Tournament Overview

• • 48 teams — up from 32, the first expansion since 1998
• • 104 matches — 24 more than the 2022 tournament
• • 12 groups of 4 teams each
• • Top 2 from each group + 8 best third-placed teams advance to a 32-team knockout
• • Three host countries: United States, Canada, and Mexico
• • June 11 – July 19, 2026
• • Final at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey

How the Format Works

The group stage features 12 groups of 4 teams. Each team plays 3 matches. The top 2 teams from each group qualify automatically, plus the 8 best third-placed teams, creating a 32-team knockout bracket.

The knockout stage follows a traditional single-elimination format: Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Third-place match, and the Final.

This is the first World Cup with a Round of 32, adding an extra knockout round compared to previous tournaments. More matches, more drama, more opportunities to predict.

Three Host Countries

• • United States: 11 host cities — the majority of matches including the Final at MetLife Stadium
• • Canada: 2 host cities — Toronto and Vancouver, hosting their first-ever World Cup matches
• • Mexico: 3 host cities — including the legendary Estadio Azteca, hosting World Cup matches for a record third tournament

This is the first World Cup hosted by three nations simultaneously, showcasing North American football to the world.

Making History

The expansion from 32 to 48 teams means more nations get to experience the World Cup. Several countries will make their World Cup debut, while others return after long absences.

With an estimated 6 billion global viewers and over 6 million in-person attendees, this will be the most-watched and most-attended sporting event in history.

Predict Every Match with Kickgeist

104 matches. 48 teams. One prediction app. Kickgeist lets you predict every single World Cup 2026 match with your group. Live scores, smart reminders, and real-time leaderboards keep you engaged from the opening whistle to the final.

Explore World Cup 2026