup schedule has been released, allowing fans to plan their viewing parties and travel to the host cities across North America.

The takeaway

The 2026 World Cup represents a historic expansion of the world's biggest soccer tournament, with 48 teams competing across 104 matches in 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This year's edition promises to be the most diverse and geographically widespread World Cup yet.