48
Teams
From every confederation
World Cup 2026 – Football Across a Continent
World Cup 2026 will be the first edition hosted by three nations and the first to feature forty‑eight teams. This unofficial fan hub brings together schedules, context and stories so you can follow every step on the road to North America.
From qualification rounds in every confederation to the final at a packed stadium in 2026, we track how teams prepare, travel and compete in the sport's most demanding tournament.
Opening Match Countdown*
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*Countdown uses a provisional date: 11 June 2026. Official scheduling decisions always belong to the organisers and may change.
16
Host Cities
Across USA, Canada & Mexico
3
Host Nations
USA · Canada · Mexico
Host Nations & Key Cities
The tournament will span thousands of kilometres. Travel will be a challenge, but it also means more fans can experience a World Cup match without crossing an ocean.
Canada
Canadian venues combine modern stadiums with compact city centres. Summer evenings are usually cool, so expect high‑intensity football from the first whistle to the last.
- Toronto – metropolitan skyline on the shore of Lake Ontario.
- Vancouver – Pacific coast city surrounded by mountains.
- Additional host cities to be confirmed by organisers.
Mexico
Mexico becomes the first country to host three World Cups. Stadiums are steep, noisy and extremely familiar with high‑stakes international football.
- Mexico City – legendary football culture and huge fan base.
- Guadalajara – historic club cities and passionate local derbies.
- Monterrey – modern arenas with strong regional rivalries.
United States
Massive multipurpose stadiums, advanced transport networks and extreme variety – from humid southern nights to dry desert afternoons.
- New York / New Jersey – financial capital that loves big events.
- Los Angeles – tech, film and a growing football culture.
- Dallas – huge indoor arenas designed for noise and spectacle.
Tournament Format & New Features
World Cup 2026 introduces an expanded format with more teams, more matches and a longer calendar. Every confederation receives additional qualification slots, which reshapes the way national teams plan their four‑year cycles.
Although specific regulations can still evolve, the core elements are clear: 48 teams, a group stage followed by knock‑out rounds, and a schedule compressed into roughly one month of elite football. That means short recovery windows and critical squad rotation.
48 Nations
More countries than ever will appear at a World Cup, giving new players and styles a global platform.
Three Host Nations
Shared hosting reduces the environmental footprint of new construction and spreads economic impact across regions.
Dense Match Calendar
Rotating squads, sports science and travel logistics will decide as much as tactics.
Highlighted Qualifying Fixtures
Qualifiers and play‑offs shape the tournament long before the opening ceremony. These fixtures already look decisive.
| Date | Region | Stage | Home | Away | Local Time | Centre | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Mar 2026 | Europe | UEFA Path C – Semi-final | Türkiye | vs | Romania | 00:00 | Match centre |
| 27 Mar 2026 | Europe | UEFA Path A – Semi-final | Wales | vs | Bosnia & Herzegovina | 02:45 | Match centre |
| 12 Jun 2025 | North & Central America | CONCACAF Final Round | United States | vs | Mexico | 19:30 | Match centre |
Latest Stories & Analysis
Feature
Why the 2026 format favours deep squads
National teams with strong benches and flexible tactical profiles could gain a major advantage in a 48‑team World Cup.
Guide
Planning a multi‑city trip across North America
Practical tips on visas, transport passes and long‑distance connections between host cities.
Analysis
Which regions benefit most from extra slots?
The expanded tournament gives more places to Asia, Africa and North America, shifting the balance of power slightly away from Europe and South America.
This website is a personal fan project dedicated to understanding and enjoying the football around World Cup 2026. It is not an official product, is not endorsed by any federation and does not offer or sell tickets. For official information you should always consult the organisers and relevant football authorities.