Who Will Host the FIFA World Cup 26?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will occur in three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be a first World Cup in history that has been hosted by three nations. It would also be the first time for Canada to host the World Cup on their soil. In total, there will be 16 venues for the games, with 11 of them located in the United States, 2 in Canada, and 3 in Mexico.
When Will the Final Be Played?
In the recent FIFA Congress, it was announced that the final will be on Sunday, July 19, 2026, though the schedule might change.
So, Who Will Host the Final?
While it’s not yet confirmed, there are two possible places that the final will be held. The two possible locations are: Dallas and New York. However, many signs are pointing towards the AT&T stadium in Dallas. This is most probably because the stadium is the biggest in any host city in the US. Furthermore, having the final in Dallas would make place the semifinal games in Los Angeles and New York, or Miami. The winners of the semifinals would then easily fly to the centre for the finals match.
When Will the Schedule Be Announced?
According to FIFA, the schedule will be released by the end of the year. A group of international and North American-based FIFA experts have already discussed the leading operational areas they will visit. Based on the list above, half of it was already confirmed, and they are on their way to finishing the remaining venues.
Besides discussing the matchday operations and meeting with the corresponding governors, mayors, and other public authorities, the group viewed an MLS match in Atlanta and even an NFL game at Kansas City during their tour.
In a statement by NYNJ 2026 World Cup Host Committee Co-Host City Managers Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman, they said, “it’s an honour to welcome FIFA to New York, New Jersey. The region has experienced an incredible summer of global sports and prestigious soccer events. We are more than confident than ever that our region is well-equipped to deliver a successful Final and an unmatched fan and guest experience, thanks to the incredible efforts of every one of our shareholders.”
After that, FIFA made multiple hires, including Aubrey Walton. There are still positions posted on LinkedIn, including senior managers and several other key positions.
Why is the Posting of the Scheduled Delayed?
To announce a schedule at any time before Fall would potentially overshadow the Women’s World Cup. Right now, the focus of FIFA is to spotlight the WWC. The other reason for this delay is that for most of the 2026 FIFA World Cup planning, the pandemic has caused a lot of delays.
Why Is This Biggest World Cup Ever?
Imagine this, 48 teams from all corners of the globe, each fuelled by national pride, battling it out on the world stage. From the usual football giants to aspiring underdogs, there’s no shortage of narratives to unfold. This is what the 2026 World Cup promises to deliver, making it the most expansive and inclusive edition in the history of the tournament.
So, why the sudden increase from the usual 32 teams? The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has been eager not only to deepen the pool of competition but also to create an event that reflects the global passion for the beautiful game. Football knows no borders, and what better way to show that than by inviting more nations than ever before to the greatest show on Earth?
But just how will this expanded format work? Allow us to clarify.
The New Format: A Closer Look
For those accustomed to the classic 32-team format, this new setup might seem a bit daunting. But don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds. The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four. From each group, the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams will advance, creating a round of 32! So, in reality, it’s an exciting blend of the familiar and the new.
With this new format, you can expect an electrifying 104 matches across 34 days. Yes, that’s right – more teams means more football! Beyond the sharing of the world’s most celebrated sport, the increase to 48 teams also promises significant benefits for global football development. It creates opportunities for nations that have never qualified for a World Cup or advanced past the group stages to make their mark. This exciting prospect truly places the ‘World’ in World Cup.
So, whether you’re a seasoned football devotee or a newcomer to the game, the bigger and bolder 2026 World Cup is sure to impress. Get ready for a global feast of football that will bring thrills, surprises, and some unforgettable moments.
What Teams Should You Keep an Eye On?
As we saw in the last World Cup, it’s not only the well-known footballing heavyweights that we should look out for, but also the underdogs – the dark horses whose grit and determination can make for some of the most admirable and exciting matches you’ll witness. Let’s take a look at some of the teams we should keep an eye on.
Morocco
After their success in the 2022 World Cup, Morocco could fancy their chances at taking out a few of the giants. With some of their main players getting moves to big clubs, such as Sofran Amrabat going to Manchester United, their squad now has more experience than ever playing at the top level. Do you think they could make it all the way to the final?
USA, Mexico and Canada
As the host nations of the tournament, could one of these teams benefit from the home support and make it to the final? In the previous World Cup, we saw hosts Qatar get knocked out of the tournament after suffering defeats in their opening two fixtures, the earliest exit by a host nation in the tournament’s 92-year history. Will these teams excel in familiar territory or crumble under the pressure?
England
After reaching the quarter-finals of the previous World Cup, England will be looking to seek redemption and bring the trophy home for the first time since 1966. If there was time for England to finally win the World Cup again, surely World Cup 26 is optimal for this golden generation. If you want a flutter on England or the FIFA World Cup there are plenty of options on sites like DFS NFL odds etc. With Jude Bellingham firing on all cylinders in Madrid, and Harry Kane taking the Bundesliga by storm, the three lions certainly look like strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup.
Final Words
As the final whistle blows on our guide to the 2026 World Cup, we hope this journey through all of the dates, venues and teams has been as exhilarating as the upcoming World Cup promises to be! Keep an eye on our blogs to be updated on any future news on the 2026 World Cup.
