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The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match. The tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, features 16 host cities across three nations.
Co-hosts USA face Paraguay in their Group D opener at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12. The match marks the second World Cup on American soil and a historic reunion of teams that met in the 1930 tournament.
South Africa have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010, ending a 16-year drought. The Bafana Bafana will compete in their fourth World Cup in 2026, aiming to advance past the group stage for the first time.
Mexico prepares for its 18th World Cup as co-host in 2026, aiming to surpass its quarterfinal finishes from 1970 and 1986. Coach Javier Aguirre, a veteran of the 1986 team, leads a squad featuring veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and 17-year-old prodigy Gilberto Mora.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin expresses confidence ahead of their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance. He highlights the team's blend of experience, discipline, and unity as key strengths to compete with top sides.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, recovered from a stress fracture, is set to make his World Cup debut at age 30. He discusses his injury battle, Spain's status as tournament favorites, and the balance between nerves and experience.
The 2026 World Cup will introduce several rule changes, including 48 teams, 16 groups of three, and a new knockout format. Other adjustments involve squad sizes, substitution rules, and potential VAR modifications.
Brazil, England and Spain face lower-ranked opponents in the 2026 World Cup group stage, with ranking gaps of up to 77 places. History shows rankings guarantee nothing, as past upsets like Saudi Arabia vs Argentina prove.
BBC pundits have shared their predictions for the 2026 World Cup, including the likely winner, potential surprise teams, and the prospects for England and Scotland.
FIFA highlights 10 top contenders for the adidas Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup, which features 40 more matches than previous editions. Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Lionel Messi lead the list of favorites.
Of the 1,248 players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 22 have previously won the trophy. Germany, France, and Argentina are the only past champions represented, with Argentina leading with 17 returning players from their 2022 victory.
Alanis Morissette and Aleksandar Gajić will perform national anthems at Canada's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 opener. Will Arnett joins as ambassador, with additional performances by Alessia Cara, Michael Bublé, and others.
Dan + Shay and Purahei Soul will perform national anthems at the opening match in Los Angeles. Jason Sudeikis joins as FIFA Ambassador, with Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla also appearing.
Cabo Verde defender Stopira, 38, reflects on his nickname, his journey from street football to the World Cup, and his belief that the Blue Sharks can surprise in Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
FIFA.com will provide extensive coverage of the 2026 World Cup, including highlights, live blogs, interviews, fantasy games, and the new FIFA Power Rankings. Fans can follow all 104 matches from Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
USA midfielder Sebastian Berhalter reads a heartfelt letter from his father and former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter as part of FIFA's 'Letters that Unite' series. The emotional moment highlights their bond through football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Visa problems faced by Iranian nationals over the weekend underscore the strained relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Trump administration. Despite Infantino's overtures, the U.S. has provided minimal assistance ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Social media posts alleging Western media are ignoring issues around the 2026 World Cup are contradicted by ongoing coverage from major outlets. Analysts suggest the posts may be part of a coordinated campaign.
FIFA is breaking its own precedent by allowing the 2026 World Cup to proceed in a host nation facing visa controversies and political tensions, marking the first time such issues have occurred at a modern tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, faces criticism over its expanded 48-team format, logistical challenges, player welfare, and environmental costs. Concerns include reduced match quality, extreme travel distances, and high infrastructure expenses.
