- 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature more countries than ever
- It will be the first World Cup to be hosted across three nations
- An extra 40 matches will be played due to the expansion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be massive. More host nations, more competing countries, more games, more rounds. It could be brilliant. It could be absolutely exhausting.
While qualification games for next year’s tournament are set to be played throughout 2025, there is still plenty to get to grips with when it comes to the expanded reality of the 2026 edition.
With more and more footballers publicly complaining about the sheer amount of matches they have to compete in across a calendar year and more players than ever seemingly coming down with an increased amount of injuries requiring season defining periods of time on the sidelines, an extended, enlarged World Cup is probably not at the top of anyone’s priority list when it comes to ways in which to improve The Beautiful Game.
However, here we are, with a World Cup that runs a week longer than usual, 40 matches longer than usual, and it at least feels a lot more normal than the 2030 centenary edition that will take place in……yeah SIX COUNTRIES AND THREE CONTINENTS.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being held?
The United States, Canada and Mexico will co-host the 2026 tournament, making it the first World Cup to take place across three countries. It will be the third time Mexico as served as a host, following the 1970 and 1986 competitions, while the US will be hosting the World Cup for the second time, having held the 1994 tournament. Canada is hosting for the first time.
America will host the majority of matches, with 78 games taking place across the United States, while Mexico and Canada receive 13 matches apiece.
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, featuring Mexico playing an as yet unknown opponent. The final takes place just over a month later on July 19, 2026, meaning the tournament will run for a week longer than usual.The United States’ opening game will be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, while Canada will kick their tournament off at BMO Field in Toronto.
Where is the final being held?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be held at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. Not New York as is often incorrectly claimed. The New York Jets and Giants may play their NFL games at Metlife, but it is very much located in New Jersey, the home of Bruce Springsteen, Tony Soprano and Jon Bon Jovi.
How many countries will be taking part?
A record 48 countries will be competing at the 2026 World Cup. Since 1998, 32 nations have made up every tournament, but from 2026 onwards, an extra 16 countries will take part, meaning four extra groups of four during the group stage and 40 extra matches, increasing the number from 64 to 104. An extra knockout round, consisting of 32 teams, will take place after the group stage before the usual second round which, would ordinarily feature 16 countries.
Which countries have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
So far, only the three host nations are confirmed to be competing in 2026. World Cup qualifiers will be taking place across the globe to determine the other 45 countries who will make up the rest of the field. One of whom, of course, is the current holders Argentina, who so memorably defeated France on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar.
