The 2026 FIFA World Cup is making history: for the first time, 48 national teams will compete in the world’s largest sporting event. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, spread across 16 stadiums in three countries. The group stage forms the foundation of the tournament: 12 groups of four teams each, 104 matches in total, and an exciting new format that also advances eight of the best third-place finishers to the Round of 16.

48 teams will be divided into 12 groups. Each group consists of four teams, which will each play three matches. The top two teams from each group, as well as the eight best third-place finishers from all twelve groups, will advance to the round of 32—a first in World Cup history. This means that even third place has real value. The 32 teams will then compete for the title in the knockout stage.

The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, with a historic opening match: Mexico will host South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This marks the first time in World Cup history that three nations have co-hosted the event.

The final will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Greater New York Area)—the largest soccer stadium in the tournament.