The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will begin on June 11th and end on July 19th, marking the first edition with 48 teams. The tournament, organized by FIFA, will feature 104 games in 16 cities, such as New York, Mexico City and Toronto. Brazil, already classified, is looking for a sixth championship in an expanded format, with 12 groups of four teams. Logistics between headquarters will require planning due to long distances.
The competition promises packed stadiums, with emphasis on the Azteca Stadium, which will host games for the third time. FIFA estimates that 5 billion people will follow the event on TV or streaming.
- 48 selections divided into 12 groups.
- 104 matches, a record in history.
- 16 host cities, with 11 in the US.
- Final in an American stadium to be defined.
New format increases competition
The 2026 tournament adopts a model with 12 groups of four teams, where the first two and the eight best third parties advance to the round of 32. There will be 104 games, surpassing previous editions.
The change aims to include more nations, especially from less represented continents, such as Africa and Asia. FIFA guarantees that the format maintains competitiveness.
Logística desafia equipes e torcedores
As 16 cidades-sede estão espalhadas por três países, com distâncias de até 4 mil quilômetros entre locais como Los Angeles e Toronto. A Fifa organizará grupos por regiões para reduzir deslocamentos iniciais.
Viagens longas nas fases eliminatórias, porém, serão inevitáveis. Torcedores enfrentarão custos elevados com passagens e ingressos.
A infraestrutura de transporte, como trens de alta velocidade, está sendo ampliada. Áreas de convivência com telões serão montadas nas cidades.
Estádios icônicos em destaque
O Estádio Azteca, no México, será o primeiro a receber jogos em três Copas (1970, 1986 e 2026). Nos EUA, o MetLife Stadium, com 82 mil lugares, é um dos maiores.
No Canadá, Toronto e Vancouver oferecem modern arenas. The choice reflects FIFA’s commitment to promoting football in North America.
The stadiums have an average capacity of 60 thousand people. Technology, like at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, guarantees comfort for spectators.
Maintenance of the fields will be rigorous to support the marathon of games.
Heavy gaming schedule
The group stage takes place from June 11th to 27th, with three rounds. The round of 32 will be played between June 28th and July 3rd, followed by the round of 16 from July 4th to 7th.
The quarterfinals are scheduled for July 8th to 11th. Semi-finals take place on July 14th and 15th, with the final on July 19th.
The schedule foresees daily games in different time zones, challenging broadcasters and fans. The competition for third place will be on July 18th.
Brazil aims for sixth championship
Qualified, Brazil focuses on preparing for the tournament. After unstable campaigns, the team is betting on young people like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
Fans plan trips to support the team. The last Brazilian title was in 2002, and expectations are high for 2026.
Global expectation for the event
FIFA projects 5 billion global viewers, broadcast on several platforms. The tournament will be a showcase for football in regions where the sport is growing, such as the USA.
- Expected audience: 5 billion via TV and streaming.
- Brazil among the favorites, alongside France and Argentina.
- High demand tickets for Brazil and final games.
