The 2026 males’s World Cup would be the largest within the match’s historical past.
An expanded World Cup will function 48 groups – 16 greater than in Qatar 2022 – and happen throughout three host nations for the primary time.
From format to key dates, here is all it’s essential to find out about soccer’s subsequent international showpiece.
When is the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA males’s World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Will probably be the twenty third version of the match.
The place is the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 match will happen throughout 16 cities in three North American nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
It’s the first time a World Cup has been hosted by three nations.
The final time North America hosted the match was in 1994, when Brazil triumphed after beating Italy on penalties.
2026 World Cup venues – host cities and stadiums
USA
Dallas Stadium – Arlington, Texas (capability 94,000)
New York New Jersey Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (capability 82,500)
Atlanta Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia (capability 75,000)
Kansas Metropolis Stadium – Kansas Metropolis, Missouri (73,000)
Houston Stadium – Houston, Texas (capability 72,000)
San Francisco Bay Space Stadium – Santa Clara, California (71,000)
Los Angeles Stadium – Inglewood, California (70,000)
Philadelphia Stadium – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (69,000)
Seattle Stadium – Seattle, Washington (capability 69,000)
Boston Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts (65,000)
Miami Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida (capability 65,000)
Canada
Toronto Stadium – Toronto (capability: 45,000)
BC Place Vancouver – Vancouver (capability 54,000)
Mexico
Estadio Azteca Mexico Metropolis – Mexico Metropolis (capability 83,000)
Estadio Monterrey – Guadalupe (capability 53,500)
Estadio Guadalajara – Zapopan (capability 48,000)
What is the format for the World Cup in 2026?
A bumper line-up of countries means there will likely be 104 matches for soccer followers to feast on – 40 greater than in Qatar.
As a consequence, the knockout stage will begin with a spherical of 32.
The earlier format of 32 groups in eight teams has been changed by one that includes 12 teams of 4.
The highest two groups in every group, plus the eight finest third-placed groups, will advance to the spherical of 32.
What are the teams and fixtures?
Who has certified for the 2026 World Cup?
Which groups are within the play-offs?
UEFA
Play-off Path A:
Semi-final: Italy vs Northern Eire
Semi-final: Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ultimate: Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy/Northern Eire
Play-off Path B:
Semi-final: Ukraine vs Sweden
Semi-final: Poland vs Albania
Ultimate: Ukraine/Sweden vs Poland/Albania
Play-off Path C:
Semi-final: Turkey vs Romania
Semi-final: Slovakia vs Kosovo
Ultimate: Slovakia/Kosovo vs Turkey/Romania
Play-off Path D:
Semi-final: Denmark vs North Macedonia
Semi-final: Czech Republic vs Republic of Eire
Ultimate: Czech Republic/Republic of Eire vs Denmark/North Macedonia
Inter-confederation
Play-off Path A:
Semi-final: New Caledonia vs Jamaica
Ultimate: New Caledonia/Jamaica vs Congo
Play-off Path B:
Semi-final: Bolivia vs Suriname
Ultimate: Bolivia/Suriname vs Iraq
World Cup 2026 match ball – Trionda
The Trionda is the official match ball of the 2026 World Cup
The official match ball has been manufactured by Adidas and is known as the Trionda, which translated from Spanish means “three waves”.
It contains a crimson, inexperienced and blue color scheme that pays homage to the three host nations – Canada, Mexico and america.
Adidas declare that its “connected ball technology” will likely be useful in relaying knowledge to VAR, with AI serving to to make choices.
World Cup 2026 match schedule
The complete fixture listing with group video games and kick-off occasions will solely be obtainable after the draw for the ultimate match, which takes place on December 5 in Washington.
However FIFA has already introduced key dates and confirmed that the opening match will likely be held in Mexico Metropolis, with the ultimate happening on the New York New Jersey Stadium – residence of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
Group stage: June 11-27
Spherical of 32: June 28 to July 3
Spherical of 16: July 4-7
Quarter-finals: July September 11
Semi-finals: July 14-15
Third-place play-off (‘Bronze remaining’): July 18
Ultimate: July 19
