FIFA World Cup 2026: Dates, Hosts, Format & Ticket Guide

FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first-ever 48-team World Cup, with 104 matches across 16 venues in 39 days; bigger, more inclusive, and globally accessible.

Here's all you need to know about this historic global football spectacle.

Source : PTI

The countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026 has already begun, and excitement is mounting for what promises to be a landmark edition of the tournament. For the first time in history, three nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — will co-host the event.

The 2026 World Cup will also feature an expanded format, increasing from 32 to 48 teams, making it the largest and most ambitious tournament ever held. Here's all you need to know about this historic global football spectacle.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Dates, Hosts, Format & Ticket Guide

Tournament Dates & Expansion

Opening match: June 11, 2026

Final: July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

Historic expansion: First-ever 48-team World Cup, with 104 matches across 16 venues in 39 days; bigger, more inclusive, and globally accessible

Host Nations & Cities

Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — a unique first in World Cup history

Host cities include iconic venues such as:

Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey

U.S. venues: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle

Canadian hosts: Toronto (BMO Field), Vancouver (BC Place) 

New Format

12 groups of four in the group stage

Top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the Round of 32

From there: Round of 32 → Round of 16 → Quarter-finals → Semi-finals → Third-place playoff → Final (July 19).

Group Stage matches schedule: 12 groups - matches start on June 11, 2026 and end of June 27, 2026.

Knockout stage matches

Round of 32: June 28 – July 3, 2026

Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026

Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11, 2026

Semifinals: July 14 – 15, 2026

Bronze Final (3rd Place Match): July 18, 2026

Final: July 19, 2026

Ticketing Process

Pre-registration starts in late 2025 on FIFA’s official portal

Ticketing phases:

Phase 1 lottery: Applications open before the World Cup draw

Post-draw sales: First-come, first-served for specific matches

Ticket categories range from affordable to premium hospitality packages. Mobile-only, digital tickets with guest limitations to prevent resale abuse.

Stadium Highlights

Estadio Azteca: Will make history by hosting its third World Cup finals

MetLife Stadium: Chosen for the July 19 final, capacity ~82,500

Lumen Field (Seattle): Hosts multiple group and knockout matches