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.
What to know about the 2026 World Cup one year out
https://arab.news/yhbgu
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
Saudi Olympian Husein Alireza appointed to IOC Athletes’ Commission
- Rower competed in single sculls event at 2020 Games in Tokyo
- ‘I’m grateful for the trust, inspired by the responsibility,’ he says
JEDDAH: Pioneering Saudi rower Husein Alireza, who competed at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, has been appointed to the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission.
Alireza, who reached the quarterfinals of the single sculls event, joins a select group of representatives from around the world tasked with shaping athlete-focused policies and strengthening the voice of competitors within the Olympic Movement.
“I’m grateful for the trust, inspired by the responsibility,” he said of the appointment, which was confirmed by IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
“This group shapes policy, protects the rights of athletes and plays a vital role in influencing the future of global sport. I look forward to doing my part and serving the movement that shaped my life.”
Alireza said his decision to seek the role was influenced by his experience of building a sport from the ground up in Saudi Arabia.
He played a central role in establishing rowing in the Kingdom at a time when the sport had no formal presence, with a small group of athletes taking responsibility for everything from securing funding and equipment to engaging with ministries, visiting schools and laying the foundations for a national program.
“That experience gave me a hands-on understanding of the entire athlete pathway, from grassroots challenges to governance decisions,” he said.
“Many athletes around the world share those same struggles for opportunity and recognition. I want to make sure their realities and their voices help shape the future of sport.”
Building a sport from the ground up had taught him the importance of athlete advocacy, he said.
“When athletes are included in leadership, development accelerates, systems become more responsive and policy moves beyond protection toward genuine empowerment.”
Alireza’s appointment follows consultations with Emma Terho, chair of the Athletes’ Commission, and reflects the IOC’s confidence in his leadership, professionalism and commitment to athlete representation. He already serves on the athletes’ commissions of the Saudi Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia.
In his new role, Alireza will contribute to shaping the global athlete experience within the Olympic Movement.
The scope of his responsibilities will be clarified in the coming months, including during the commission’s first meeting at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February, when strategic priorities and future initiatives will be set.
