2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off with Historic Changes
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to be hosted by three countries and featuring 48 teams, officially begins today. The tournament is hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and will run from June 11 to July 19, with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium and the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Expanded Format and Record Participation
A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 stadiums in four time zones. The United States will host 78 matches. The largest stadium is Dallas Stadium with a capacity of 94,000, while the smallest is in Toronto with 45,000 seats. For the first time, 10 African countries and eight Arab countries are participating. Morocco is the only nation that is both African and Arab.
1,248 players from 48 countries will compete, including 357 returning players and 891 debutants. The oldest player is Scotland's Craig Gordon (43 years, 162 days), and the youngest is Mexico's Gilberto Mora (17 years, 240 days). Twenty-two players under 20 and seven over 40 are in the tournament, along with 22 former World Cup winners.
African and Arab Representation
Africa sends a record 10 teams: Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, South Africa, and Democratic Republic of Congo. Eight Arab teams qualify for the first time: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia. This surpasses the previous record of four Arab teams in 2018 and 2022.
Notable Storylines
Iran's participation remains a topic of discussion given tensions with the US. FIFA rejected Iran's request to move group matches to Mexico or Canada. Four nations are making their World Cup debuts: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. The US, as a host, is in Group D with Türkiye, Paraguay, and Australia.
Logistical Challenges
High ticket prices, accommodation costs, and long travel distances across three countries pose challenges for fans. Mexico City Stadium makes history as the first venue to host the World Cup opening match three times, having done so in 1970 and 1986.
