Frequently Asked Questions

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The opening match will take place on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, while the grand final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States. The tournament will last 39 days, making it the longest World Cup in history due to the expanded 48-team format.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history organized by three countries: United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will be played in 16 host cities: 11 in the United States (Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle), 3 in Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey) and 2 in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver). You can see all 2026 World Cup stadiums in our dedicated section.

For the first time in history, 48 national teams will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a significant increase from the 32 that participated since France 1998. This expansion allows for greater representation from all confederations: UEFA will have 16 spots, CONMEBOL 6, CONCACAF 6 (plus the 3 host countries automatically qualified), CAF 9, AFC 8, and OFC 1. Check out all the teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

The joint "United 2026" bid from the United States, Mexico, and Canada was chosen by the FIFA Congress in June 2018 with 134 votes against 65 for Morocco's bid. The tri-national organization has several advantages: existing world-class infrastructure (no stadium requires new construction), cost distribution among three economies, promotion of football in North America, and the opportunity to celebrate the continent's cultural diversity. It is the first time a World Cup is held in three countries, although Mexico will become the first country to host three World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026).

FIFA has not yet officially revealed the mascot for the 2026 World Cup. Traditionally, World Cup mascots represent cultural elements of the host countries and are announced approximately one year before the tournament. Since this is a World Cup organized by three countries, the mascot is expected to reflect North America's cultural diversity. We will update this information as soon as FIFA makes the official announcement.

The 2026 World Cup will be historic for multiple reasons: it is the first tournament with 48 teams, expanding global participation; it will be the first World Cup organized by three countries (USA, Mexico, and Canada); it will feature 104 matches (an all-time record); Mexico will become the first country to host three World Cups; and the tournament will last 39 days, longer than any other in history. Additionally, several teams will make their World Cup debut, including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

Tickets for the 2026 World Cup will be sold exclusively through the official FIFA portal at fifa.com/tickets. The process includes several phases: first an application phase where you can apply for the matches you want (no guarantee of obtaining them), followed by draws to allocate requested tickets, and then direct sales on a first-come, first-served basis. It is essential to register in advance on the FIFA portal and create your FIFA ID to participate in the sales. Avoid buying from unauthorized sites to avoid being a victim of fraud.

Official prices will be announced by FIFA before ticket sales begin. Based on previous World Cups, several price categories are expected: Category 1 (best location, highest price), Category 2, and Category 3 (more distant locations, more affordable prices). There will also be special tickets for residents of the host countries at reduced prices. Group stage matches are usually cheaper than knockout rounds, with the final being the most expensive match. Historically, prices have ranged from $70-200 USD for group stages to $500-1,500+ USD for the final.

FIFA typically opens ticket sales approximately one year before the tournament starts, which means the first sales phases should begin in mid-2025. The process is usually divided into several phases: a first application phase (usually several months before the tournament), allocation draws, and subsequent direct sales phases. It is advisable to create your FIFA ID account in advance and subscribe to official FIFA notifications to stay informed about the exact dates of each sales phase.

FIFA operates an official resale platform which is the only authorized method to transfer tickets. World Cup tickets are nominative and linked to your FIFA ID, so they cannot be transferred informally. If you cannot attend a match, you must use FIFA's official resale platform, where you can sell your tickets at face value (resale for profit is not allowed). Resale on unauthorized markets is prohibited and may result in ticket cancellation. Digital tickets include security measures that prevent fraudulent use.

Yes, FIFA offers accessibility tickets for fans with disabilities and their companions. These tickets are available for people with reduced mobility, visual, hearing, or other special needs. Accessibility seats are located in specially designed areas with facilities such as ramps, wheelchair spaces, and assistance services. To request these tickets, you must indicate your needs during the purchase process on the FIFA portal and provide documentation proving the disability. Accessibility tickets usually have special prices and allow one companion.

