Countdown to the 2026 North American World Cup Officially Begins
As the new year begins, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup enter a crucial phase. This tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, becoming the largest World Cup in history.
Tournament Overview
This World Cup is the first to be co-hosted by three nations, involving 16 host cities: 11 in the U.S., 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. The total number of matches will reach 104, 40 more than the previous edition. The opening match will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, while the final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. This is the first time North America has hosted the event since the 1994 World Cup in the USA.
Format and Team Changes
The World Cup will expand to 48 teams for the first time, divided into 12 groups of 4. After the group stage, the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a 32-team knockout stage. 42 teams have already been placed into groups, with the remaining 6 spots to be decided through playoffs. Newcomers to the finals include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. The host nations—USA, Mexico, and Canada—have automatically qualified.
Spain’s Prospects
After winning Euro 2024, the Spanish national team currently holds the top spot in the FIFA rankings and boasts a 30-match unbeaten streak. The team’s group stage opponents are Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, with their first match against Cape Verde on June 15. With a squad blending youth and experience, Spain is considered one of the top contenders for this tournament’s title. The team will further test its strength in a ‘Finalissima’ friendly match against Argentina in March.
Historical Significance
This World Cup is not only the largest in scale but also sets several firsts: three host nations, 48 participating teams, and the longest tournament duration at 39 days. The last World Cup held in North America was the 1994 USA World Cup, where Brazil defeated Italy to win the title. The 2026 event is expected to attract global attention and further promote the growth of football in the North American region.
