The world’s most celebrated sporting event is coming back to North America. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest, most inclusive, and most ambitious edition in the tournament’s history. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it will feature more teams, more matches, and more excitement than ever before. Here’s your ultimate guide to what to expect—from host cities and match formats to how to watch and who might win it all.
WE'RE OFFICIALLY ONE YEAR AWAY FROM THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP 🌎🏆 pic.twitter.com/RZH39DoSPW
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 11, 2025
A Tournament Like No Other: Where It’s Happening
This World Cup will span 39 action-packed days, from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Matches will be played across 16 host cities: 11 in the U.S., 2 in Canada, and 3 in Mexico. The United States will stage every match from the quarterfinals onward, with the grand final set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
U.S. host cities include:
- New York/New Jersey
- Los Angeles
- Dallas
- Miami
- Atlanta
- Philadelphia
- Houston
- Seattle
- Kansas City
- Boston
- San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara)
In Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey
In Canada: Toronto and Vancouver
The geographic scale ensures that fans across North America will have access to the global celebration, though it also presents challenges when it comes to travel between matches.
How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Bangladesh
Football fans in Bangladesh can expect comprehensive coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through a combination of local broadcasters and digital platforms. Based on previous tournament rights and current broadcasting trends, here’s how viewers in Bangladesh will be able to enjoy the action:
- T Sports is likely to be the official broadcaster in Bangladesh, as it held rights to the 2022 World Cup. Matches will be shown live on television with Bengali-language commentary.
- BTV (Bangladesh Television) may also provide selected live coverage or highlights, especially during key matches and knockout rounds.
- Online Streaming will be available through the T Sports app or website, offering fans the option to stream matches live on mobile devices or desktops.
- YouTube and Facebook Live Updates: While full matches may not be streamed on these platforms, live commentary, match highlights, and pre/post-match discussions are expected to be widely available from Bangladeshi sports media channels and influencers.
Fans should follow official announcements in the months leading up to the tournament to confirm broadcast details and streaming availability in Bangladesh.
A Bigger, Bolder Format: 48 Teams
For the first time in history, the World Cup will feature 48 nations, up from the traditional 32. This new format will bring together more countries and fans than ever before.
Here’s how it works:
- Teams are divided into 12 groups of 4.
- Each team plays 3 group-stage matches.
- The top two teams from each group advance, along with the 8 best third-place teams.
- This results in a 32-team knockout round that continues to the final.
This expanded format is designed to promote wider representation across continents and allow more underdog stories to unfold on the world stage.
Every team that has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far 😍🌎🏆
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 11, 2025
Which team are you most excited to watch next summer? pic.twitter.com/CxLX4naVoQ
Who’s In and Who’s Likely to Win
The host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—are automatically qualified. Other nations must secure their spots through regional qualifiers and intercontinental playoffs.
So far, the confirmed teams include:
- Argentina (defending champions)
- Japan
- Iran
- New Zealand
The final roster of 48 teams will be completed by March 2026.
Top contenders already generating buzz include:
- Argentina, aiming for a repeat with Lionel Messi still a global icon.
- Brazil, the most successful team in World Cup history with five titles.
- France, powered by Kylian Mbappé and a deep, youthful squad.
- England, looking to build on their near-miss at Euro 2020.
- Spain, with rising stars like Lamine Yamal.
- Portugal, potentially offering Cristiano Ronaldo a final chance at glory.
And don’t overlook the U.S. men’s national team, who will be under the spotlight on home turf with hopes of advancing further than ever before.
Behind the Scenes: Logistics, Travel, and Visas
Organizing a World Cup across three countries presents logistical hurdles. Reports have flagged concerns about air travel congestion and the limitations of public transportation systems in some host cities. With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, mobility between venues could become a challenge.
There’s also the issue of visas. Fans traveling from countries like Colombia and Turkey currently face long wait times for U.S. visa interviews—some stretching beyond the tournament’s start. Efficient diplomatic planning will be essential to ensure smooth arrivals for global fans.
U.S. Government Support: A Presidential Task Force
President Donald Trump has formed a federal task force to support the event, calling the World Cup “the largest sporting event in history.” Led by Andrew Giuliani, the task force is expected to help coordinate logistics, security, and hospitality at every U.S. host site. Their goal is clear: ensure that international visitors have a smooth, memorable experience—while safeguarding national interests.
Coldplay, Club World Cup, and the Build-Up to 2026
In a historic first, the 2026 World Cup final will include a halftime show, with Coldplay set to headline the entertainment. It’s a move that brings the tournament closer to the spectacle of the Super Bowl and will undoubtedly draw even broader global attention.
But before that, the FIFA Club World Cup will be held in the U.S. in 2025. It will feature 32 of the world’s top club teams and act as a trial run for stadiums, logistics, and crowd control ahead of the big show in 2026.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The World Cup is expected to be a massive economic driver for host cities, each anticipating an influx of around 450,000 visitors and a tourism boost of nearly $500 million. Beyond the numbers, the tournament offers an opportunity to project unity, diversity, and innovation on the world stage—especially fitting as it aligns with America’s 250th anniversary.
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Here's a look back at every host country's finish at the FIFA Men's World Cup!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2025
How far will each host go in 2026? 🔮 pic.twitter.com/F5k4gkqIvK
Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a turning point in the history of global sports. With an expanded field of nations, iconic cities as backdrops, and a world increasingly connected through sport, this edition is poised to leave a lasting legacy.
Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual fan, the countdown is on. The world is coming to North America, and the beautiful game has never looked more thrilling.
