What is FIFA World Cup 2026?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the 23rd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men's football championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. For the first time, the tournament features an expanded format with 48 teams divided into 16 groups of 3.
| Host Countries | USA, Canada, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Dates | June 11 โ July 19, 2026 |
| Teams | 48 |
| Groups | 16 (3 teams each) |
| Stadiums | 16 venues |
| Host City Finals | MetLife Stadium, New York/NJ |
World Cup 2026 Format
The expanded 48-team format was approved by FIFA in 2017. The group stage features 16 groups of 3 teams. The top 2 from each group (32 teams) advance to a knockout round of 32, followed by round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.
World Cup 2026 Group Stage
The group draw took place in December 2025. All 48 qualified teams were divided into 16 groups. Notable groups include:
- Group A: Features strong South American representation
- England's Group: England qualified from UEFA and was drawn into a competitive group
- Group Stage runs from June 11โ27, 2026
Host Cities & Venues 2026
The World Cup 2026 is hosted across 16 cities in three countries. US venues include New York/NJ, Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Boston, Kansas City, and Atlanta. Canada hosts matches in Toronto and Vancouver. Mexico hosts in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
World Cup 2026 โ Latest Updates
As of 2026, the tournament is underway with the group stage matches generating record viewership globally. India, despite not qualifying, has one of the largest global audiences with millions watching on broadcast and streaming platforms.