The countdown begins: World Cup 26 to start in Mexico City
The world’s biggest football festival is coming back in 2026, and it will kick off in style at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. FIFA has confirmed that the opening match of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup will take place on June 11th, 2026, at the same venue that hosted the finals of 1970 and 1986.
FIFA World Cup 26 will be the first to feature 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 32, a new stage in the tournament’s format.
World Cup 26 will also be the first to be co-hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In total, 16 cities will host matches, with 11 in the USA, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The final will be played on July 19th, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Qualifying process for the World Cup 26 will begin in 2023, with 211 teams competing for the 46 available spots. Host nations will automatically qualify, while the remaining 45 places will be allocated among the six continental confederations
The World Cup 26 promises to be a spectacular event, full of excitement, passion, and drama. Fans from all over the world will be able to witness the best of football, as the stars of today and tomorrow will showcase their skills and talent on the global stage.
