The World Cup is not just a tournament; it's the pinnacle of global football, a celebration of sportsmanship and culture attracting millions of fans worldwide. The 2022 World Cup, held in Qatar, saw over three million attendees, highlighting just how significant these events are to football enthusiasts.

Fast forward to 2026, and we are poised for a historic edition of the tournament. For the first time, the World Cup will be co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This revolutionary setup promises a thrilling experience with 48 teams competing, an increase from 32 in 2022, resulting in 104 matches—the most in World Cup history!

When and Where Will the Matches Be Held?

Mark your calendars! The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11, at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with the final showdown set for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just a stone's throw from New York City.

This edition showcases a total of 16 host cities, with Mexico and Canada each hosting 13 matches. Here’s the lineup:

USA: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. Canada: Vancouver and Toronto.

It’s been 32 years since the World Cup graced North America, with the U.S. as the sole host back in 1994.

Controversies Surrounding Ticket Sales

As excitement builds, FIFA has released warnings to fans about purchasing tickets from unofficial channels. Several unauthorized resale sites are already promoting speculative sales for the 2026 matches, generating concern among football authorities. FIFA has affirmed its right to cancel tickets bought through these unofficial platforms, emphasizing that the only way to access authentic tickets will be through their official website, FIFA.com/tickets.

Priority Access Now Available!

Currently, fans can purchase priority access to hospitality packages until February 16, 2024. To secure one of these packages, a fully refundable deposit starting at $500 is required. This deposit applies towards the package price, and it’s crucial for each attendee. Following the conclusion of this priority window, fans will have the opportunity to choose specific matches or follow their favorite teams through a “conversion window.”

For those who don’t opt for a priority access deposit, general hospitality packages will be available once the conversion window closes. FIFA’s hospitality partner, On Location, will announce authorized sales agents as the tournament approaches.

When Will General-Release Tickets Be Available?

General ticket sales will launch after the conclusion of the 2025 Club World Cup, taking place in the U.S. The final of this exciting tournament is set for July 13, 2025, also at MetLife Stadium.

Which Teams Will Participate?

While the host nations are set, the full roster of competing teams is yet to be determined. Qualification processes vary by region. Here’s a breakdown of how many teams will be represented from each confederation:

UEFA (Europe): 16 teams CAF (Africa): 9 teams plus 1 playoff spot AFC (Asia): 8 teams plus 1 playoff spot CONCACAF (North America/Central America/Caribbean): 3 teams plus the host nations and 2 playoff spots CONMEBOL (South America): 6 teams plus 1 playoff spot OFC (Oceania): 1 team plus 1 playoff spot

The last two slots will be filled through a playoff tournament involving six nations across five regions, ensuring a thrilling lead-up to the competition.

Don’t Miss Out!

With the anticipation building and preparations underway, the 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans around the globe. Make sure to keep an eye on ticket sales so you don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic event!