FIFA World Cup 2026
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup (2026 FIFA World Cup) is the 23rd edition of the World Cup organized by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), to be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament marks the first time 48 nations will participate, with a new format expanding from 80 matches to 104 matches. It is the third World Cup in the North/Central American region (after Mexico in 1970 and 1986) and the first time the United States hosts again since 1994, 32 years later.
Main Content
Host Selection Process
On June 13, 2018, at the FIFA Congress held in Moscow before the Russia World Cup, the joint North/Central American bid (United 2026) won the hosting rights with an overwhelming vote of 134 to 65 against Morocco. This is the second multi-nation co-hosting case since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.
Expansion of Participating Teams: 32 Teams → 48 Teams
On January 10, 2017, FIFA decided to expand the number of participating teams in the finals from 32 to 48 starting in 2026. Accordingly, the group stage will operate with 16 groups (3 teams each), with the top two from each group (32 teams total) advancing to a 32-team knockout stage. The total number of matches increases from 80 to 104, and the tournament duration extends from 32 to 39 days. This is part of FIFA's strategy for global expansion of football and revenue maximization.
Host Cities and Stadiums
Matches will be held in 16 host cities (11 in the United States, 3 in Mexico, 2 in Canada). Key stadiums include MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey (scheduled for the final), SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City (hosting its third World Cup), and BMO Field in Toronto. Estadio Azteca is highly likely to host the World Cup final for the third time, after 1970 and 1986.
Tournament Schedule and Format
- Group Stage: June 11, 2026 – June 27, 2026 (16 groups, 3 teams each)
- Round of 32: June 29 – July 3
- Round of 16: July 6 – July 10
- Quarterfinals: July 14 – July 15
- Semifinals: July 18 – July 19
- Third Place Match: July 22
- Final: July 23, 2026 (MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey)
Qualifying Schedule
The allocation of berths by confederation is as follows: AFC (Asia) 8.5, CAF (Africa) 9.5, CONCACAF (North/Central America) 6 (including 3 for hosts), CONMEBOL (South America) 6.5, OFC (Oceania) 1.5, UEFA (Europe) 16. The final two berths are determined via playoffs. South Korea aims for its 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, competing with Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and others.
Prize Money and Revenue
FIFA has set the total prize money for the 2026 World Cup at $440 million (approximately 600 billion KRW), with the winning team receiving $42 million. Total tournament revenue is estimated at $11 billion (approximately 15 trillion KRW), a 47% increase from the 2022 Qatar World Cup ($7.5 billion).
Latest Trends
As of 2024-2025, the 2026 World Cup shows the following key changes and trends:
- 48-Team Format Confirmed: The 3-team group stage has been finalized despite controversies over potential draws and strategic play. FIFA is considering expanding substitutions from 5 to 6 players to reduce player burden due to the increased number of matches.
- Host Preparations: The United States is testing infrastructure using the 2025 Club World Cup (32 teams) as a trial run. Mexico has completed renovations of Estadio Azteca, while Canada is expanding stadiums in Toronto and Vancouver.
- VAR and Technology Introduction: Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be used in all matches, and FIFA is testing an AI referee assistant system for real-time data analysis.
- Environmental and Social Issues: FIFA aims for a carbon-neutral tournament, promoting renewable energy use, public transportation, and banning single-use plastics. It has also strengthened monitoring of labor conditions in host countries to protect human rights.
- Ticket Sales: General sales began in January 2025, with over 2 million tickets sold in the first phase. Final tickets are trading at up to $5,000.
- South Korean Football: Aiming for its 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, South Korea is currently leading the Asian third qualifying round, which started in June 2025. Key players include European-based stars like Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae.
Related Topics
- [[FIFA World Cup]]
- [[2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar]]
- [[South Korea national football team]]
- [[CONCACAF]]
- [[FIFA]]
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