FIFA World Cup 2026: 10 things to know with 100 days to go

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just 100 days away!

On 11 June, the men’s international showpiece event will kick off at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.

As preparations intensify across the United States, Mexico and Canada, most of the 48-team field is now confirmed, with the remaining places to be decided through March’s intercontinental playoffs.

The 23rd edition of the tournament will be the largest in history, staged across North America over six weeks of competition.

Here are 10 key things to know ahead of kick-off.

It will be the first 48-team men’s World Cup

The 2026 edition marks the first expansion of the men’s tournament since 1998, increasing the field from 32 to 48 teams. The change brings a record 104 matches and introduces a new round of 32 in the knockout stage.

The first World Cup to be co-hosted by three countries

The 2026 tournament will be staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada — the first time three nations have jointly hosted a men’s World Cup. The 16 host cities span North America, with 11 in the U.S., three in Mexico and two in Canada.

The final qualification spots will be decided in March

While most of the 48-team field is confirmed, the remaining places will be settled later this month. Four European berths are still to be determined via play-offs, while six nations will compete in FIFA’s intercontinental play-off tournament for the final two spots.

The group stage will feature 12 groups of four

The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with each side playing three matches. The top two teams in every group will advance automatically, joined by the eight best third-placed finishers to complete a new round of 32.

Mexico will become the first three-time host

Mexico is set to make history as the first nation to host three men’s World Cups, having previously staged the tournament in 1970 and 1986. The 2026 edition adds a third chapter to that legacy.

Argentina will defend their title

Argentina arrive as reigning world champions, having lifted the trophy in 2022. They will attempt to become the first nation since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to win back-to-back men’s World Cups — a feat achieved only twice in history (Italy won consecutive World Cups in 1934 and 1938).

Several nations will make their World Cup debut

At least four countries — including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan and Jordan — are set to appear at a men’s World Cup for the first time. Additional debutants could yet emerge from March’s play-offs, highlighting how the expanded 48-team format has opened the door to new nations on football’s biggest stage.

It will be the biggest World Cup yet — on and off the pitch

With 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities, the 2026 edition will be the largest in the tournament’s history. Organisers expect it to be among the most-watched sporting events ever, with millions of fans travelling across North America and billions more following worldwide.

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