With less than a month until the kickoff of the largest FIFA World Cup ever, excitement is building across North America. Canada, Mexico, and the United States are co-hosting the tournament for the first time, with Canada set to host 13 matches. This guide answers all your questions about the 2026 World Cup, from the format and schedule to ticket prices and star players.
What is the FIFA World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup is the premier international soccer tournament, held every four years since 1930, except during 1942 and 1946 due to World War II. Organized by FIFA, the 2026 edition will feature 48 teams, expanded from 32. Canada, Mexico, and the United States won the bid to host in 2018.
How Does the Tournament Work?
The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four. Each team plays the others in its group once, earning three points for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-place teams. Tiebreakers include goal differential, total goals, head-to-head record, fair play points, and drawing of lots. The knockout stage is single-elimination, with extra time and penalty kicks if needed.
Where Are the Games?
This is the first World Cup co-hosted by three countries. Canada hosts 13 games: six at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) and seven at BC Place in Vancouver. Mexico hosts 13 games across Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. The United States hosts the most matches in 11 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
When Are the Games?
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The opening match features Mexico vs. South Africa at Estadio Azteca. During the group stage, four games are typically played daily, with kickoff times from noon to midnight ET. The final is at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on July 19.
Which Teams Are Playing?
A record 48 teams will compete: 16 from Europe (UEFA), 6 from South America (CONMEBOL), 9 from Asia (AFC), 10 from Africa (CAF), 1 from Oceania (OFC), and 6 from CONCACAF (North/Central America and Caribbean). Four teams make their World Cup debuts: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Brazil is the only nation to have played in all 22 editions and holds the record with five titles.
How Much Are Tickets?
Ticket prices have been a major issue due to dynamic pricing. For Canada's opener, the cheapest tickets exceeded $1,300. Many games have thousands of unsold tickets, and FIFA has not lowered prices, raising concerns about half-empty stadiums.
How Can I Watch at Home?
In Canada, Bell Media holds exclusive English and French rights. All 104 matches air on CTV, TSN, CTV2, or TSN2, and stream on TSN+ and CTV digital platforms. A full schedule is on TSN's website. FOX is also available for TV subscribers.
Who Are the Star Players?
Lionel Messi aims to defend Argentina's title. Kylian Mbappe, with 12 World Cup goals, could break Miroslav Klose's record of 16. Spain's Lamine Yamal, at 18, is a rising star. At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo makes his final World Cup appearance for Portugal.
Who Will Win?
Spain, France, and England are top favorites according to odds, but surprises happen. In 2022, Argentina lost its opener to Saudi Arabia before winning the title. Germany and Belgium failed to advance from their groups, while Morocco reached the semifinals. Croatia, with a population under 4 million, finished second and third in the last two tournaments. Once the ball is kicked on June 11, anything can happen.
