FIFA World Cup
SportsBoom delivers everything you need to know ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026!
FIFA World Cup: History, News, and Format
The kings table of international football is once again on the proverbial horizon. A truly global audience sees its collective attention turned to the spectacle every four years, and 2026 will be no different.
From it beginning in 1930 through to the evolution it now holds, the tournament truly is the ultimate prize in team sport.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Host Countries, Dates and Overview
The 2026 edition will be the first showpiece hosted by three nations simultaneously. The United States, Canada and Mexico will all host the tournament which sees its return to North America since the early 1990s.
Here are all the details you need to know ahead of the event:
- Host Nation: United States, Mexico and Canada
- Dates: June – July 2026 (exact dates TBC)
- Number of Teams: Another historic change, the tournament will now host 48 national teams.
- Number of Matches: 104
FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams and Star Players
Many teams have already booked their spot in the tournament through their regional competitions, but final groupings will be confirmed after the official draw. Some nations who have already booked their spot include Argentina – with many hoping to see Lionel Messi return to the grandest stage of them all.
England will likely see many young players making their debut at the World Cup, with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane leading the next generation of lions to international glory. Spain is in a similar position, with Lamine Yamal dominating the conversation for young players flying the Spanish flag.
FIFA World Cup: Format and Match Schedule
48 teams will be grouped into 12 groups of 4 teams. The format will see the top two teams in each group, along with 8 of the best third-placed finishers, advance to the Round of 32.
From the round of 32 knockouts commence going to a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final.
FIFA World Cup: Venues in 2026
Games will be played across 16 cities in the three host nations.
United States:
11 cities across the entire country, from New York to Miami and everything in between.
Mexico:
Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterry will host games in Mexico.
Canada:
Toronto and Vancouver will host games for the Canadians.
The FIFA World Cup final is set to be held in New York City at MetLife Stadium.
FIFA World Cup: Records and Past Winners
Brazil holds the record for the greatest number of titles, winning the World Cup on five different occasions. Argentina are the current defending champions, while France, Germany and Spain are the most recent winners in 2018, 2014 and 2010 respectively.
Another notable title belongs to Pele, who is the youngest player to win a FIFA World Cup. The Brazilian lifted the coveted title in 1958 at just 17 years old.
FIFA World Cup: Latest News and Highlights
Again, this is the biggest edition of the tournament. 48 teams will compete across three nations in 104 matches to attain international glory. FIFA has confirmed that VAR and semi-automated offsides will be enhanced for 2026.
We suggest keeping an eye on FIFA’s official website for all the latest updates and announcements.
FIFA World Cup: Fun Facts and Trivia
- The Indian football side qualified for the 1950 World Cup but later withdrew over a dispute of FIFA’s footwear rules!
- Who could forget Paul the Octopus, who in 2010 became a viral sensation for accurately predicting the outcomes of matches.
Above this, the final between France and Argentina in 2022 is often considered the greatest final the tournament has ever had – and we firmly agree!
FIFA World Cup: Final Thoughts
The North American edition next year promises to be the biggest event in history to date. With more teams comes more excitement and varied outcomes. The football word is bracing for a spectacle of excitement and passion. With the countdown well and truly underway, all eyes will no doubt turn north at the turn of the year.