World Cup 2026:
Everything You Need to Know

The 2026 tournament will take place across June and July 2026, bringing a full summer of elite international football to fans around the world. With an expanded format and more matches than ever before, supporters can expect a longer, more action-packed competition from the opening fixture through to the final.

For the first time in its history, the tournament will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Matches will be staged in 16 host cities across North America, including iconic venues such as New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto, and Mexico City, offering a unique blend of football culture, atmosphere, and world-class stadiums

Spanning three host nations, the tournament will be staged across 16 cities, making this the largest and most geographically diverse edition ever. Each stadium has been selected not only for its scale, but for its ability to deliver iconic moments on football’s biggest stage.

New York / New Jersey – MetLife Stadium

• Capacity: approx. 82,500
• One of the most high-profile venues in the tournament, MetLife Stadium will host the Final, placing the ultimate showpiece of the competition in the heart of the New York metropolitan area. Known for its size, modern design, and major sporting events, it provides a fitting stage for football’s biggest prize.

Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium

• Capacity: approx. 70,000
• SoFi Stadium, one of the most technologically advanced venues in the world, is set to host the Opening Match, marking the start of the tournament. Its striking architecture and cutting-edge facilities make it a flagship destination for fans travelling to the West Coast.

Dallas – AT&T Stadium

• Capacity: approx. 80,000 (expandable)
• A regular host of major international sporting events, AT&T Stadium will stage a Semi-Final, ensuring Dallas plays a pivotal role in the latter stages of the competition. Its vast seating capacity and indoor setting make it one of the most impressive arenas on the schedule.

Toronto – BMO Field

• Capacity: approx. 45,000 (expanded)
• Canada’s centrepiece venue will host several group-stage matches, bringing elite international football to Toronto. Located on the city’s waterfront, BMO Field offers a vibrant atmosphere and marks a historic moment for Canadian football on the global stage.

Mexico City – Estadio Azteca

• Capacity: approx. 87,000
• One of football’s most legendary stadiums, Estadio Azteca will host a group-stage opener, becoming the first stadium in history to stage matches in three different tournaments. Steeped in history and passion, it remains one of the most atmospheric venues in world football.

With 48 slots available, the qualification process is the most inclusive ever seen in World Cup history. Confederations like UEFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, AFC, and OFC all have expanded berths, meaning more teams, and more fans, get to participate on football’s biggest stage. This opens the door for; historic first-time qualifiers, more competitive group stages and increased regional representation.

As qualification matches continue around the world, fans are keenly tracking the latest World Cup 2026 standings and fixtures to see how their nations are shaping up.

Expanded Format: What Does it Mean? 

The move from 32 to 48 teams transforms the tournament format. This new structure means:

• More matches for every team
• Fans get to enjoy a longer tournament
• Greater global representation at the finals
  

It also means more opportunities for surprise results, breakout stars, and underdog stories — all key drivers of World Cup 2026 excitement.

The prize every nation dreams of lifting is the iconic World Cup Trophy, often simply called the World Cup Trophy. Made of 18-carat gold and standing 36.8 cm tall, it depicts two human figures holding up the Earth, symbolising global unity and football excellence. First awarded in 1974 to replace the original Jules Rimet Trophy, it has since become one of the most recognisable symbols in sport. Winning it is the ultimate achievement in football, and every squad at the 2026 tournament will be chasing the chance to lift this legendary trophy.

The 2026 World Cup represents a new era in global football, bigger, more inclusive, and more thrilling than ever. Whether you’re planning travel, tracking qualifiers, or simply enjoying the build-up, this tournament is set to deliver some of the most memorable moments in football history.

Stay tuned here for more updates, insights, and fan-focused content as we count down to kick-off!