2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off in 100 Days

The first-ever 3-country World Cup will feature 48 teams competing across 16 host cities.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest edition of the global soccer showcase, will kick off on June 11 with the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted by three countries - the United States, Mexico, and Canada - with 48 teams competing across 16 host cities. All 104 matches will air live on FOX and FS1, with a record 40 games in prime time.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup marks a historic milestone as the first time the tournament will be co-hosted by three nations. This expanded format and global reach is expected to drive unprecedented viewership and interest in the world's most popular sporting event.

The details

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, up from the previous 32-team format. The U.S. will host 11 of the 16 host cities, with Canada and Mexico hosting 2 and 3 cities respectively. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. All matches will be broadcast live on FOX and FS1, with a record 40 games airing in prime time.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026.
  • The final will be played on July 19, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET.

The players

Christian Pulisic

Star player for the United States men's national soccer team.

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What’s next

Fans can look forward to the World Cup draw on April 1, 2026 to learn the full tournament schedule and matchups.

The takeaway

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a groundbreaking event, marking the first time the tournament is co-hosted by three nations and featuring an expanded 48-team field. Soccer fans across North America can look forward to an unprecedented level of access and coverage as the world's biggest sporting event comes to their backyard.