The FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, is now less than six months away. FIFA has already released the complete match schedule, tournament format, venues, and key details for the 39-day global event.
Co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring an expanded lineup of 48 teams, up from the traditional 32. A total of 104 matches will take place across 16 venues in the three host countries, making it the most extensive and logistically ambitious World Cup ever organized.
Reigning champions Argentina will enter the competition seeking to defend the title they claimed at Qatar 2022 under the leadership of Lionel Messi. At 38 years old, Messi will aim for a historic achievement, as a successful title defense would make Argentina only the third nation—after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962)—to win back-to-back World Cups. Notably, both Italy and Brazil achieved the feat while lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy, meaning Argentina could become the first team to retain the current FIFA World Cup Trophy, in use since 1974.
The 2026 tournament will also feature World Cup debuts for Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, reflecting FIFA’s ongoing efforts to increase global representation and inclusivity as the competition enters a new era. Fans worldwide can look forward to an expanded, action-packed spectacle that promises new records, thrilling matches, and historic moments.
