When and where is the 2026 World Cup? What is the format?
It has been confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will see 104 games played, up from the original 80, as 12 groups of four teams in each will be the format.
It has also been confirmed that the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey with the full game schedule released as the opener will be in Mexico City at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
Following the FIFA Council meeting ahead of the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, it was agreed that the number of games for the 2026 World Cup would increase and the format would change from the previous format of 16 groups of three teams.
[ MORE: Live USMNT, USWNT games en Espanol en Peacock ]
The top two teams from each group will go through, with the eight best third-place teams also advancing to the Round of 32.
Below is everything you need to know for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
What is the 2026 World Cup schedule?
The full schedule for the 2026 World Cup can be seen in the graphic below and here are some noticeable takeaways:
- The USMNT will play their group stage games in LA, Seattle and then LA again.
- The opening game of the tournament will see Mexico play their opening group stage game on June 11 at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium
- Canada will play their opening group game in Toronto
- There will be a last 16 game in Philadelphia on July 4th, 2026 which is the 250th anniversary of Independence Day
Where will the 2026 World Cup take place?
The 2026 World Cup will take place in three North American countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This will be the first time that the tournament is hosted by three different nations and it will be the very first time that the event will be contested in Canada. There will be a total of 16 venues used as host cities for the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. will have 11, Canada will have 2, and Mexico will have 3.
Additionally, the 2026 World Cup will debut an expanded format featuring 48 teams--as opposed to 32--split into 12 groups of 4.
2026 World Cup host cities
USA (11)
Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Boston – Gillette Stadium
Dallas – AT&T Stadium
Houston – NRG Stadium
Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium
Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium
Miami – Hard Rock Stadium
New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium
Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field
San Francisco – Levi’s Stadium
Seattle – Lumen Field
Canada (2)
Toronto – BMO Field
Vancouver – BC Place
Mexico (3)
Guadalajara – Estadio Akron
Mexico City – Estadio Azteca
Monterrey – Estadio BBVA
When is the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 8 through July 3.
How to watch the 2026 World Cup:
*All times are listed as ET
When: June 8 through July 3, 2026
Location: USA, Canada, Mexico
TV channel in English: Fox
TV channels en Español: Telemundo, Universo, Peacock
Follow along with ProSoccerTalk for the latest news, storylines, and updates surrounding the 2026 World Cup!
