FIFA 48 TEAMS, ONE DREAM The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts now — across USA, Canada & Mexico.
The longest wait in football history is finally over. Today, the eyes of the world turn to North America as the FIFA World Cup 2026 explodes into life with a spectacular opening ceremony and the first matches of an unprecedented 48-team tournament.
For the first time ever, 48 nations will chase the same dream – to lift the iconic gold trophy. And for the first time, three nations unite as hosts: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From the bright lights of Los Angeles to the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the beautiful game has found a new home.
A New Era: How the Expanded Format Changes Everything
Gone is the traditional 32-team group stage. In its place, 16 groups of three teams will battle for a place in the knockout rounds. The top two from each group advance to a 32-team Round of 32 – meaning more nations, more stories, and more drama than ever before.
Over the next 39 days, 104 matches will be played across 16 magnificent stadiums – from the climate-controlled comfort of AT&T Stadium in Dallas to the natural grass of BC Place in Vancouver. The final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where one captain will hoist the trophy and 47 others will dream of what could have been.
TODAY'S OPENING FIXTURES
STARS READY TO SHINE
With 48 teams comes a galaxy of talent. Defending champions Argentina (winners in 2022) still boast the legendary Lionel Messi, now 39 but still mesmerizing. European powerhouses France, England, and Germany have reloaded with youth. And debutants like Indonesia, Mali, and returning nations (Costa Rica) are ready to shock the world.
