TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The long wait is finally over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, bringing the world's biggest football tournament to North America for more than a month of action.
This year's edition promises to be one of the most historic World Cups yet as it marks the first men's FIFA World Cup held in the United States since 1994 and the first ever to be tri-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Whether you are planning to catch every single match, traveling to a host city, or still hunting for tickets, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Where and When Is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with the opening match scheduled at Mexico City's historic Estadio Azteca. The tournament will feature a record 48 teams competing across 104 matches, making it the largest edition of the World Cup ever staged.
The tournament's final stages will unfold throughout July, with the high-stakes semifinals splitting time between AT&T Stadium in Arlington and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The third-place playoff of the 2026 World Cup will be held on July 18 in Miami Gardens, before the championship match takes center stage on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
What Cities Host the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be staged across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With an expanded 104-match slate, fans following the 2026 World Cup full schedule dates can expect action across some of North America's most iconic stadiums.
The United States will host the majority of the tournament's matches, with games taking place in 11 cities, including Arlington, Atlanta, Houston, Miami Gardens, Philadelphia, Seattle, and East Rutherford. Additional venues are located in Kansas City, Foxborough, Santa Clara, and Inglewood.
Meanwhile, Mexico will welcome fans to matches in Mexico City, Zapopan, and Guadalupe, while Canada's host cities are Vancouver and Toronto.
How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Viewers in the United States will be able to watch all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through Fox Sports. English-language broadcasts will be split between Fox and FS1, with every match also available for streaming on Fox One. For Spanish-speaking audiences, most matches will air on Telemundo, while the remaining simultaneous group-stage finales will be shown on Universo.
What’s New for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
In addition to the expanded tournament format, several rule adjustments will be introduced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to improve game flow and protect player welfare.
Every match will include a mandatory three-minute hydration break midway through each half, giving players an opportunity to recover during hot weather conditions.
New time-management measures will also require players to restart play more quickly during throw-ins and goal kicks, while substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds. Athletes who receive on-field medical treatment will generally be required to remain off the pitch for one minute before returning, except in cases involving cardable offenses.
According to Yahoo! Sport, referee interactions will be more tightly controlled, with only team captains permitted to approach officials to question decisions.
Which Players to Look Out for at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Several of football's biggest stars are expected to headline the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including veterans chasing history and emerging talents looking to make their mark on the sport's grandest stage.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first men's players to appear in six World Cup tournaments.
Croatia's Luka Modri is also aiming for a fifth World Cup appearance. The veteran midfielder guided Croatia to the 2018 final and a third-place finish in 2022, further cementing his legacy as one of the tournament's standout performers.
Among the current generation, France's Ousmane Dembélé arrives as the reigning Ballon d'Or winner following prolific seasons at club level. All eyes will also be on Spain's teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, who enters the tournament fresh off a breathtaking breakthrough year stacked with major domestic and international trophies.
Read: Shakira Energizes 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony With 'Dai Dai'
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