The World Cup kicks off one year from now and will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 23rd edition of soccer’s most prestigious tournament, which has been running since 1930, will be the biggest yet with 48 teams taking part.
Here’s what to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
When is the 2026 World Cup
The tournament will be played through June and July. It kicks off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, with the final held July 19 at MetLife Stadium, which will be referred to as the New York New Jersey Stadium during FIFA’s tournament.
How to get tickets for the 2026 World Cup
Fans can register their interest in tickets through FIFA.
Who will play in the 2026 World Cup
So far, more than a dozen countries have booked their place in the 48-team tournament, including co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as defending champion Argentina.
Japan, Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Ecuador are also through.
Sixteen teams will qualify from Europe — more than any other region.
Africa will have nine teams and Asia eight, with both also getting a place in the playoffs.
South America will have six teams qualifying directly and a playoff place. North and Central America and the Caribbean will also have six direct qualifiers and two playoff places.
Oceania will only have one direct qualifier and a playoff place.
Which cities will be hosting the 2026 World Cup
The United States will host games in Arlington, Texas; Atlanta; East Rutherford, New Jersey; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Houston; Inglewood, California; Kansas City, Missouri; Miami Gardens, Florida; Philadelphia, Seattle; and San Jose, California.
Two Canadian cities will have World Cup games: Toronto and Vancouver, British Columbia.
In Mexico, games will be played in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City.
What is the format of the 2026 World Cup
The tournament will follow the same format as in recent years, just with a bigger field.
There will be 12 groups of four teams. The teams in each group play each other and the top two will advance to a knockout stage. The eight best third-place teams will also advance.
The knockouts will be played from the round of 32 to the final.
Who won the last World Cup?
The previous World Cup was held in 2022 at Qatar, where Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout in the final.
Which country has won the most World Cup titles?
Brazil holds that record, having won the tournament five times: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Germany and Italy have each won four titles. Argentina has three.
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What to know about the 2026 World Cup one year out
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What to know about the 2026 World Cup one year out
- The World Cup kicks off one year from now and will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico
- The 23rd edition of soccer’s most prestigious tournament, which has been running since 1930
Pakistan promise final flourish as they await T20 World Cup fate
PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka: Fast bowler Salman Mirza vowed on Friday that Pakistan will finish the Super Eights with a flourish against already-eliminated Sri Lanka, whether or not they still have hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Pakistan need England to beat New Zealand handsomely in Colombo on Friday and then post a big victory of their own against Sri Lanka on Saturday to sneak into the final four on net run rate.
A New Zealand win will end Pakistan’s hopes, rendering the Sri Lanka clash in Kandy meaningless in terms of the tournament.
“It’s a critical situation as reaching the semifinal is not in our control,” Mirza told reporters
“But if we reach the semifinal we have the capability to do better,” Mirza said.
Pakistan’s campaign started on a nervy note with a three-wicket win in a thrilling last-over finish against the Netherlands before overcoming the United States and Namibia.
In between they lost heavily to India in a highly anticipated clash in Colombo.
Pakistan’s first Super Eight match against New Zealand was washed out in Colombo before they lost to England and Harry Brook’s sparkling century in Kandy on Tuesday.
“We needed to win the match against England and that defeat has given us this position,” said Mirza.
After Brook was dismissed near the end of England’s run chase, Pakistan hit back with two wickets in the penultimate over.
Mirza bowled the final over with three runs to defend and two wickets to take for victory but Jofra Archer hit the first ball for four.
“I had the opportunity to become a hero in the final over, but I couldn’t grab that one,” said Mirza.
“Such opportunities do not come your way every day. Had I taken two wickets we would have won that match, but it was not to be.”
sh/dh
Pakistan need England to beat New Zealand handsomely in Colombo on Friday and then post a big victory of their own against Sri Lanka on Saturday to sneak into the final four on net run rate.
A New Zealand win will end Pakistan’s hopes, rendering the Sri Lanka clash in Kandy meaningless in terms of the tournament.
“It’s a critical situation as reaching the semifinal is not in our control,” Mirza told reporters
“But if we reach the semifinal we have the capability to do better,” Mirza said.
Pakistan’s campaign started on a nervy note with a three-wicket win in a thrilling last-over finish against the Netherlands before overcoming the United States and Namibia.
In between they lost heavily to India in a highly anticipated clash in Colombo.
Pakistan’s first Super Eight match against New Zealand was washed out in Colombo before they lost to England and Harry Brook’s sparkling century in Kandy on Tuesday.
“We needed to win the match against England and that defeat has given us this position,” said Mirza.
After Brook was dismissed near the end of England’s run chase, Pakistan hit back with two wickets in the penultimate over.
Mirza bowled the final over with three runs to defend and two wickets to take for victory but Jofra Archer hit the first ball for four.
“I had the opportunity to become a hero in the final over, but I couldn’t grab that one,” said Mirza.
“Such opportunities do not come your way every day. Had I taken two wickets we would have won that match, but it was not to be.”
sh/dh
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