The 2026 World Cup finally arrives. The most anticipated tournament in world football begins on Thursday, June 11, with Mexico against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City. This edition marks the first time that the event is hosted by three countries at the same time. The United States, Canada and Mexico share 16 stadiums and 104 games in total.
The expanded format promises more excitement from the start. For the first time, 48 teams are competing for the title. The draw defined 12 groups of four teams each. All teams guarantee at least three matches in the initial phase.
Format with 48 teams changes tournament dynamics
Each group works like a mini-league. The teams face each other once. The first two in each bracket advance directly. Another eight third-placed teams also advance to the round of 16. This results in 32 selections in the knockout stage.
The path to decision takes extra steps. After the group stage comes the round of 32. Then, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the third place match. The grand final takes place on July 19th.
- Mexico opens against South Africa at Azteca
- United States face Paraguay in the first round
- Brazil is part of Group C with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti
- Argentina seeks unprecedented second championship in decades
This structure lengthens the championship to 39 days. The greater volume of games tests logistics in three nations.
Headquarters spread across North America
Sixteen stadiums host the matches. Eleven are in the United States. Three in Mexico. Two in Canada. Many changed their name temporarily as required by FIFA.
The Azteca Stadium, which hosted finals in 1970 and 1986, opens the tournament. The decision is made by MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL’s Giants and Jets, in New York/New Jersey. There is also the first halftime show in the history of the World Cup.
Other major stages include SoFi Stadium in Inglewood for US games, and arenas in Toronto, Vancouver, Guadalajara and Monterrey. The geographic distribution expands the reach of the event.
Groups defined after December draw
The December draw assembled the keys. Here the main groups:
- Group A: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia, South Africa
- Group B: Switzerland, Canada, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- Group D: United States, Türkiye, Australia, Paraguay
Other highlights include Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Argentina, England and Portugal in competitive brackets. The teams play in different venues during the first phase.
Favorites and hosts path
Spain appears as the main candidate according to bookmakers. France, England, Brazil and Argentina follow closely behind. Argentina attempts a rare feat: a second consecutive championship. Few teams have achieved this in the past.
The United States, as host, has a favorable record. Most host countries reach at least the quarterfinals. The North American team faces Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye in the group stage.
Mexico and Canada also have support from local fans. Mexico plays the opening game at home. Canada debuts against Bosnia.
Main competition calendar
The group stage runs from June 11th to 27th. Round of 32 takes place between June 28th and July 3rd. Round of 16 takes place between July 4th and 7th. Quarterfinals take place from July 9th to 11th. Semifinals on July 14th and 15th. Third place on the 18th. Final on July 19th.
Hours vary depending on the time zone of each location. Fans need to follow the official schedule to avoid missing their team’s games.
Legacy and impact of the greatest World Cup
This World Cup surpasses all previous ones in scale. There are 104 matches compared to 64 in recent editions. The record of 48 teams increases the chances of surprises.
Host countries invested in infrastructure. Modern stadiums and transport networks receive millions of visitors. Record attendance is expected throughout the weeks.
The tournament also highlights women’s football and other FIFA initiatives. But the focus remains on the men’s fight for the trophy.
