The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest edition of the tournament in football history. For the first time, three countries are jointly hosting the competition, and the tournament has expanded from 32 to 48 participating nations.
The host countries
The tournament is being hosted by:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Matches are being played across 16 host cities, making it the first World Cup to be shared by three nations.
Number of countries participating
A total of 48 countries qualified for the tournament, an increase from the previous 32-team format. The teams are divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams progressing to the knockout stage.
This expansion means:
- More matches (104 in total)
- Greater continental representation
- More opportunities for emerging football nations to participate.
Opening ceremony
The World Cup officially kicked off in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca. The opening ceremony featured performances from global music stars including Shakira, J Balvin, Maná, Andrea Bocelli, Tyla and others, celebrating the cultures of the three host nations and football’s global appeal.
Things the FIFA World Cup does for host nations and the world
1. Boosts tourism
Millions of visitors travel to host cities, filling hotels, restaurants, transport systems and tourist attractions. This generates significant revenue for local economies.
2. Creates jobs
The tournament creates thousands of temporary and permanent jobs in construction, hospitality, security, media, transportation and event management.
3. Improves infrastructure
Host countries invest heavily in stadiums, roads, airports, rail systems and public facilities, leaving long-term benefits for residents.
4. Encourages global visibility
The World Cup places host countries before a global audience of billions, strengthening their international image and attracting future investors and tourists.
5. Promotes cultural exchange
Fans from different nations interact, share traditions and build connections, making the tournament a celebration of diversity.
6. Stimulates business growth
Local businesses, especially those in hospitality, retail, entertainment and transportation, experience increased demand during the competition.
7. Inspires sports development
The tournament encourages young people to participate in football and sports generally, leading to greater investment in grassroots development and talent discovery.
A tournament of firsts:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is historic because it is:
- The first World Cup is being hosted by three countries.
- The first men’s World Cup with 48 teams.
- The largest World Cup ever, featuring 104 matches across 39 days.
- The first World Cup where Mexico hosts matches for a third time.
As the tournament unfolds, it is expected to attract billions of viewers worldwide, reinforcing football’s status as the world’s most popular sport.