The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded 48-team format. According to official FIFA documentation, the competition begins on June 11, 2026, and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026. This edition marks the tournament moving to a 48-team structure.
How does the 48-team format work?
FIFA has transitioned to a format that places teams into 12 groups of four. For 2026, the top two finishers in each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will move into a new round-of-32 knockout stage.
The tournament remains under the jurisdiction of FIFA’s regulations, which mandate that all participating nations must qualify through their respective continental confederations.
Where will the 2026 World Cup matches take place?
The 2026 tournament spans 16 host cities across three North American countries. The United States will host the majority of the games, with venues including MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—the site of the final—and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Mexico will utilize iconic venues such as the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, while Canada’s matches will be held in Toronto and Vancouver.
The distribution of matches was determined by FIFA to balance travel requirements for teams and the capacity demands of the host cities.
How can fans watch the tournament?
Broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup are sold on a per-territory basis. TVRI to air 6 matches.
Fans should monitor their local listings as the tournament approaches, as broadcast partners vary by country. International viewers should rely on FIFA’s official "Where to Watch" portal to confirm the authorized broadcaster in their specific region.
Key Facts for the 2026 World Cup
- Total Teams: 48 nations.
- Tournament Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026.
- Host Nations: United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Format: 12 groups of four teams, followed by a knockout phase starting with 32 teams.
- Final Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
As qualifying campaigns conclude across the various confederations, the final field of 48 will be confirmed, setting the stage for the draw ceremony that will determine the specific group stage matchups.