The 2026 FIFA World Cup: Dates, Format, and Key Details The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, marking the first time it will be hosted by three nations and feature an expanded field of 48 teams. The competition is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Tournament Format and Structure For the first time in World Cup history, the 2026 edition will include 48 teams, up from 32 in previous tournaments. These teams will be divided into 12 groups of four for the group stage. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will advance to a 32-team knockout bracket. This format ensures a total of 104 matches will be played throughout the tournament. Host Countries and Venues The United States will host 11 matches across cities including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, the Recent York/New Jersey area, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Mexico will host three matches in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. Canada will host two matches in Toronto and Vancouver. Key Match Schedule The tournament opens on June 11, 2026, with group stage matches beginning that day. The group stage runs through June 27, followed by the round of 32 from June 28 to July 3. The round of 16 takes place July 4–7, with quarterfinals on July 9–11. The semifinals are scheduled for July 14–15, the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19. Broadcast and Viewing Information All 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live in the United States on FOX and FS1, with 70 games on FOX and 34 on FS1. Every match will be available for streaming live and on-demand through the FOX Sports app and FOX’s new World Cup viewing experience, including 4K availability on FOX One and major pay TV providers. Significance of the 2026 Tournament The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents several historic firsts: the first three-nation host format, the first expansion to 48 teams, and the return of the tournament to North America for the first time since 1994. The expanded format aims to increase global participation and competitiveness while maintaining the tournament’s status as the premier event in international soccer. As the countdown continues toward kickoff on June 11, 2026, fans across North America and around the world prepare for what promises to be a landmark edition of the world’s most-watched sporting event.
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