The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first time three countries have co-hosted the tournament. Matches will take place in 16 venues across the three countries [1].
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey [1].
Mexico becomes the first country to host or co-host three World Cups, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986 [1]. The expanded tournament features a record 48 teams, up from 32 in 2022, drawn into 12 groups of four. Group winners, runners-up, and the eight best third-place teams will advance to the knockout stage of 32 teams [1].
The knockout stage has eight rounds, one more than the traditional seven, reflecting the tournament’s larger size [1]. U.S. national teams will play all group-stage matches in their own country, ensuring American fans have multiple opportunities to watch home team games live [1].
FOX Sports will broadcast all 104 matches in English across the United States [1]. Soccer fandom and interest in advanced analytics among U.S. audiences has grown significantly by 2026, coinciding with the World Cup being held in the U.S. and its neighbors [2].
