FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete Guide to Host Cities, Format, and Schedule

By Sarah Miller · June 1, 2026

World Cup 2026 Overview

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history: 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities, and 3 countries (United States, Canada, Mexico). It runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The New 48-Team Format

The tournament features 12 groups of 4 teams each. The top 2 from each group (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-place finishers advance to a round of 32. From there, straight knockout through to the final.

Host Cities

United States (11 cities)

New York/New Jersey (Final), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, Kansas City, Boston.

Canada (2 cities)

Vancouver (BC Place) and Toronto (BMO Field, expanded to 45,000).

Mexico (3 cities)

Mexico City (Estadio Azteca — hosting its 3rd World Cup), Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Qualification

USA, Canada, and Mexico qualify automatically. UEFA: 16 spots. CAF: 9. AFC: 8. CONMEBOL: 6. CONCACAF: 6 (3 automatic + 3 qualifying). OFC: 1. Two via inter-confederation playoffs.

Key Dates

June 11: Opening match (Mexico City). June 11-27: Group stage. June 28-July 1: Round of 32. July 4-7: Round of 16. July 10-11: Quarter-finals. July 14-15: Semi-finals. July 18: Third-place. July 19: Final.