FIFA World Cup 2026™ – The Main Event

Tournament Overview

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, spanning 39 days of world-class football action. For the first time in history, three nations will co-host the tournament: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tri-nation partnership brings together 16 host cities across North America, creating a truly continental celebration of football.

The 48-Team Format Explained

Gone are the days of 32 teams competing in eight groups. The new format features:

• 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each
• The Top 2 teams from each group advance automatically (24 teams)
• 8 best third-place teams also qualify for the knockout rounds
• Total of 104 matches (up from 64 in previous tournaments)
• More opportunities for smaller nations to reach the knockout stages

This expansion means fans will enjoy 40 additional matches compared to previous World Cups, with games spread across three countries and multiple time zones.

The 16 Host Cities

Full Match Timeline

Teams, Groups & Favorites

Qualification Status

As host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualified for the tournament. The remaining 45 spots are being determined through continental qualification tournaments running through early 2026.

Expected Top Contenders

While football is famously unpredictable, several nations enter as favorites based on current form and historical success:

World Cup 2026 Qualifiers & Play-Offs

FIFA World Cup Play-Off Tournament

The final qualification spots will be decided in a dramatic six-day playoff tournament held in Mexico. Teams that narrowly missed automatic qualification will compete for the last remaining tickets to the World Cup. This tournament adds intense pressure and excitement as nations battle for their final chance at World Cup glory.

Format:

• Multiple matches over six days
• Win-or-go-home knockout format
• Final slots are determined just months before the tournament

Continental Qualifiers Overview

UEFA (Europe) Play-Offs – March 2026

European teams that finish in playoff positions during their qualification campaign will compete in March 2026 for the final European spots. The UEFA qualification system remains highly competitive, with traditional powerhouses and emerging nations fighting for limited places.

How Continental Qualification Works:

Each continent (UEFA, CONMEBOL, CAF, AFC, CONCACAF, OFC) receives a set number of automatic qualification spots based on historical performance and FIFA rankings. Teams compete within their continental confederations through:

• Group stage matches over 1 to 2 years
• Home and away fixtures
• Playoff rounds for borderline qualifiers
• Inter-confederation playoffs for final spots

Qualified Teams (Updated)

As qualification continues through early 2026, confirmed teams include the three automatic host qualifiers:

Additional qualified teams will be added as continental qualifications conclude through March 2026.

FIFA Women's Football Events in 2026

Women's World Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Throughout 2026, women's national teams across the globe will compete in qualification matches for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. These matches are scheduled during international windows and represent crucial opportunities for teams to secure their place in the next major women's tournament.

Qualification Windows in 2026:

• February international window
• April international window
• June international window
• September international window
• October international window

FIFA Women's Champions Cup™ (NEW)

The FIFA Women's Champions Cup represents a historic milestone for women's club football. This brand new competition will bring together elite women's club teams from around the world in a format similar to successful men's club tournaments.

Competition Purpose:

• Elevate women's club football globally
• Provide an international competition platform
• Increase commercial opportunities for women's clubs
• Showcase the world's best female players

Expected Format (To Be Announced)

While specific details are still being finalized, the tournament is expected to feature:

• Top clubs from major football confederations
• Knockout or group stage format
• Matches held at premier venues
• Significant prize money to support club development

FIFA will announce participating clubs, dates, and venues as the competition structure is finalized throughout 2026.

FIFA Youth Tournaments 2026 (Next Generation)

FIFA U-17 World Cup™ (Men's)

Beginning in 2025, the U-17 World Cup transitioned from a two-year cycle to an annual tournament. The 2026 edition in Qatar continues this new tradition, providing more frequent opportunities for young players to compete on the world stage.

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup™

Morocco will make history by hosting the U-17 Women's World Cup, marking a significant moment for both women's football and African football development. This tournament showcases the incredible talent emerging in youth women's football globally.

Development of Women's Football:

The U-17 Women's World Cup plays a crucial role in:

• Creating competitive opportunities for young female players
• Inspiring girls to pursue football seriously
• Demonstrating the technical quality of women's youth football
• Building a foundation for future Women's World Cup success

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup™

Poland will welcome the world's best young female footballers for the U-20 Women's World Cup in 2026. This age group represents players on the cusp of senior international careers, making the competition particularly compelling for scouts and fans alike.

What Makes This Edition Special:

• Showcases players likely to star in the 2027 Women's World Cup
• Bridge between youth and senior international football
• Features refined technical and tactical play
• High-intensity competitive environment

FIFA U-15 Youth Festival

FIFA introduced the U-15 Youth Festival as an innovative approach to youth development. Unlike traditional competitive tournaments, this festival emphasizes:

• Skill development over winning
• Cultural exchange between young players
• Introduction to international competition
• Long-term player development philosophy

Purpose & Future Impact:

The U-15 age group is critical for player development. The festival format allows FIFA to:

• Reach younger players earlier in development
• Test new competition formats
• Promote healthy approaches to youth sport
• Create positive first experiences with international football

FIFA Club Competitions in 2026

FIFA Women's Champions Cup™

The inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup in 2026 represents a watershed moment for women's club football. This competition fills a significant gap in the international football calendar by providing a genuine global championship for women's clubs.

How Clubs Qualify:

Specific qualification criteria are still being finalized, but the tournament is expected to include:

• Champions from top domestic leagues worldwide
• Top finishers from the strongest leagues
• Regional qualifying tournaments
• Invitation spots for developing football markets

FIFA Awards & Official Events

The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2026

The Best FIFA Football Awards celebrate individual excellence in football each year. The 2026 ceremony will honor outstanding achievements during the calendar year, including World Cup performances.

Categories & Nominations:

Importance for Players & Coaches:

These awards carry significant prestige in the football world. Recognition at The Best FIFA Football Awards:

• Acknowledges individual excellence
• Influences future career opportunities
• Impacts player marketability and endorsements
• Provides a historical record of the era's best players

76th FIFA Congress

The FIFA Congress brings together representatives from football associations worldwide to make major decisions affecting the sport's governance and future direction.

Major Decisions Expected:

• Updates on World Cup 2026 preparations
• Discussions about future tournament hosting
• Rule changes and competition format reviews
• Financial reporting and budget approvals
• Potential changes to the international match calendar

The Congress provides transparency and democratic decision-making in global football governance.

Tickets, Schedules & Official Updates

How to Buy World Cup Tickets Safely

Purchasing tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 requires careful attention to use only official channels. FIFA uses a specific ticket sales process to ensure fairness and prevent fraud.

Ticket Sales Timeline (Expected):

1. Registration Phase – Create FIFA account months before sales
2. First Sales Period – Priority access lottery system
3. Additional Sales Phases – Remaining ticket inventory
4. Last-Minute Sales – Final tickets near tournament dates

Avoiding Fake Ticket Scams

Ticket fraud increases around major sporting events. Protect yourself by being aware of common scams.

Safe Purchasing Practices:

• Only use FIFA's official website and authorized partners
• Verify seller legitimacy for hospitality packages
• Never send money through untraceable methods
• Document all communications and transactions
• Check FIFA's official scam warnings

If You Suspect Fraud:

1. Report to FIFA through official channels
2. Contact local authorities if payment is made
3. Warn others in the football communities
4. Do not attempt to purchase replacement tickets from similar sources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)