The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins this Thursday, June 11, marking the start of a historic edition that promises to transform the world’s most important soccer tournament forever.
For just over five weeks, millions of fans will follow a competition that, for the first time, will bring together 48 national teams and be held simultaneously across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The final is scheduled for July 19, following a journey of 104 matches, the highest number ever recorded in World Cup history.
The opening ceremony takes place at the legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a venue that once again occupies a privileged place in the history of world soccer. Beginning today, the planet turns its attention once more to a competition that combines tradition, historic rivalries, emerging powers, and some of the biggest stars of a generation that is possibly facing its final World Cup.
The wait is over: the 2026 World Cup kicks off
The main novelty of the 2026 World Cup is its expansion from 32 to 48 participating teams. It is the most significant change introduced by FIFA since France 1998, when the tournament expanded from 24 to 32 teams.
The new structure seeks to broaden global representation and provide opportunities for countries that historically struggled to qualify. As a result, the tournament will feature 104 matches, forty more than in Qatar 2022, and will last 39 days.
The 48 teams have been divided into twelve groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance directly to the knockout stage, joined by the eight best third-place finishers. This creates a new Round of 32, a stage that did not exist in previous editions.
For the first time in history, three nations are jointly hosting a World Cup. The United States, Mexico, and Canada share the responsibility of staging the tournament, taking advantage of an extensive network of stadiums and well-established infrastructure.
The United States will host the majority of the matches and will also stage the final. Mexico will host several key matches and makes history by becoming the first country to host opening matches for three different World Cups. Canada, meanwhile, reinforces its growing prominence in international soccer. In total, the competition will be played in 16 cities across North America.
More countries, new faces, and favorites
The increase in available spots has allowed teams making their World Cup debut to qualify. Among them are Uzbekistan, Jordan, Curaçao, and Cape Verde, reflecting the global expansion of soccer promoted by FIFA.
Countries with strong soccer traditions that were absent from recent tournaments have also returned, including Norway, Algeria, and Türkiye. The mix of established powers and newcomers adds an element of uncertainty that could produce some of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
Argentina arrives as the reigning world champion and is once again among the leading contenders. The Albiceleste is aiming to win a fourth star and can rely on the experience of Lionel Messi, who is competing in his sixth World Cup.
Brazil once again appears among the natural favorites thanks to the depth of its roster and a tradition that makes it the most successful nation in the tournament’s history. France, a finalist in two of the last three editions, is also among the teams best positioned to reach the decisive stages.
Spain arrives backed by a young and talented generation that has won major titles in recent years. According to statistical projections released before the start of the tournament, the Spanish national team is even considered one of the leading favorites to lift the trophy. England, Portugal, and Germany complete the group of teams expected to contend for the title.
A World Cup of farewells and new stars
Beyond the competitive interest, the tournament will be marked by the possible World Cup farewell of several legends. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely making their final appearances in a World Cup, while veteran stars such as Manuel Neuer, Luka Modric, and Sadio Mané are seeking to conclude their international careers with memorable performances.
At the same time, the competition will serve as a showcase for a new generation led by players such as Lamine Yamal and other young prospects hoping to become the leading figures of world soccer over the next decade.
With a revamped format, an unprecedented scale, and the participation of a record number of national teams, the 2026 World Cup kicks off today with the ambition of becoming the biggest and most global World Cup in history. Over the coming weeks, soccer will once again bring the planet to a standstill as 48 countries pursue the same goal: lifting the most coveted trophy in sports.