A New Era for Soccer
The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup will be the first to be shared by three countries, with matches scheduled in sixteen host cities spread across Canada, Mexico and the United States. The tournament opens on June 11 and will run for six weeks, concluding on July 19 with the championship game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Broadcasters FOX and FS1 have secured English‑language rights in the United States, promising live coverage of every fixture on television and through the FOX One and FOX Sports apps. The digital platforms will also offer on‑demand replays, ensuring fans can follow the action from any device.
In a historic shift, the competition will feature a 48‑team format, expanding the field beyond the traditional 32‑team structure. This expansion allows more nations to compete, adding a total of 104 matches that will be distributed across the three host nations.
Fans in the United States can look forward to free live streams of the opening matches, including Mexico’s clash with South Africa and the United States’ first game against Paraguay, available on the ad‑supported Tubi service. The arrangement underscores a growing trend of making major sporting events accessible to wider audiences.
Beyond the United States, the tournament will touch down in iconic venues such as Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, Guadalajara’s Estadio Jalisco, Toronto’s BMO Field, Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and New York’s MetLife Stadium. Each location brings its own cultural flavor, promising a vibrant atmosphere as supporters from around the world converge.