FIFA World Cup 2026: USA, Canada and Mexico Format & Date
Last Updated on: 14th September 2025, 12:13 pm
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the 23rd edition of the tournament. After the excitement of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the tournament returns in 2026, uniting the national teams of FIFA’s member associations to compete for global glory and standing as the most prestigious event in international football.
It will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation. It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries. The hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The tournament will be scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32. In the new format, 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Countries
There are three host nations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 the host nations are the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The host nation directly qualifies for the World Cup 2026. This also allows the host teams to concentrate on preparations on the field. The best players of the host nations can participate without having to compete in the qualification rounds.
United States
After a long time of 32 years, the FIFA World Cup returns to the United States, which last hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994. As the primary host nation for the World Cup 2026, the United States will host the majority of the matches, including the final match.
In the FIFA World Cup 2026, the United States will host with almost 11 stadiums selected across the major cities. Out of the 104 matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026, nearly 78 will be played in the United States, making it the main stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The competition will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring group stage matches, knockout rounds, and the final match.
The United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) will serve as the host nation and has automatically qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Mexico
After hosting the FIFA World Cup in 1970 and 1986, Mexico will host the FIFA World Cup again in 2026. Mexico became the first country to host or co-host the FIFA World Cup three times. It shows Mexico’s passion for football and its iconic stadiums, offering an incredible experience for fans across North America.
In the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico will host matches in 3 stadiums. A total of 13 matches will be played in Mexico out of the 104 games, including group stage and knockout matches. The World Cup in Mexico will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The Mexican men’s national soccer team (El Tri) will serve as the host nation and has automatically qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026
Canada
After almost 22 World Cups, Canada will host the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2026. Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a significant step in enhancing football in the country. As a co-host, Canada will play an important role in bringing the FIFA World Cup 2026 to fans across North America.
In the FIFA World Cup 2026, Canada will host matches in 2 stadiums. A total of 10 will be played in Canada, out of the 104 matches, including the group stage. In Canada, the World Cup matches will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The Canada men’s national soccer team (CANMNT) will proudly represent Canada in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Canadian men’s national soccer team has also automatically qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a co-host nation.
Match Schedule and Stadiums
| Nation | Stadium | City | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | AT&T Stadium | Dallas, TX | 9 |
| United States | MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, NJ | 8 |
| United States | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA | 8 |
| United States | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles, CA | 8 |
| United States | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, MA | 7 |
| United States | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami, FL | 7 |
| United States | NRG Stadium | Houston, TX | 7 |
| United States | Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, CA | 6 |
| United States | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA | 6 |
| United States | Lumen Field | Seattle, WA | 6 |
| United States | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, MO | 6 |
| Canada | BC Place | Vancouver | 7 |
| Canada | BMO Field | Toronto | 6 |
| Mexico | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | 5 |
| Mexico | Estadio Akron | Guadalajara | 4 |
| Mexico | Estadio BBVA | Monterrey | 4 |
FIFA World Cup 2026: New Format vs Old Format Explained
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will mark a historic change in the tournament’s structure. After many years with 32 teams, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will expand to 48 teams, giving more nations the chance to shine on the world stage. This change not only increases the number of matches but also changes how teams qualify for the knockout rounds. For football lovers, this World Cup will be a true celebration.
Previous Format (1998–2022)
- Featured 32 teams.
- Teams were split into 8 groups of 4.
- The top 2 teams from each group advanced to the Round of 16.
- A total of 64 matches were played.
- The tournament lasted around 32 days.
- Each finalist team played 7 matches at most.
FIFA World Cup 2026 New Format
- Expanded to 48 teams (an increase of 16).
- Teams will be divided into 12 groups of 4.
- The top 2 teams from each group, plus the 8 best third-placed teams, progress to a new Round of 32.
- A total of 104 matches will be played.
- The tournament will last 39 days (longer than before).
- Teams reaching the final four will play 8 matches instead of 7.
Host Selection for FIFA World Cup 2026
- The FIFA Council follows a rotation rule, preventing nations in the same confederation as the previous two hosts from hosting.
- Russia and Qatar hosted the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, so Europe and Asia were ineligible to host in 2026. Eligible confederations included CONCACAF, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC.
- Co-hosting was approved for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, evaluated individually, allowing multiple nations to jointly host the tournament.
- Canada, Mexico, and the United States initially explored individual bids but ultimately submitted a joint bid, which was officially announced on April 10, 2017.
- FIFA required all bidders to meet minimum technical and financial standards, giving the general secretariat the authority to disqualify any country that failed to meet these criteria.
FIFA 2026 Qualified Teams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand to 48 teams, up from 32 in 2022. This change gives more nations a chance to compete, creating new rivalries and greater excitement worldwide.
Experienced Teams Returning to FIFA 2026
Out of the 18 teams qualified so far, 13 had already featured in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. These include global powerhouses and consistent performers who continue to dominate the international stage. Their return highlights both the strength of their football programs and their ability to adapt to evolving competition. Fans can expect familiar rivalries and high-level performances from these seasoned nations.
New Teams Qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 edition will also witness fresh faces on the global stage. Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their long-awaited World Cup debuts, marking a historic achievement for both countries. Additionally, Colombia returns after missing the 2022 tournament, while New Zealand and Paraguay secure qualification for the first time since 2010. These new and returning teams bring added excitement, promising fresh storylines and underdog moments.
Confirmed Teams (18 so far)
These nations have already secured their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026:
- United States: Host nation, automatic qualification
- Mexico: Host nation, automatic qualification
- Canada: Host nation, automatic qualification
- Argentina: Defending champions, South American powerhouse
- Brazil: Five-time champions, always among the favorites
- Uruguay: Two-time winners, known for their fighting spirit
- Ecuador: Rising force in CONMEBOL football
- Colombia: Returning after missing 2022, strong attacking talent
- Paraguay: Back in the World Cup after a long absence
- Japan: Consistent Asian contender with strong discipline
- South Korea: Famous for 2002 semi-final run, consistent performers
- Iran: Regular representative from Asia
- Uzbekistan: Making their historic World Cup debut
- Jordan: Another debutant, marking a breakthrough moment
- Australia: Consistent qualifiers from AFC
- New Zealand: Back after last qualifying in 2010
- Morocco: Surprise 2022 semi-finalists, Africa’s pride
- Tunisia: Steady competitor from Africa
Predicted Teams (to complete 48)
Experts expect the remaining slots to be filled by these nations:
Europe (UEFA):
France, Spain, England, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy
Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Turkey, Serbia, Norway, Greece
Africa (CAF):
Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, DR Congo
North & Central America (CONCACAF):
Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama
South America (CONMEBOL):
Venezuela
Asia (AFC):
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
FAQs:
What will happen on 19 July 2026?
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will take place on 19 July 2026. The world champion will be determined by this match, which will be hosted in the United States, and at the end of the month-long tournament.
Which teams have qualified for FIFA 2026?
To date, 18 teams have already been officially eligible for to FIFA World Cup 2026. This involves the three host countries, whose case is the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as well as traditional football powers like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Morocco, among others. The remaining slots will be filled by the process of continuous qualification that continues up until 2025 and early 2026.
Has the Indian football team qualified for FIFA 2026?
India has not qualified yet to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Indian national team continues to play in the Asian qualifiers, and its future will be based on future performances in the AFC qualification rounds.
Did Argentina qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The current winners of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar, Argentina, have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. They will be seeking to protect their title in North America.
Did Brazil qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Brazil, who are five-time World Cup champion, also has a ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Brazilian national team will again be among the favorites to win the trophy.
Is Lionel Messi playing for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup?
Whether Lionel Messi will be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 or not is yet to be established. Messi will have reached 39 years old by the time of the tournament. Although he has hinted that the 2022 World Cup might be his final appearance, he has not decided. There is still speculation among fans and analysts about whether he will make one more appearance at the World Cup on the international scene.
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