When and where is the next FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place?

The next FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across three host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico ([Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12010/13272067/2026-world-cup-dates-venues-host-cities-and-format-for-usa-canada-and-mexico-tournament)). This historic tournament marks the first time the men’s World Cup will be co-hosted by three countries, signaling a massive shift in scale and logistical complexity for the world's most popular sporting event.

### How many teams will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 tournament will feature a significant expansion, growing to 48 participating teams, an increase of 16 teams from the 32-team format used in Qatar 2022 ([Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12010/13272067/2026-world-cup-dates-venues-host-cities-and-format-for-usa-canada-and-mexico-tournament)). This expansion is designed to provide more nations with the opportunity to compete on the global stage, reflecting FIFA’s strategy to increase the tournament's reach and global engagement.

### Which cities will host the matches for the 2026 tournament?
The tournament will be spread across 16 host cities throughout North America, specifically within the United States, Canada, and Mexico ([ESPN](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48187491/2026-fifa-world-cup-dates-venues-host-cities-and-prize-money-mascot-tickets)). By utilizing existing major sporting infrastructure across these three nations, the event aims to accommodate the logistical needs of an expanded 48-team format while minimizing the need for new, purpose-built stadiums.

### How has the tournament format changed to accommodate the expansion?
To manage the increase to 48 teams, the tournament will move through four distinct knockout rounds—the Round of 32, the Round of 16, the quarterfinals, and the semifinals—eventually leading to the championship final ([ESPN](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48187491/2026-fifa-world-cup-dates-venues-host-cities-and-prize-money-mascot-tickets)). This structure is intended to maintain the excitement of a high-stakes knockout phase while ensuring the tournament remains condensed enough to fit within its scheduled summer window.

### Key Takeaways
* **Expansion:** The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams, the largest field in the tournament's history.
* **Tri-National Hosting:** This is the first FIFA World Cup to be shared by three host nations.
* **Global Reach:** Spanning 16 cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament is poised to be one of the most accessible iterations in history for millions of fans.
* **Future Impact:** The success of this multi-nation format will likely influence how future tournaments are bid upon and organized, prioritizing existing infrastructure over new construction.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a monumental evolution for international football. By expanding both the number of participating teams and the geographical footprint of the host nations, FIFA is pushing the boundaries of what a modern sporting mega-event can achieve. Understanding these changes is essential for any sports enthusiast or industry observer looking to grasp the future direction of the global game. As the countdown to June 2026 continues, one must wonder: how will this decentralized, continent-spanning approach affect the traditional "home-field advantage" and the overall cultural experience of the World Cup?

## References
* [ESPN: When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Dates, cities, venues, and more](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48187491/2026-fifa-world-cup-dates-venues-host-cities-and-prize-money-mascot-tickets)
* [Sky Sports: 2026 World Cup dates, venues, host cities, and format for USA, Canada, and Mexico](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12010/13272067/2026-world-cup-dates-venues-host-cities-and-format-for-usa-canada-and-mexico-tournament)
* [FIFA: FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Site](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026)