Hospitality packages are premium experiences that include match tickets plus exclusive services such as access to VIP lounges, gourmet food and drinks, preferred parking, and other amenities. These packages are sold by MATCH Hospitality, FIFA's official provider, and are designed for businesses and individuals seeking a luxury experience. Although significantly more expensive than regular tickets, they guarantee access to matches without needing to participate in draws. There are different hospitality levels, from more accessible options to private suites of maximum luxury.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the host country you visit. United States requires a visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for most nationalities. Mexico allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries for up to 180 days. Canada requires a visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). All three countries are expected to implement simplified procedures for World Cup ticket holders, similar to what Russia did with the "Fan ID" in 2018. Check with each country's embassies in advance, as visa processes can take several months.

Since the 2026 World Cup is held in three countries with 16 cities, planning transportation is crucial. Domestic flights are the most practical option for long distances, with airlines like American, United, Southwest (USA), Aeromexico, Volaris (Mexico), and Air Canada, WestJet (Canada). Trains connect some US cities (Amtrak) and Canadian cities (VIA Rail). Buses like Greyhound and FlixBus offer economical options. Car rentals are popular in the US and Canada. For border crossings, consider that you will need appropriate documentation. Special transportation services for fans are expected during the tournament.

The total cost depends on several factors: origin, number of matches, cities visited, and desired comfort level. An estimated budget per person for 2 weeks could include: Flights $500-2,500 USD (depending on origin); Accommodation $100-300/night (hotels), $50-150/night (Airbnb/hostels); Tickets $100-500+ per match; Internal transportation $300-800; Food and daily expenses $50-150/day. A budget trip of 2 weeks could cost $3,000-5,000 USD, while a more comfortable one could exceed $10,000 USD. Booking in advance and being flexible with dates can significantly reduce costs.

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible, ideally as soon as the match schedule is confirmed and you have your tickets. Accommodations in host cities fill up quickly and prices increase significantly as the tournament approaches. Accommodation options include: Hotels (book with flexible cancellation), Airbnb (more options for groups), Hostels (budget option), and Apartment rentals. Consider locations near the stadium or with good access to public transportation. Smaller cities near the venues may offer more affordable prices. Check cancellation policies in case of changes to your plans.

The 16 host cities are generally safe for tourism, although as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions. United States and Canada have low crime rates in tourist areas, although it is advisable to avoid certain areas at night. Mexican cities (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) are established tourist destinations with good security infrastructure. During the World Cup, there will be enhanced police presence and special security measures at all stadiums and fan zones. We recommend: using official taxis or transportation apps, keeping valuables secure, staying informed about areas to avoid, and purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.

Essential documents include: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity after your return date; Visa or electronic authorization depending on your nationality (ESTA for USA, eTA for Canada, or visa as applicable); Digital World Cup tickets on your phone or printed, linked to your FIFA ID; Travel insurance covering medical expenses (highly recommended, especially for the US where medical care is expensive); Proof of accommodation to show immigration if requested; and International credit/debit cards. Keep digital copies of all your important documents in the cloud for security.

The 2026 World Cup will be played in 16 world-class stadiums. In the United States (11): MetLife Stadium (New Jersey), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), AT&T Stadium (Dallas), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), NRG Stadium (Houston), Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia), Levi's Stadium (San Francisco), Lumen Field (Seattle), and Gillette Stadium (Boston). In Mexico (3): Azteca Stadium (Mexico City), AKRON Stadium (Guadalajara), and BBVA Stadium (Monterrey). In Canada (2): BC Place (Vancouver) and BMO Field (Toronto). Explore all 2026 World Cup stadiums in our dedicated section.

The largest stadium at the 2026 World Cup is AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (Dallas metropolitan area), with a capacity of approximately 80,000-90,000 spectators in soccer configuration. It is known for its impressive giant video screen and retractable roof. Other high-capacity stadiums include MetLife Stadium (82,500), where the final will be played, Azteca Stadium (87,000), with its historic atmosphere, and SoFi Stadium (70,000+) in Los Angeles. The combined total capacity of all 16 stadiums exceeds one million seats.

