2026 World Cup – Dates, Host Cities & Format

A historic edition of world football

The 2026 World Cup will mark a turning point in the history of sport. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted by three nations : the United States , Canada , and Mexico .
With 48 participating teams instead of 32, this edition promises more matches, more spectacle and an intensity never seen before.

For fans, collectors and enthusiasts of PlanetFoot, it's much more than just a tournament: it's the moment when football enters a new era.

📅 The 2026 World Cup schedule

The tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026 , and the final will be played on July 19, 2026 .
For more than a month, the world of football will be buzzing with excitement over the biggest national teams.

A new format

48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4 nations .
The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage.
In total, 104 matches instead of the usual 64 — a real marathon for the players, and continuous fun for the fans.

This expanded format offers more opportunities for emerging nations to access the competition, and therefore greater diversity on the field as well as in the stands.

🏟️ The host cities of the 2026 World Cup

Three countries, sixteen cities: the 2026 World Cup will be a journey across the North American continent.

🇲🇽 Mexico

Mexico City – Legendary Estadio Azteca, which will host the opening of the tournament.
Monterrey and Guadalajara will complete the Mexican representation.

🇨🇦 Canada

Toronto and Vancouver will host several games, providing an exceptional showcase for Canadian football.

🇺🇸 United States

Eleven American cities will be part of the celebration: Los Angeles , New York/New Jersey , Miami , Dallas , Atlanta , Seattle , Houston , San Francisco , Boston , Philadelphia and Kansas City .
Each city will offer a unique atmosphere, blending modernity, culture and sporting fervor.

🌍 An event with global impact

The 2026 World Cup will be much more than a competition: it is a global showcase of modern football .

More nations represented , therefore more fans, jerseys and identities to celebrate.
Unprecedented international reach , which will offer new opportunities for brands, federations and fans.
Exclusive products (official jerseys, host country kits, training equipment) will be at the heart of football culture from 2025.

At PlanetFoot , this period is synonymous with innovation:
We are already preparing the 2026 World Cup collections , the jerseys of the qualified nations , and the special host city editions that will thrill every supporter.

🎯 Key takeaways

Official dates : June 11 to July 19, 2026
3 host countries : United States, Mexico, Canada
48 teams entered, 16 groups, 104 matches
A new format that opens the tournament to more nations
Unprecedented opportunities for fans and collectors

🏪 PlanetFoot, the 2026 World Cup destination

From official national team jerseys to exclusive training kits , PlanetFoot will accompany all football enthusiasts towards this historic event.
Our stores in Perpignan and Le Perthus , as well as our website PlanetFoot.com , will be at the heart of the global passion, with collections from major nations: France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, Senegal and many others.

The 2026 World Cup is not just a tournament: it's a global celebration of football.
And at PlanetFoot, we live this passion to the fullest.

Discover the 2026 World Cup Collection

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