World Cup 2026 FAQ
Everything you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2026
How many teams are in FIFA World Cup 2026?›
FIFA World Cup 2026 features 48 teams for the first time, expanded from 32. The tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
When does the 2026 World Cup start?›
The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
How does the group stage work with 48 teams?›
48 teams are split into 12 groups of 4. The top 2 from each group plus the 8 best third-place teams advance to the Round of 32 — a new stage for 2026.
Which countries are hosting the 2026 World Cup?›
Three countries share hosting duties: the United States (11 venues), Canada (2 venues — Toronto and Vancouver), and Mexico (3 venues — Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey).
Which team has won the most World Cups?›
Brazil holds the record with 5 World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). Germany and Italy follow with 4 titles each.
Who are the favorites to win World Cup 2026?›
Based on current odds, Brazil (2.8x), France (3.5x), and Spain (4.0x) are the top favorites. Argentina as defending champions are at 7.0x.
Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?›
Lionel Messi, born June 24, 1987, will be 38 years old during the tournament. He has indicated interest in playing, but Argentina's squad selection is not yet finalized.
How many players can each team bring to the tournament?›
FIFA expanded squad sizes to 26 players for World Cup 2026 (up from 23). Each team can register a preliminary squad of 35 before finalizing 26.
Where is the 2026 World Cup final being held?›
The final takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on July 19, 2026. It seats over 82,000 people.
How many games will be played in total?›
With 48 teams, World Cup 2026 will have 104 matches in total, up from 64 in previous tournaments.