The grand final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just a few miles from New York City. This stadium has a capacity of 82,500 spectators and is home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets. In addition to the final, MetLife Stadium will host several important matches throughout the tournament. Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will host the opening match on June 11, 2026.

Access to stadiums varies by city. Most have multiple transportation options: Public transportation (metro, bus, train) is the recommended option in cities like New York, Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles, where special services are expected during matches. Official shuttles will operate from strategic points in each host city. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) and taxis will be available, though potentially with high demand. Parking will be available at most stadiums, but advance reservation is recommended. Check each stadium's page for specific transportation information.

Several 2026 World Cup stadiums feature retractable or fixed roof technology to protect fans from the weather: AT&T Stadium (Dallas) has a full retractable roof; SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) has a semi-translucent fixed roof; Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) has an impressive "petal-style" retractable roof; NRG Stadium (Houston) has a retractable roof; BC Place (Vancouver) has a retractable roof. These stadiums allow games to be played in controlled conditions regardless of outside weather, which is especially useful given that the tournament takes place during the North American summer with its high temperatures.

The FIFA Fan Fest is the official fan festival organized by FIFA in each World Cup host city. These are free public spaces where fans can watch matches on giant screens, enjoy live entertainment, food, drinks, and interactive activities. Each Fan Fest has capacity for thousands of people and offers an alternative for those who don't have match tickets but want to experience the World Cup atmosphere. The exact locations of the 2026 Fan Fests will be announced by FIFA closer to the tournament, but they are generally located in parks, squares, or iconic esplanades in each city.

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 national teams from all confederations. The three host countries (United States, Mexico, and Canada) qualified automatically. The remaining spots are distributed as follows: UEFA 16 teams, CAF 9, CONMEBOL 6, CONCACAF 3 additional, AFC 8, and OFC 1, plus several intercontinental playoffs. Among the qualified teams are traditional favorites like Argentina (current champion), Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, and England. There will also be historic debutants like Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Check the complete list of qualified teams.

The 2026 World Cup will have 12 groups (A to L) with 4 teams each, totaling the 48 participants. Each team will play 3 matches in the group stage against the other members of their group. The top two from each group (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-placed teams will advance to the Round of 32, which will be the new initial knockout stage. This structure maintains the traditional 4-team group format, unlike earlier proposals that considered 3-team groups. Check the 2026 World Cup groups to see the complete composition.

The 2026 World Cup draw was conducted following FIFA's traditional system with pots based on the FIFA ranking. Pot 1 included the host countries (USA, Mexico, Canada) plus the top-ranked teams. Teams were distributed into pots according to their position in the world ranking, ensuring that teams from the same confederation (except UEFA, which has more spots) would not fall into the same group. The draw also considered geographical restrictions to balance distribution. Each group has teams from different pots to ensure competitive balance.

From each group, the top two teams qualify (24 teams total). Additionally, the 8 best third-placed teams from the 12 groups also advance, bringing the total to 32 teams that progress to the knockout stage. Third-place qualification is determined by points, goal difference, and goals scored. This structure means that two-thirds of participants (32 of 48) advance to the knockout round, creating a group stage where almost all teams maintain hope until the end. The knockout stage begins with the Round of 32, followed by the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Final.

The 2026 World Cup will see several historic debuts thanks to the expansion to 48 teams. Among the confirmed debutants are: Cape Verde (CAF), a small African island nation that achieved a historic qualification; Curaçao (CONCACAF), a Dutch Caribbean territory; Jordan (AFC), which qualified for the first time in its history; and Uzbekistan (AFC), a Central Asian nation that achieved its World Cup dream. These debuts represent the spirit of greater inclusion of the new format, allowing more countries to experience the highest level of world football competition.

The 2026 World Cup introduces an expanded format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4 teams. Each team plays 3 matches in the group stage. The top 2 from each group (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-placed teams qualify, totaling 32 teams for the knockout stage. The knockout rounds begin with the Round of 32, followed by Round of 16, Quarter-finals (8), Semi-finals (4), third-place match, and the Final. This format maintains the classic 4-team group system (avoiding strategic draws that would have occurred with 3-team groups) and adds an extra knockout round.

