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2026 FIFA World Cup

June 11, 2026 – July 19, 2026

dramatic nfl match celebration with fireworks

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, officially known as FIFA World Cup 26, marks a historic expansion and will be the first World Cup hosted by three nations. It promises to be the largest football spectacle to date.

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, contested by the men’s national teams of the member associations of FIFA. Held every four years, it is the most prestigious association football tournament in the world. The 2026 edition will be groundbreaking, featuring:

  • First-ever tri-hosted World Cup: Games will be played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
  • Expanded Format: The tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams (up from 32), playing a total of 104 matches.
  • New Group Stage: The teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to a new Round of 32.

Who is competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition with an expanded format of 48 national teams, an increase from the previous 32. This expansion leads to a revised allocation of qualification slots across FIFA’s six confederations, plus direct qualification for the host nations.

  • Host Nations: As co-hosts, Canada, Mexico, and the United States automatically qualify for the tournament.
  • AFC (Asia): 8 direct slots
  • CAF (Africa): 9 direct slots
  • CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean): 3 direct slots (in addition to the 3 hosts)
  • CONMEBOL (South America): 6 direct slots
  • OFC (Oceania): 1 direct slot
  • UEFA (Europe): 16 direct slots

Additionally, two inter-confederation play-off spots will determine the final two teams, contested by one team from each confederation (excluding UEFA) and an additional team from the host confederation (CONCACAF). The qualification process involves various stages and matches played by national teams within their respective confederations over the years leading up to the tournament. Teams will battle through their continental qualifiers to secure their coveted place in this historic World Cup.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11, 2026, to July 19, 2026. The opening match will be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The tournament will be spread across 16 host cities in three countries, showcasing a diverse range of cultures and iconic venues across North America:

  • United States (11 cities):
    • Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium): A state-of-the-art stadium known for its retractable roof and home to NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United FC. Atlanta offers a vibrant culture and is a major travel hub in the Southeast.
    • Boston (Gillette Stadium): Located in Foxborough, just outside Boston, this stadium is home to the New England Patriots (NFL) and New England Revolution (MLS). Boston provides a rich historical backdrop and passionate sports fans.
    • Dallas (AT&T Stadium): An immense and technologically advanced stadium in Arlington, outside Dallas, serving as the home of the Dallas Cowboys (NFL). The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex offers a huge fan base and extensive infrastructure.
    • Houston (NRG Stadium): A multi-purpose stadium in a diverse city known for its energy industry and space exploration. Houston’s large population and experience hosting major events make it an ideal venue.
    • Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium): Known for its incredible fan atmosphere and home to the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), this city offers a central U.S. location and a deep love for sports.
    • Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium): A cutting-edge indoor-outdoor stadium in Inglewood, near Los Angeles, serving as home to the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers (NFL). Los Angeles is a global city with vast experience hosting major international events.
    • Miami (Hard Rock Stadium): Located in Miami Gardens, north of Miami, this stadium is home to the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and Miami Hurricanes (NCAA). Miami’s international flair and popularity as a tourist destination make it a prime location.
    • New York / New Jersey (MetLife Stadium): Situated in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York City, this massive stadium hosts the New York Giants and Jets (NFL) and will be the Final Venue for the tournament. The NYC metropolitan area is a global capital with unparalleled accessibility.
    • Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field): Home to the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), this city offers a historic backdrop and a passionate sports culture. Its East Coast location makes it easily accessible.
    • San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium): Located in Santa Clara, south of San Francisco, this modern stadium is home to the San Francisco 49ers (NFL). The Bay Area is a hub of innovation and diverse communities.
    • Seattle (Lumen Field): A vibrant stadium known for its loud atmosphere and home to the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and Seattle Sounders FC (MLS). Seattle offers a picturesque setting and a strong football fan base.
  • Canada (2 cities):
    • Toronto (BMO Field): Located on the Exhibition Place grounds, this stadium is home to Toronto FC (MLS) and the Toronto Argonauts (CFL). Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a diverse cultural melting pot.
    • Vancouver (BC Place): A multi-purpose stadium with a retractable roof, home to the BC Lions (CFL) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS). Vancouver is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban center.
  • Mexico (3 cities):
    • Guadalajara (Estadio Akron): A modern stadium west of Guadalajara, home to Liga MX club Chivas. Guadalajara is a cultural hub in Western Mexico, famous for mariachi and tequila.
    • Mexico City (Estadio Azteca): An iconic and historic stadium that will host its third FIFA World Cup, making it the only stadium to do so. It will host the Opening Match Venue. Home to Club América and Cruz Azul, it is deeply ingrained in football history.
    • Monterrey (Estadio BBVA): A visually striking stadium located in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, home to Liga MX club Monterrey. Monterrey is a major industrial and business center in Northern Mexico.

