What the 2026 World Cup Brings

To the rhythm of Shakira’s now-famous song “Dai Dai,” the 2026 World Cup kicks off today and runs until July 19th. This tournament will mark a milestone by becoming the largest in the event’s history. For the first time, the competition will feature 48 teams and a total of 104 matches.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada will host this historic edition. The opening match will be played at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. While the grand final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside of New York City.

Also the tournament begins with the match between Mexico and South Africa, corresponding to Group A. South Korea and the Czech Republic will also face off today in Guadalajara.

Among the most anticipated debuts of the group stage are:

United States vs. Paraguay (June 12, Los Angeles)

Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13, New York/New Jersey)

Spain vs. Cape Verde (June 15, Atlanta)

Argentina vs. Algeria (June 16, Kansas City)

Portugal vs. DR Congo (June 17, Houston)

Colombia vs. Uzbekistan (June 17, Mexico City)

Other notable matches include Uruguay vs. Spain (June 26, Guadalajara), Colombia vs. Portugal (June 27, Miami), and England vs. Croatia (June 17, Dallas).

New World Cup Format

This edition will debut an expanded format with 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group. Along with the eight best third-place finishers, will qualify for the Round of 32.

From that stage, the knockout rounds will begin until the champion is crowned.

Knockout Stage

Round of 32: from June 28

Round of 16: from July 4

Quarterfinals: July 9-12

Semifinals: July 14-15 (Dallas and Atlanta)

Third Place Match: July 18 (Miami)

Final: July 19 (New Jersey)

2026 World Cup Groups

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic

Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

The United States will host the most matches, with venues in cities. Such as Miami, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Boston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, and New York/New Jersey.

Mexico will host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. While Canada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver.

FIFA anticipates record attendance and viewership figures. Due to the increased number of teams and matches in this unprecedented edition.

By: Miguel David Bruzón Hernández