The 2026 World Cup will have a total of 104 matches, a historic record. They are distributed as follows: Group stage: 72 matches (12 groups × 6 matches per group); Round of 32: 16 matches; Round of 16: 8 matches; Quarter-finals: 4 matches; Semi-finals: 2 matches; Third place: 1 match; Final: 1 match. This represents an increase of 40 matches compared to the previous 32-team format (64 matches). Check the complete match schedule.

The 2026 World Cup will last 39 days, from June 11 (opening match at Azteca Stadium) to July 19 (final at MetLife Stadium). It is the longest World Cup in history, surpassing the 32 days of recent tournaments. The extended duration is due to the need to schedule 104 matches (40 more than before) while maintaining adequate rest days for teams between matches. Teams that reach the final will play a maximum of 7 matches, the same as in the previous format.

Tiebreaker rules vary by phase: Group stage: Draws are possible. Ranking is determined by: 1) Points, 2) Goal difference, 3) Goals scored, 4) Points in head-to-head matches, 5) Goal difference in head-to-head, 6) Goals scored in head-to-head, 7) Fair play points, 8) Drawing of lots. Knockout stage: If the match ends tied after 90 minutes, extra time of 30 minutes is played (two 15-minute halves). If the tie persists, it is decided by penalty shootout. There is no golden goal or silver goal. The final also follows this rule.

The main differences are: Participants: 48 vs 32 teams (+50%); Groups: 12 groups of 4 vs 8 groups of 4; Knockout qualifiers: 32 teams (top 2 + 8 best thirds) vs 16 teams (top 2); Knockout rounds: 5 rounds (32, 16, quarters, semis, final) vs 4 rounds (16, quarters, semis, final); Total matches: 104 vs 64 (+62%); Duration: 39 vs 32 days; Matches for finalist team: 7 (same in both). The new format increases global representation while maintaining the competitive essence of the tournament.

Broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup vary by country. In the United States: FOX, Telemundo, and Peacock will have the rights. In Mexico: Televisa, TV Azteca, and TUDN. In Spain: Movistar+ and RTVE. In Latin America: DirecTV Sports and local broadcasters. In the United Kingdom: BBC and ITV. FIFA will also offer content through FIFA+, its streaming platform. We recommend checking your country's official broadcasters closer to the tournament, as additional agreements may be announced. FIFA Fan Fests will also broadcast all matches for free.

Yes, all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup will be broadcast. FIFA ensures that all matches are available for broadcast in every territory. Major broadcasters typically show all matches across their different channels and platforms. The most important matches (opening, final, favorites) are broadcast on free-to-air channels, while others may require cable, satellite, or streaming subscriptions. During the group stage, several matches are played simultaneously, so you'll need to choose which one to watch live, though others will be available on other channels or on demand.

Yes, there are several free options: Over-the-air TV: Many countries have agreements to broadcast matches on free channels, especially the most important ones. In Spain, RTVE broadcasts some matches. In Mexico, Canal 5 and Azteca 7. In the UK, BBC and ITV. FIFA Fan Fests: Free events in host cities with giant screens. FIFA+: FIFA's platform offers free content, though live match availability varies by region. Bars and restaurants: Many establishments broadcast matches publicly. Check your country's over-the-air TV schedule to see which matches will be available for free.

Schedules are designed to optimize viewership in North America, Europe, and other regions. Matches will typically be played between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM local time in the host cities. This means: for UK (GMT/BST): matches from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM; for Central Europe (CET): from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM; for Brazil (BRT): from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The most important matches (opening, semifinals, final) are usually scheduled during US prime time. The complete schedule with local times is available in our matches section.

FIFA+ is FIFA's official streaming platform, launched in 2022. It offers free content including: documentaries and films about football, full historic matches from previous World Cups, highlights and summaries, exclusive content about teams and players, and real-time statistics. For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA+ will likely offer additional content, though live match streaming will depend on broadcasting agreements in each country. You can access FIFA+ through its website or mobile apps (iOS and Android). Registration is free.