World Cup 2026: when does it start, where and how does it work?

The World Cup 2026 is the biggest football tournament ever: for the first time with three host nations, 48 participating countries and 104 matches. In this guide we lay it all out, from the match dates to the new format. And of course: how to be ready for the first kick-off with the right World Cup 2026 shirt.

When does the World Cup 2026 start?

The World Cup 2026 kicks off on 11 June 2026 with the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. A month of football follows, with the grand final on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium just outside New York. Between those two dates, 104 matches are played, well over thirty more than at the previous World Cup.

Where is the World Cup 2026 played?

For the first time in history, a World Cup is jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. Together they provide sixteen host cities, from Vancouver and Toronto in the north to Mexico City and Guadalajara in the south. Most matches are played in the US, including the final.

The new format: 48 nations, 104 matches

The field grows from 32 to 48 nations. These are split across twelve groups of four. The top two from each group advance, joined by the eight best third-placed teams. That leaves 32 nations for a brand-new knockout round, the round of 32, followed by the round of 16, the quarter-finals, the semi-finals and the final.

1. Group stage: 12 groups of 4 nations
2. Round of 32: top 2 per group plus the 8 best third-placed teams
3. Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals
4. Final: 19 July 2026, MetLife Stadium

Which nations are taking part?

Alongside the established powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands, this World Cup has a record number of debutants. Thanks to the expansion to 48 nations, there are names on the entry list that have never been there before. Curious about the complete list? See all the participants on our nations page.

“

A bigger World Cup means more nations, more surprises and more colour on the stands than ever before.

How to be ready

You experience a tournament in the colours of your nation. Choose your home or away shirt, finish it off with a scarf and decide your size in 30 seconds with our size guide. We ship across Europe, and to the Netherlands and Belgium usually the next working day, so order early.