How do I get to the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup will involve significant travel planning across three large North American countries. Early booking is highly recommended.

1. By Air:

North America is served by numerous major international airports, with each host city having excellent air access.

  • For USA Host Cities: Major international airports include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Boston Logan International Airport3 (BOS), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) for New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
  • For Canadian Host Cities: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are the primary international gateways.
  • For Mexican Host Cities: Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), and Monterrey International Airport (MTY) are key international airports.
  • Inter-city Travel: For fans planning to attend matches in multiple cities, domestic flights will be the most efficient mode of transport within each country.

2. By Car & Public Transport:

  • Within Cities: Most host cities have extensive public transportation networks (subways, buses, light rail) connecting airports, downtown areas, and stadium precincts. Research specific city transit systems in advance. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) and taxis will also be widely available.
  • Inter-city (within country): For shorter distances within the US, Canada, or Mexico, driving or long-distance bus/train services might be options, but consider the vast distances, particularly in the US.
  • Cross-Border Travel: Traveling between the host countries will require valid passports and adherence to each country’s immigration and customs regulations. While driving across borders is possible, flying between countries will generally be more efficient for most international visitors.

Important Planning Notes:

  • Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements for the USA, Canada, and Mexico well in advance based on your nationality.
  • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended given the potential for multi-country travel and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Traffic: Expect significant traffic congestion in and around host cities, especially on match days. Plan for extra travel time.

How do I get tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Securing tickets for a FIFA World Cup is a highly competitive process due to immense global demand. FIFA is the official ticketing authority.

1. Official Ticketing Channels:

  • FIFA.com: The official FIFA website will be the primary source for all legitimate ticket sales. Fans must register for a FIFA Ticketing Account.
  • Official Hospitality Packages: FIFA also partners with official hospitality providers (e.g., MATCH Hospitality) for premium ticket-inclusive packages that offer guaranteed access along with various amenities.

2. When Do Tickets Go On Sale?

  • FIFA World Cup ticket sales typically occur in several phases, often starting more than a year in advance.
  • Key Sale Periods:
    • Random Selection Draw: The first phase often involves a lottery system where fans apply for tickets and are then randomly selected to purchase them.
    • First-Come, First-Served: Subsequent phases may involve direct sales where tickets are sold immediately to those who apply first.
    • Last-Minute Sales Phase: A final sales window usually opens closer to the tournament.
  • Recommendation: Sign up for email alerts on FIFA.com/tickets to be notified immediately when ticket sales information is released.

3. Types of Tickets:

  • Individual Match Tickets: For specific matches.
  • Venue Series Tickets: To follow a specific team throughout the tournament, or to attend all matches at a particular stadium.
  • Supporter Tickets: Specific allocation for fans of participating teams.
  • Hospitality Packages: Premium experiences with guaranteed seating, catering, and other exclusive benefits.

4. Key Purchasing Tips:

  • Buy ONLY from Official Channels: To avoid scams, always purchase tickets directly from FIFA.com/tickets or FIFA’s authorized hospitality partners. Beware of unofficial secondary market sites.
  • Be Prepared: For random selection draws, apply for all the tickets you are interested in. For first-come, first-served phases, be ready to access the platform as soon as sales open.
  • Mobile Ticketing: The FIFA World Cup typically uses mobile-only ticketing. You will likely need to download an official FIFA mobile app to access and manage your tickets.

Where to stay during the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Finding suitable accommodation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup will require significant advance planning due to the high demand across multiple major cities. Prices will be substantially higher, and availability extremely limited, compared to normal periods.

1. Key Accommodation Hubs:

  • Each of the 16 host cities offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels, and extensive vacation rental markets.
  • Consider staying in areas with good public transport links to the stadiums.

2. Types of Accommodation:

  • Hotels: Book early, especially for hotels near stadiums or in city centers.
  • Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo will be popular for groups or longer stays. Be aware that prices will surge.
  • Hostels: A more budget-friendly option, particularly for solo travelers.

3. Booking Tips:

  • Book as early as possible: Accommodation will be in extremely high demand. Start your search and booking process many months (even a year or more) in advance.
  • Check Cancellation Policies: Given the long lead time, ensure you understand the cancellation policies of any bookings you make.
  • Consider Beyond City Centers: Look for options slightly outside the immediate city center but with good public transport connections, which might offer better value.
  • Use Reputable Booking Sites: Use well-known and reputable booking websites like Booking.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor to find and compare options. Always verify reviews.
TripAdvisor

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, here are essential official resources for your trip:

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, here are essential official resources for your trip:

Canada, Mexico & USA

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