The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest and longest in history.
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun. While fans around the world are gearing up for what promises to be the largest tournament in football history. Here’s everything you need to know from venues and dates to ticket prices and political context.
When and where will the 2026 World Cup be held?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico marking the first time in history that three nations will share hosting duties.
The opening match will take place on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, while the grand final will be played on July 19, 2026 in New Jersey.
This edition will feature a record 48 teams competing over 39 days, expanding the tournament format to include 12 groups of four teams followed by a round of 32.
Which cities will gost the 2026 World Cup?
Sixteen cities across North America will host matches:
- United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle
- Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
- Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
When is the World Cup draw?
The group stage draw will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 17:00 GMT at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Host nations have already been assigned positions: Mexico (A1), Canada (B1), and USA (D1).
How to get 2026 World Cup tickets
Ticket demand has been overwhelming, with more than 4.5 million fans entering the initial draw. Prices vary by category and match stage:
- Opening match (USA): $560 (£417) – $2,235 (£1,662)
- Final match: $2,030 (£1,510) – $6,000 (£4,462)
- Early group matches: starting at $60 (£44)
FIFA has also introduced a dynamic pricing system, meaning ticket costs may fluctuate based on demand. The second sales phase begins October 27, followed by a randomized draw and last-minute sales closer to the tournament.
Which countries gave qualified?
So far, 28 nations have qualified, with 20 more spots up for grabs. Among the confirmed teams:
- Hosts: Canada, Mexico, USA
- Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
- Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
- Europe: England
- Oceania: New Zealand
- South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
Notably, Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are making their World Cup debuts.
What is the political climate surrounding the 2026 World Cup?
The United States will host 78 of the 104 matches, including the final, amid heightened political tension. President Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops in several Democrat-led cities and has warned of potential match relocations from “unsafe” areas.
Relations between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have also been strained by new tariffs and border disputes, although Trump insists these tensions “will make the tournament stronger.”
What will the weather be like?
High temperatures are expected across several U.S. venues, with some matches potentially played in near 40°C (104°F) heat. FIFA is likely to schedule key fixtures later in the day to minimize player fatigue, with most European team games set for post-midnight UK times.
Final thoughts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a spectacle like no other bigger, longer, and more diverse than any previous edition. Whether fans attend in person or watch from home, football’s biggest stage is set to make history once again.
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