What will the 2026 FIFA World Cup be like: format, dates and interesting facts.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup inaugurates a new format for the World Cup: 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4 teams, 104 matches in total, and venues in three countries — the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The opening is scheduled for June 11, 2026, and the final for July 19, 2026.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Venues and Cities: Map of the 16 Arenas

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played in 16 host cities spread across Canada, Mexico, and the United States — including renowned stadiums such as the Azteca Stadium and MetLife Stadium.

The chosen cities offer infrastructure, international airports, and event experience—essential elements for welcoming fans from around the world. The official list of host cities includes strategic locations from coast to coast in the US, two cities in Canada, and three in Mexico.

Brief list of host cities

• Canada : Vancouver, Toronto.
• Mexico : Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey.
• United States : Boston, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles (SoFi), New York/New Jersey (MetLife), Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s/SoFi region), Seattle.

Dates and schedule: complete calendar for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11, 2026 and run until July 19, 2026, with the group stage concentrated in June and the knockout stages in July.

Brazil’s group and matches: where and when does Brazil play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The Brazilian team was placed in a competitive group with matches spread across cities in the United States; Brazil’s schedule was planned to balance game times and fan attendance.

Brazil’s group stage matches were scheduled in venues with large Brazilian communities, favoring audience attendance and media coverage. Follow the official dates on FIFA channels and local broadcasters to confirm broadcast times in Brazil.

Example table (times in Brasília) — Brazil’s group stage

Competition format: rules, classification and knockout stages

This new format for the 2026 FIFA World Cup adopts 12 groups of 4 teams; the top two teams from each group advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams, forming a knockout stage with 32 teams. This mechanism creates an additional stage before the traditional Round of 16.

This format requires strategic analysis on the part of the teams — planning for rest periods, substitutions, and physical management — as a championship-winning campaign can involve up to 8 matches.

How are the third-place finishers ranked?

The criteria for selecting the eight best third-placed teams include points, goal difference, goals scored, and additional criteria stipulated in FIFA regulations. This increases the importance of each goal and each goal difference in the initial stages.

How to watch and follow: broadcasts, schedules, and tips for Brazilian fans.

The World Cup will be broadcast on free-to-air TV, sports channels, and streaming platforms; check the list of licensed broadcasters in Brazil as soon as the rights distribution is officially announced.

Practical tips: synchronize your time with Brasília, activate alerts, create a personal calendar with notifications, and track real-time statistics through official apps and reliable sports portals.

Quick tips to avoid missing any games.

• Add games to your phone’s calendar with automatic time zone conversion.
• Follow the official FIFA and national team accounts for the latest updates.
• Use official streams or accredited channels for quality and legality.

Economic impact, tourism and logistics of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to generate a strong economic impact on the host cities: tourism, accommodation, services, and sponsorships. The combination of major North American cities and continental markets will increase ticket and media revenue.

For fans planning to travel, it is recommended to book flights and accommodation in advance, check visa/entry requirements, and consider internal travel between venues.

Technology, VAR and innovation: what to expect from the tools in the field.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring advancements in assisted refereeing systems and tracking technology — with semi-automatic offside and the use of AI for tactical analysis and performance monitoring.

These innovations promise to speed up decision-making, improve statistics, and provide new layers of analysis for coaches, players, and fans.

Interesting facts and historical insights: tradition and innovations at the World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup combines history and renewal: the Azteca Stadium will once again host opening matches, iconic venues will return to the circuit, and new cities will make history in football.

Furthermore, the expanded format can create upsets and surprises, with less traditional teams reaching advanced stages thanks to the increased number of available spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many teams will compete in the 2026 World Cup? There will be 48 teams in total, organized into 12 groups of 4 teams each. The new format expands global participation, with greater representation by continent and 104 matches in total.
• When does the 2026 FIFA World Cup start and end? The opening is scheduled for June 11, 2026, and the final is scheduled for July 19, 2026. The group stage and all knockout rounds take place between these dates.
• Where will the 2026 World Cup final be held? The final is scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium, in the New York/New Jersey area, one of the largest sporting venues in North America.
• How many games will the 2026 World Cup have? The tournament will have 104 matches in total, resulting from the expansion to 48 teams and the inclusion of additional qualifying rounds for the knockout stage.
• Where will Brazil play in the group stage? Brazil’s matches have been scheduled to take place in venues across the United States, with games planned for cities with large Brazilian communities — check the official schedule for definitive times and locations.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic milestone: more teams, more matches, and a largely globalized tournament. If you’re a fan, journalist, or industry professional, this guide brings together the essentials to plan your coverage and your support.

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