FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off: 48 teams, 3 host nations
June 10, 2026 · By yayscore Newsroom
Updated:
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The biggest World Cup in history begins across the USA, Canada and Mexico with 48 nations and a brand new format.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest in the tournament's history. For the first time, 48 national teams will compete, split across 12 groups of four, with the top two and the eight best third-placed sides advancing to a new round of 32.
Three nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — share hosting duties, spreading matches across 16 host cities and some of the most iconic stadiums in world football.
Organizers expect record-breaking attendance and global viewership. Expanded squad sizes, new rest-day rules and modern VAR protocols are all part of FIFA's push to deliver the most spectacular edition yet.
For fans, this means more games, more storylines, and more chances to see emerging nations take on the traditional powerhouses on the world's biggest stage.