Football · World Cup 2026
⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026: A New Era Begins
June 19, 2026 · Data by api-sports.io
A Historic Tournament Unfolds
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is gearing up to be a landmark event in soccer history. Kicking off on June 11, 2026, and wrapping up on July 19, this tournament will be the first ever co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This collaboration showcases the unity of North America and promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans.
Expanded Teams and New Faces
This edition marks a significant shift with the expansion from the traditional 32 teams to an impressive 48 teams. These will be organized into 12 groups of four, resulting in a total of 104 matches. Not only will fans witness familiar teams competing, but they'll also see Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan making their first World Cup appearances. Moreover, teams like DR Congo and Iraq are making a comeback after decades away from the tournament stage.
Mexico's Historic Role and New Rules
Mexico will make history by being the first country to host the World Cup three times, having previously held the event in 1970 and 1986. The iconic Estadio Azteca will also be a highlight, becoming the first stadium to host matches in three different World Cups. With the United States last hosting in 1994 and Canada entering the spotlight for the first time, this tournament is set to be a spectacular showcase of soccer talent. Fans will also notice new rules intended to reduce time-wasting, including 10-second substitutions and 5-second restarts, enhancing the pace of the game. The opening match will take place in Mexico City, kicking off a month of fierce competition as nations battle for glory, with Argentina entering as the defending champions.
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