When is the Football World Cup? 2026 Dates & Details

By Sarah Miller · October 4, 2053

The next FIFA Men's World Cup will take place in 2026, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be the first 48-team tournament, with matches held across 16 cities in the three countries from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

When is the Football World Cup?

The FIFA Men's World Cup is scheduled every four years. The upcoming edition—the 23rd tournament—will be held in 2026. This follows the traditional quadrennial cycle, with previous tournaments in Qatar (2022), Russia (2018), and Brazil (2014).

Key Dates for the 2026 World Cup

Start Date: June 11, 2026
Final Match: July 19, 2026
Host Countries: United States, Canada, Mexico
Number of Teams: 48 (expanded format)
Match Cities: 16 cities across North America

History and Frequency of the Tournament

The FIFA World Cup began in 1930 and has been held every four years since, except during World War II (no tournament in 1942 or 1946). It remains the most prestigious international football competition.

Why Every Four Years?

The four-year cycle allows sufficient time for qualification tournaments, team development, and host preparation. It also maintains global anticipation and commercial value.

Past and Future Hosts

Hosting rotates among continental confederations. Recent and upcoming hosts reflect a shift toward joint bids and expanded formats.

Tournament	Year	Host Country(ies)	Champion	Runner-Up	Matches	Attendance
FIFA World Cup	2014	Brazil	Germany	Argentina	64	3,429,873
FIFA World Cup	2018	Russia	France	Croatia	64	3,031,768
FIFA World Cup	2022	Qatar	Argentina	France	64	3,404,252
FIFA World Cup	2026	USA, Canada, Mexico	TBD	TBD	104 (estimated)	~5 million (projected)

Table data source:1, 2

The expansion to 48 teams in 2026 will significantly increase the number of matches and expected attendance. Historical data shows consistent high viewership and fan engagement, with the 2014 and 2022 tournaments each drawing over 3.4 million live spectators. The 2026 event is projected to surpass 5 million in total attendance, making it the most-attended sporting event in history.

How the 2026 Format Will Work

The 2026 World Cup introduces a new structure due to the increased number of teams.

Group Stage Changes

48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4
Top two from each group advance
Plus 8 best third-place teams (total 32 teams move on)

Kickoff Times and Locations

Matches will be spread across three countries and multiple time zones. Expect games from early afternoon to evening Eastern Time. Key venues include MetLife Stadium (New Jersey), AT&T Stadium (Texas), and Estadio Azteca (Mexico City).

About XX Common Questions

When does World Cup qualifying end for 2026?

CONCACAF final qualifying begins in late 2024 and concludes in March 2026. UEFA qualifiers start in 2025 and finish in late 2025. Most confederations will finalize their participants by early 2026.

Where will the 2026 World Cup final be held?

The final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on July 19, 2026.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 national teams, up from 32 in previous editions. This expansion aims to increase global participation and inclusivity.

Will the Women's World Cup also expand?

Yes, the FIFA Women's World Cup will expand to 48 teams starting in 2027. The 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand featured 32 teams, setting a new attendance record.

How often is the football World Cup held?

The FIFA Men's World Cup is held every four years. This schedule has been consistent since 1930, except for a pause during World War II. The next tournament after 2026 will be in 2030.