Forty-five nations earned their spots through a rigorous two-year qualifying campaign, while the three hosts qualified automatically.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off today, marking the beginning of the world’s most anticipated sporting event. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this tournament represents a massive expansion of international football. Millions of fans worldwide are tuning in as the month-long celebration of global athleticism gets underway across the three North American nations.

This edition is officially the largest in tournament history, featuring an unprecedented 48 teams competing for the prestigious title. To accommodate this expansion, a record-breaking 104 matches will be played throughout the host countries. The tournament is designed to provide extensive coverage, ensuring that high-stakes football action remains consistent throughout the entire competition period.

The format is structured into 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from every group will automatically advance to the next phase, while the eight best third-place teams will also qualify. This results in a competitive 32-team knockout stage, significantly increasing the excitement compared to previous 32-team editions.

The World Cup remains the pinnacle of professional sports, known for its ability to unite diverse cultures through a shared passion for football. This 2026 iteration sets a new benchmark for future international tournaments, showcasing the global growth and massive commercial scale that football has achieved on the world stage.

Forty-five nations earned their spots through a rigorous two-year qualifying campaign, while the three hosts qualified automatically. Following today’s kickoff, teams will battle through group and knockout rounds, all aiming to reach the grand final, which is scheduled to take place on July 19.