The 2026 World Cup is poised to make history. The upcoming edition will be the first to take place in three countries: the USA, Mexico, and Canada. A total of 16 cities across this trio of nations will host, each offering a unique experience for soccer fans. Adding to the excitement are the spectacular state-of-the-art host stadiums that will elevate the fan experience and provide the setting for countless memorable moments.

Key details about the 2026 World Cup

• The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, up from 32 in 2022.

• For the group stage, teams will be divided into 12 groups of 4.

• The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, will proceed to the (new) Round of 32.

• All matches after the group stage will be in a knockout format.

• A total of 104 matches will be played, up from 64 at the 2022 edition.

• The games will take place in 16 venues throughout Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

• The 2026 World Cup Final will take place on July 19, 2026.

• National teams worldwide will play qualifying matches until March 2026.

World Cup Groups

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, the Republic of Korea, UEFA Winner D (Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland/Denmark/North Macedonia

Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA Winner A (Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina/Italy/Northern Ireland)

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Winner C (Slovakia/Kosovo/Turkey/Romania)

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Winner B (Ukraine/Sweden/Poland/Albania)

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, IC Winner 2 (Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname)

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, IC Winner 1 (DR Congo/New Caledonia/Jamaica)

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama