When Is the Next World Cup? 2026 Dates & Details

By Sarah Miller · August 29, 2026

The next FIFA World Cup will take place from November 21 to December 18, 2026, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be the first 48-team tournament, expanding from the current 32-team format.

What Is the FIFA World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious international football (soccer) tournament, organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It brings together national teams from around the globe to compete for the title of world champion every four years.

Key Facts About the Tournament

First held in 1930 in Uruguay
Held every four years, except during World War II (1942 and 1946)
Brazil holds the record with five titles
The current champion is Argentina, winning the 2022 edition in Qatar
The 2026 edition will feature 48 teams for the first time

When Is the Next World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from November 21 to December 18, 2026. This historic edition will be co-hosted by three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Host Cities and Venues

Matches will be played across 16 cities: 11 in the U.S., 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. Notable stadiums include MetLife Stadium (New Jersey), AT&T Stadium (Texas), and Estadio Azteca (Mexico City).

Format Changes for 2026

The expansion to 48 teams marks a significant shift in the tournament structure.

Tournament Structure Overview

48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4
Top two teams from each group advance, plus 8 best third-place teams
Round of 32 introduced as the first knockout stage
Total matches increase from 64 to 104

Tournament	Year	Host Country	Teams	Matches	Champion
FIFA World Cup	2018	Russia	32	64	France
FIFA World Cup	2022	Qatar	32	64	Argentina
FIFA World Cup	2026	USA, Canada, Mexico	48	104	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The 2026 World Cup will see a 62% increase in total matches compared to previous editions due to the expanded format. This change aims to include more nations and enhance global participation. The tournament will also adopt new qualification pathways across all confederations.

How Are Host Countries Selected?

FIFA selects host nations through a bidding process involving infrastructure, financial plans, and government support. The 2026 bid was won by the joint North American proposal over Morocco.

Recent Host Selection Timeline

2026 Host Announcement: June 13, 2018
2030 Host Decision: Expected in 2024
Potential joint bid including Spain, Portugal, and Morocco
FIFA plans symbolic centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay

Frequently Asked Questions About the World Cup

When is the next men's FIFA World Cup?

The next men's FIFA World Cup will be held from November 21 to December 18, 2026, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

How often is the World Cup held?

The FIFA World Cup takes place every four years, typically in the summer months, though the 2026 edition will occur in late fall due to climate considerations.

Why is the 2026 World Cup special?

The 2026 tournament is notable for expanding to 48 teams and being the first hosted by three countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico. It will also feature 104 matches, the most in World Cup history.

Which country has won the most World Cups?

Brazil has won the most FIFA World Cups with five titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). They are followed by Germany and Italy with four each.

Where can I watch the World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup is broadcast globally through official broadcasters like FOX Sports (USA), CBC/Sportsnet (Canada), BBC/ITV (UK), and others. Streaming options include FIFA+ and network-affiliated platforms.