The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be unlike anything the soccer world has ever seen, so an early preview was needed to allow every fan to enjoy this year-long party. Hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this edition will feature a record-breaking 48 teams competing over 39 days and 104 matches.
Early 2026 World Cup preview
Scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s historic Estadio Azteca, the tournament will conclude with the final in MetLife Stadium. This marks the first time three nations co-host a World Cup, bringing together top-tier stadiums and immense soccer passion.
For Mexico, it’s a special milestone. The Estadio Azteca will make history by hosting its third World Cup opening match, having previously welcomed the world in 1970 and 1986.
Meanwhile, Canada embarks on its first men’s World Cup hosting journey. The United States will stage the majority of matches in iconic venues across 11 cities. This includes New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
The tournament’s format has also evolved. FIFA scrapped the controversial idea of 16 groups of three and instead opted for 12 groups of four teams. This structure guarantees each team at least three matches. It also introduces a new round of 32, ensuring a more competitive and engaging knockout stage.
Predictions, expectations, and storylines
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, several powerhouse nations are emerging as early favorites. Defending champions Argentina, led by veteran Leo Messi in what could be his farewell tournament, will look to retain their crown.
France, boasting the firepower of Kylian Mbappé, enters as a consistent contender, while Euro 2024 winners Spain have reignited belief in their golden generation. Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo potentially making his final appearance, and Brazil, guided by new head coach Carlo Ancelotti, round out a formidable top five.
Yet, the biggest storylines extend beyond the favorites. Host nation Canada is being tipped as a dark horse thanks to a dynamic, youthful squad. All eyes will also be on whether Erling Haaland can carry Norway to their first knockout run. Also, if the U.S. Men’s National Team, under Mauricio Pochettino, can finally deliver on home soil.
Match schedules: 2026 World Cup preview for traveling fans
The 2026 World Cup will span over five weeks:
- 🎟️ Group Stage: June 11–27
- ⚔️ Round of 32: June 28–July 3
- 💥 Round of 16: July 4–8
- 🎯 Quarter-Finals: July 9–11
- 🚀 Semi-Finals: July 14–15
- 🥉 Third Place Match: July 18
- 🏆 Final: July 19
With rest days interspersed between rounds, the schedule allows for recovery, travel, and preparation, ensuring peak performance from players. Including more matches and teams, fans can expect an expanded celebration of global soccer like never before.
When will tickets go on sale for the 2026 World Cup?
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are expected to be released around mid-November 2025. By that time, most teams will have secured their qualification, giving fans a clearer idea of which countries to follow and where. The anticipation will grow rapidly as the official draw nears, and with three host nations, demand for tickets will be unprecedented.
Although November will reveal a large portion of the field, the final window for qualification runs through March 2026. This includes the critical intercontinental play-offs, which will decide the remaining slots. By April, nearly all 48 participating nations will be confirmed, setting the stage for the final preparations.
As the world turns its eyes to North America, excitement and expectations are already surging ahead of what promises to be the most spectacular World Cup in history.