FOr just the second time in 95 years of history, the most watched event in football and the sought -after trophy will be disputed on American soil; The FIFA World Cup.
During 39 days, the United States, Canada and Mexico welcome 45 other countries, all in competition for the greatest football price. Anticipation is high, so much so that President Donald Trump establishes a dedicated working group.
“This important event, which takes place on the capital's 250th anniversary of our country, presents an opportunity to present the pride and hospitality of the country, while promoting economic growth and tourism through sport”, ” said Trump via a White House opinion Posted on March 7. “My administration will support preparations through a coordinated government effort.”
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 World Cup:
Where and when does the 2026 World Cup take place?
From June 11 to July 19 2026, around 104 games will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada. There will be 16 host cities, including 11 in the United States each match from the scene in the quarter-final and will take place in the United States, with the big final set to play at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey.
The other American host cities include Dallas, Kansas City, Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle, Miami and Santa Clara in the Bay region.
How to watch the 2026 World Cup
For American viewers, the 2026 World Cup will be broadcast Renard SportsWith a Spanish language cover also available on Telemundo.
It has not yet been confirmed if there will be other visualization options for the 2026 World Cup matches. However, for the 2022 World Cup, those who have subscriptions to streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV could look corresponds to these platforms. Fox Sports too provided Full match replays on its free streaming service, Tubi.
What teams will be at the 2026 World Cup?
This edition of the World Cup will be the first to include 48 countries, an increase of 32 that has played each tournament since 1998.
As hosts, the United States, Canada and Mexico automatically qualified for the tournament. Other countries must compete in qualifications Against nations of the same continent, followed by certain intercontinental qualifiers for certain countries.
Iran, Japan, New Zealand and the defending champions of Argentina have all obtained their place in the tournament. The complete program will be finalized once the qualifications in March of next year.
How does the tournament work?
As mentioned, this is the first time that 48 countries will participate in the World Cup, so the format has been slightly changed compared to previous editions. The tournament begins with a group phase, with teams divided into 12 groups of four.
The teams will play all the other countries in their group once, the first two among the first. Among the teams that finish the 3rd of each group, the eight best teams depending on their total points will also have passed.
This leaves 32 teams in the competition, which enter the tournament’s direct elimination phase, to the final on July 19.
Who are the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup?
Chances may change over the next 12 months, but there are already frontrunners to lift the trophy in New Jersey.
The current Champions of Argentina, with their star Man Lionel Messi, will seek to keep their status as world champion by winning consecutive tournaments, something final by Brazil in 1962.
Brazil themselves is also candidates for the 2026 World Cup, winning the competition for the last time in 2002. Despite the disappointment in recent tournaments, Brazil is still the most successful nation in the history of the World Cup with five titles.
Meanwhile, the European championship last year saw Spain beat England 2-1 in the final, with the superstar of Spanish adolescence Lamine Yamal shone throughout the tournament. The two nations will argue in 2026 to reach similar heights.
France has a starred team with strong depth and fascinating young players. Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé hopes to direct the line of France, this time without mask.
And 2026 will probably prove to be the last opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo to get his hands on the major trophy that escaped him. The Portuguese striker is considered one of the best in football of all time, but he will be 41 years old when the World Cup starts next June.
The American male football team will also seek to use home advantage to improve their performance at the 2022 World Cup, in which they reached the first round of the direct elimination phase.
What exactly is the working group of the World Cup of President Trump in 2026?
The president has describe The World Cup of next year as “the biggest sporting event in history” and, as such, has appointed a specific working group for the tournament.
The envisaged working group will support host cities with logistical efforts, as Each location awaits To receive 450,000 visitors and an influx of a net impact estimated at $ 480 million in tourism trade.
It is Not the first time that a president organized a federal working group to help coordinate an international sporting event. President Bill Clinton brought together similar agencies for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games from Salt Lake City, both formed about three years before the respective games start.
What should we seek else?
If you hope for more than one Super Bowl style show in the World Cup final on July 19, then you're lucky. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, announcement that a part-time show will be presented during the final with Cohole confirmed to direct performance.
And if you want to have an idea of tournament football a year earlier, the United States will organize FIFA Club World Cup This summer. The 32 team tournament will feature clubs around the world, playing in 10 different sites across the country, the final also played at Metlife Stadium. Trump's working group “will also help planning, organizing and executing events” surrounding the 2025 tournament.
Some of the best players in the world appearing for the next summer World Cup will play in the United States this year, including Messi in Argentina, who is Inter Miami captain.
