World Cup 2026: Here's what you need to know

FILE-The FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed ahead of the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, on December 13, 2024. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

The 2026 World Cup starts a year from now and is being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Next year’s games will have 48 teams competing and here’s what you need to know about the premiere soccer tournament. 

When does the 2026 World Cup kick off?

Why you should care:

The tournament will be played through June and July in 2026 and will begin at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, with the final held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, which will be called the New York New Jersey Stadium during FIFA's tournament.

Which teams are competing in the 2026 World Cup?

Dig deeper:

As of Wednesday, over a dozen countries have secured their spot in the 48-team tournament, including co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as defending champion Argentina.

Japan, Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Ecuador are also through. The Associated Press noted that 16 teams will qualify from Europe — more than any other region.

RELATED: The next World Cup is in North America; here's who's qualified so far

Africa will have nine teams and Asia eight, with both getting a place in the playoffs.

The AP reported that South America will have six teams qualifying directly and a playoff place.

North and Central America and the Caribbean will also have six direct qualifiers and two playoff places. And Oceania will only have one direct qualifier and a playoff place.

What is the 2026 World Cup format?

Big picture view:

The Associated Press reported that the 2026 World Cup will follow the same format as in recent years, just with a bigger collection of teams. 

There will be 12 groups of four teams. The teams in each group play each other and the top two will advance to a knockout stage. The eight best third-place teams will also advance. The knockouts will be played from the round of 32 to the final.

Which cities will host the 2026 World Cup?

Local perspective:

The United States will host games in Arlington, Texas; Atlanta; East Rutherford, New Jersey; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Houston; Inglewood, California; Kansas City, Missouri; Miami Gardens, Florida; Philadelphia, Seattle; and San Jose, California.

Two Canadian cities will have World Cup games: Toronto and Vancouver, British Columbia.

In Mexico, games will be played in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City.

Where can I get tickets for the 2026 World Cup?

What you can do:

Soccer fans can register to get tickets to next year’s World Cup through FIFA.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Associated Press, which offers background on the 2026 World Cup.  This story was reported from Washington, D.C.

FIFA World CupU.S.WorldNewsNews