The world’s premier football competition returns, and GOAL delivers everything fans in Canada and the United States need to know about the upcoming World Cup. Following the Qatar 2022 edition, attention now turns to the 2026 tournament, hosted across three nations. This marks the first time Canada, the United States, and Mexico collaborate on a single event, broadcast to a global audience.
GOAL provides a detailed guide to the 2026 World Cup, covering the format, venues, and key dates so supporters can plan ahead and follow their teams with confidence.
WHEN DOES IT START, SCHEDULE, GROUP STAGE AND EXCLUSIONS
The 23rd edition of the World Cup will reshape the way fans experience football globally. It expands to 48 teams, lengthening the calendar to accommodate 80 matches. The action is set to begin on June 9, 2026, with the final staged on July 18, 2026, as host nations welcome a new global champion. Details for the group stage and knockout rounds will be announced once the organizing committee finalizes the timetable.
Expect official updates on group allocations, the round of 16, quarterfinals, and the tournament timeline as the event approaches.
REVIEWED SELECTIONS
Qualified teams will be confirmed once the regional qualifying processes conclude. This section will be updated to reflect the teams advancing to the group stage and knockout rounds, providing fans with a clear view of the route to the title.
LOCATIONS AND STAGES
CANADA
- BMO Field, Toronto
- BC Place, Vancouver
USA
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Gillette Stadium, Boston
- AT&T Stadium, Dallas
- NRG Stadium, Houston
- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
- SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- MetLife Stadium, New York and New Jersey
- Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area
- Lumen Field, Seattle
MEXICO
- Azteca Stadium, Mexico City
- Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
- BBVA Stadium, Monterrey
WORLD SCHEDULE
With host cities spanning multiple time zones, organizers and broadcasters will align schedules across continents. The official timetable will display local kickoffs and broadcast windows to help fans watch live from coast to coast and beyond. Tracking ticket windows, travel plans, and any venue changes will be essential as the tournament approaches.
EXCLUSIVE TEASER
The qualification draw for the 2026 World Cup is approaching, and fans are eager to see which teams secure spots in the final tournament. Details on the draw process and participating nations will be released by the organizing bodies in due course.
GROUP STAGE DRAW
The group stage draw schedule will be released, outlining the initial group configurations and matchups that shape the early phase of the competition. Analysts and fans alike will watch closely as groups form and seeds are placed.
TELEVISION
Broadcast rights are held by several major networks, with coverage planned across regional and national platforms. Viewers in Canada and the United States can expect extensive live coverage, studio analysis, and expert commentary across leading sports networks, ensuring fans never miss a moment of the action.
TICKETS
Ticket sale logistics will be outlined as the event approaches. Prospective buyers will learn about pricing, seating categories, and the process to secure seats for matches across the three host nations. Early access and official presale information will be released by organizers and partner outlets.
FINAL NOTES
As the calendar fills with dates for the World Cup, the competition will culminate in a championship match scheduled for July 18, 2026. Stadium confirmations and final venue decisions will be announced closer to the start date, giving fans a clear target for travel planning and viewing. The world will tune in as the sport crowns a new global champion and the story of the 2026 World Cup unfolds in real time across three nations.
SOCIAL NETWORKS
Official channels will deliver timely updates, match previews, and behind-the-scenes insights, helping fans stay informed about fixtures, results, and key moments as they unfold across North America.
FIFA DATA
Important FIFA dates and milestones for the 2026 World Cup will be released soon, providing a reference for the qualification process, draw dates, and the competition timeline. Fans should monitor FIFA communications for authoritative guidance on the event schedule and participant eligibility.