2026 FIFA World Cup: What to Expect
If you love soccer, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the event you’ll be counting down to for the next few years. It’s the biggest tournament on the planet, and this time it’s heading to North America for the first time ever. Below you’ll find the most useful info – where the games are, when they happen, who’s playing and how you can get tickets.
Host Countries and Venues
The 2026 edition is a three‑nation affair: the United States, Canada and Mexico will share the hosting duties. That means 16 cities will light up with World Cup matches, from the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to the modern Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Here are the top three venues you’ll hear about most:
- MetLife Stadium (New Jersey) – slated for the opening match and the final. A capacity of 82,000 makes it perfect for the biggest moments.
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) – a brand‑new arena that will host several knockout games. Its sleek design and huge screen will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
- Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) – a historic site that hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals. Expect a lively atmosphere and a chance to see altitude‑affected play.
All other cities – like Toronto, Dallas, Miami, and Seattle – will get group‑stage matches. The spread across three countries means travel will be easier for fans in different regions, and you can catch a game without a long flight.
Key Dates, Teams and How to Get Tickets
The tournament kicks off on June 8, 2026 and wraps up with the final on July 8, 2026. That ten‑day window gives plenty of time for drama, upsets and unforgettable goals.
48 national teams will compete – an increase from the 32‑team format used since 1998. More teams mean more chances for underdogs to shine, and it also adds a few extra group matches. The qualifying rounds are already in full swing, with CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean) already booked a few spots as hosts.
Want a ticket? FIFA will open an online registration portal in early 2025. The process works in three steps:
- Sign up for an account on the official ticketing site.
- Enter a random draw for the high‑demand matches (opening game, semi‑finals, final).
- Buy tickets directly for group‑stage games, which are sold on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Make sure you keep an eye on the official FIFA calendar – ticket sales open in waves, and missing a window often means waiting for resale platforms, which can cost a lot more.
Finally, plan your travel early. Airports in the United States, especially in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas, will see a spike in traffic. Booking flights and hotels at least six months in advance will save you money and stress.
That’s the quick rundown. The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises more games, more fans, and more stories than ever before. Keep this page bookmarked for updates on schedules, ticket releases and travel tips – you won’t want to miss a single moment.
