Coming up right around the corner this summer is the FIFA World Cup. As someone who has been a huge soccer fan my whole life, I’ve put together a few quick facts to help you get ready to watch with friends and family!
1. The FIFA World Cup will be played in multiple venues across North America.Â
For the first time ever, the tournament will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. There will be 16 host cities total, with 11 of them located in the United States.
2. This will be the biggest World Cup ever!Â
The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams instead of the usual 32, making it the largest World Cup in history.
3. The countries playing in the World Cup come from all over the world.
Some of the teams that have already qualified include:
United States, Canada, and Mexico (host nations)
Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay
England, France, Spain, and Germany
Japan, South Korea, and Australia
Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt
In total, 48 countries will compete, representing every major region of the world.
4. The tournament will run for over 39 days!
The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, giving fans multiple weeks of games to enjoy.
5. The final will be held in the United States.
The championship match is set to take place in the New York/New Jersey area at the MetLife Stadium, making it one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted in the U.S.
6. There will be more games than ever before.
With the expanded format, the tournament will include over 100 matches, giving fans even more opportunities to watch their favorite teams compete.
​​Who has the best chance of winning?
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, a few powerhouse teams stand out as favorites to win. The Argentina national football team enters as the defending champion after winning in 2022, led by Lionel Messi, although his role in 2026 is still uncertain due to age. The France national football team is another top contender, with young talent like Kylian Mbappé continuing to dominate. Traditional powerhouses like the Brazil national football team and the England national football team also have great line-up of rosters and strong chances. While the expanded format leaves room for surprise teams, history shows that experienced and talented teams are most likely to take the trophy.
How the U.S. is advertising the World Cup
The United States is going all out in promoting the 2026 World Cup, treating it as more than just a sports event but a nationwide celebration. Major brands, tourism boards, and partnerships with organizations have already been building excitement years in advance. Cities across the country are preparing fan festivals, watch parties, and large-scale events to attract visitors from around the world. Promotion is also heavily focused on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to reach younger audiences and new fans. Overall, the U.S. is positioning the World Cup as a cultural moment that goes beyond sports and brings people together globally.
Overall, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting sporting events in history. Whether you’re a longtime soccer fan or just tuning in for the first time, this tournament is something you won’t want to miss!
Sources:Â
https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026
https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/09/which-nations-qualified-2026-fifa-world-cup-usmnt