The Biggest World Cup in History, Hosted in America

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first with 48 teams, the first co-hosted by three nations (USA, Mexico and Canada), and the largest tournament ever staged: 104 matches across 16 cities in 39 days, June 11 to July 19. This interactive guide breaks down all 48 qualified nations, the title favorites, the stars, Team USA, and every host stadium.

It opens at Mexico City's legendary Estadio Azteca — the first stadium ever to host three World Cup openers — and ends with the Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Dallas's AT&T Stadium hosts the most matches (9), including a semifinal.

What to Know

• The favorites: France and Spain lead the title odds, with England close behind and defending champion Argentina just outside
• The last dances: almost certainly the final World Cup for both Messi (38) and Ronaldo (41)
• Four debutants: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan and Jordan — Curaçao the smallest nation ever to qualify
• Team USA: hosts under Mauricio Pochettino, with a quarterfinal the realistic ceiling
• The challenge: a summer tournament means real heat — only 3 of 16 stadiums are air-conditioned

What the Dashboard Covers

All 48 teams grouped by confederation, title odds, the star players, a deep dive on the USMNT, every host city and stadium with capacity and what each one hosts, plus the storylines — the record-projected audience, the ticket-pricing controversy, and the summer-heat challenge.