FIFA World Cup 2026

Starting with this edition, the FIFA World Cup will expand to 48 teams, an increase of 16. The total number of matches played will increase from 64 to 104. The tournament will last 39 days.

Mexico will become the first country to host or co-host the men’s World Cup three times. The United States last hosted the men’s World Cup in 1994, while it will be the first time for Canada to host or co-host the men’s tournament.

Out of the 48 participating countries, 16 will come from Europe. The qualifications will begin on March 25, 2025, and the European countries will be divided into 12 groups. The country that finishes first in each group will qualify directly. Prominent European football nations such as France, Spain, England, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Belgium are seeded.