2026 FIFA World Cup to feature 48 countries and be co-hosted by United States, Mexico, and Canada

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see a historic expansion to 48 teams and will be the first to be hosted across three nations, bringing an estimated net impact of $480 million from tourism.

Sources:
Time MagazineVanityfair
Updated 57m ago
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The Headline

Preparations and expectations for the FIFA World Cup

Total matches to be played in World Cup
104 matches
Time Magazine
Total host cities for World Cup
16 cities
Time Magazine
Host cities in the U.S.
11 cities
Time Magazine
Key Facts
  • An estimated 104 matches will be played across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, with 16 host cities, 11 of which are in the U.S.Time Magazine
  • Every match from the quarter-final stage and onwards will be played in the U.S., with the grand final set to be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Time Magazine
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Background Context

Historic first for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Total countries participating in World Cup
48 countries
Time Magazine
Previous total countries participating in World Cup
32 countries
Time Magazine
Key Facts
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 countries, an increase from 32 which have played at each tournament since 1998.Time Magazine
  • The tournament will be held in three countries for the first time, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada as co-hosts.Vanityfair

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