Next: Mexico v South Africa · Estadio Banorte · Jun 11, 7:00 PM
Road to 2026
The 48-team era begins
The first World Cup hosted across three nations and the largest field in history. While the group draw settles, here's the pre-tournament intelligence — favourites, the historical record, host venues and the road to the MetLife final.
Days to kickoff
3
USA · 11 venues
Mexico · 3 venues
Canada · 2 venues
Form guide
Title Favourites
1
92
Argentina
Holders · Copa América champions
2
90
France
2022 finalists · elite depth
3
88
Spain
Euro 2024 winners · youngest core
4
85
England
Back-to-back major finals
5
84
Brazil
Rebuild under new staff
6
82
Portugal
Golden generation, last dance
7
80
Germany
Home-soil Euro momentum
8
78
Netherlands
Balanced, tournament-tested
Power index is an editorial pre-tournament estimate — not betting advice.
The record
By the Numbers
23
Editions since 1930
5
Most titles · Brazil
2026
First 48-team field
104
Total matches
Schedule
Key Dates
Jun 11Opening match · Estadio Azteca
Jun 11 – 27Group stage · 72 matches
Jun 28 – Jul 3Round of 32
Jul 4 – 7Round of 16
Jul 9 – 11Quarter-finals
Jul 14 – 15Semi-finals
Jul 19Final · MetLife Stadium
Host cities
Where It Happens
New York / New Jersey
MetLife Stadium
Final · Jul 19
Dallas
AT&T Stadium
9 matches
Mexico City
Estadio Azteca
Opening match
Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium
8 matches
Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Semi-final
Toronto
BMO Field
Canada opener
Seattle
Lumen Field
6 matches
Vancouver
BC Place
7 matches
Live mood
Next up: Mexico vs South Africa at Jun 11, 7:00 PM.
48 teams104 matches16 cities
Fun fact
Paul the Octopus correctly predicted 8 of 8 matches at World Cup 2010, including the final. He had a better record than most pundits.
silly
Newswire
Build-up & Headlines
www.espn.com - SOCCER
Man Utd to face Milan, Pulisic in preseason game
Manchester United will face AC Milan alongside Wrexham, Atlético and PSG on their preseason tour this summer.
just nowRead
www.espn.com - SOCCER
Sources: London City leading race to sign Putellas...
London City Lionesses are leading the race to land Alexia Putellas as the midfielder weighs up three offers after announcing she will leave Barcelona, various sources have told ESPN.
just nowRead
www.espn.com - SOCCER
Ian Darke's World Cup preview: Favorites, surprise...
On the eve of the first 48-team World Cup, everyone can dream. But who will win the trophy? And who could surprise us all?
just nowRead