FIFA World Cup 2026: Host Cities, Teams, Complete Schedule, Tickets & Travel Tips
Get ready for the biggest football event in history! The FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to North America, and it’s going to be amazing. For the first time ever, three countries will host together: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament will feature 48 teams instead of 32, which means more matches, more excitement, and more chances to see your favorite teams play.
Starting June 11 and ending July 19, 2026, fans will enjoy 39 days of non-stop football action across 16 incredible cities. Whether you’re planning to attend the 2026 football tournament in Dallas, Houston, New York, or Mexico City, this guide has everything you need.
From buying tickets to finding hotels, understanding the new format to checking which teams qualified, finding reliable transportation service – we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into all the details that will help you plan the perfect World Cup experience!
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Tournament Overview & Key Facts
What Makes This World Cup Historic?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will break all records and create history in many ways:
- First 48-team tournament – Expanded from 32 teams
- First tri-nation hosted World Cup – USA, Canada, and Mexico together
- 104 total matches – That’s 40 more matches than before
- 39 days of football – More than a month of excitement
- 6.5 million expected fans – Biggest live audience ever
- $11-14 billion projected revenue – Massive economic impact
Quick Tournament Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Tournament Name | FIFA World Cup 26 |
| Edition | 23rd FIFA World Cup |
| Dates | June 11 – July 19, 2026 |
| Duration | 39 days |
| Teams | 48 nations |
| Matches | 104 total |
| Host Nations | USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Host Cities | 16 cities (11 USA, 3 Mexico, 2 Canada) |
| Opening Match | Mexico vs South Africa (June 11, Estadio Azteca) |
| Final | July 19, 2026 (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey) |
How Does the New Format Work?
The 48-team World Cup format is completely different from what we’ve seen before. Here’s how it works:
Group Stage:
- 12 groups labeled A through L
- 4 teams in each group
- Every team plays 3 matches
- Total of 72 group stage matches
Who Advances to the Knockout Stage?
Moving to the knockout rounds is easier now:
- Top 2 teams from each group = 24 teams
- Best 8 third-place teams = 8 teams (this is new!)
- Total 32 teams move to knockout rounds
Tournament Progression
Here’s the complete path to becoming champion:
- Group Stage → 72 matches
- Round of 32 → 16 matches (NEW knockout round)
- Round of 16 → 8 matches
- Quarter-finals → 4 matches
- Semi-finals → 2 matches
- Third-place playoff → 1 match
- Final → 1 match
Total: 104 matches
Tournament Timeline & Important Dates for FIFA World Cup 2026
Mark these important dates on your calendar:
| Date | Event |
| December 5, 2025 | Final Draw (Washington, D.C.) |
| May 25, 2026 | Player Release Date |
| June 11, 2026 | Opening Match – Mexico vs South Africa |
| June 12, 2026 | USA Opening – USA vs Paraguay (Los Angeles) |
| June 11-24, 2026 | Group Stage |
| June 28 – July 3, 2026 | Round of 32 |
| July 5-8, 2026 | Round of 16 |
| July 11-12, 2026 | Quarter-finals |
| July 14-15, 2026 | Semi-finals |
| July 18, 2026 | Third Place Match |
| July 19, 2026 | FINAL (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey) |
Match Distribution by City
Here’s how matches are spread across all FIFA World Cup host cities 2026:
| City | Stadium | Matches |
| Dallas, Texas | AT&T Stadium | 9 matches |
| New York/New Jersey | MetLife Stadium | 8 matches |
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | 8 matches |
| Atlanta | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 8 matches |
| Houston, Texas | NRG Stadium | 7 matches |
| Miami | Hard Rock Stadium | 7 matches |
| Boston | Gillette Stadium | 7 matches |
| Vancouver | BC Place | 7 matches |
| Philadelphia | Lincoln Financial Field | 6 matches |
| Kansas City | Arrowhead Stadium | 6 matches |
| San Francisco | Levi’s Stadium | 6 matches |
| Seattle | Lumen Field | 6 matches |
| Toronto | BMO Field | 6 matches |
| Mexico City | Estadio Azteca | 5 matches |
| Guadalajara | Estadio Akron | 4 matches |
| Monterrey | Estadio BBVA | 4 matches |
Fun Fact: Dallas will host the most matches (9) including a semi-final, making it one of the tournament’s most important cities!
United States Venues (11 Cities)
1. New York / New Jersey – MetLife Stadium
- Capacity: 82,500
- Matches: 8 (including the Final)
- Special Feature: Will host the World Cup final 2026
- Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
2. Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium
- Capacity: 70,240
- Matches: 8 (including USA opening)
- Special Feature: Indoor stadium, most expensive venue in the world
- Location: Inglewood, California
3. Dallas – AT&T Stadium
- Capacity: 80,000
- Matches: 9 (most of any venue!)
- Special Feature: Massive video board, hosts a semi-final
- Location: Arlington, Texas
4. Houston – NRG Stadium
- Capacity: 72,220
- Matches: 7
- Special Feature: Retractable roof for comfort
- Location: Houston, Texas
5. Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium
- Capacity: 76,416
- Matches: 6
- Special Feature: One of the loudest stadiums in America
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
6. Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Capacity: 71,000
- Matches: 8
- Special Feature: Modern retractable roof
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
7. Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field
- Capacity: 69,796
- Matches: 6
- Special Feature: Classic open-air stadium
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
8. Miami – Hard Rock Stadium
- Capacity: 64,767
- Matches: 7
- Special Feature: Partially covered for sun protection
- Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
9. Boston – Gillette Stadium
- Capacity: 65,878
- Matches: 7
- Special Feature: Historic venue
- Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
10. San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium
- Capacity: 68,500
- Matches: 6
- Special Feature: Tech-enabled modern venue
- Location: Santa Clara, California
11. Seattle – Lumen Field
- Capacity: 68,740
- Matches: 6
- Special Feature: Known for loud, passionate crowds
- Location: Seattle, Washington
Mexico Venues (3 Cities)
12. Mexico City – Estadio Azteca
- Capacity: 87,523 (largest capacity!)
- Matches: 5 (including opening match 2026)
- Historic Moment: Only stadium to host 3 World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026)
- Location: Mexico City
Historic Venue Alert: Estadio Azteca witnessed Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986 and Pelé lifting the trophy in 1970!
13. Guadalajara – Estadio Akron
- Capacity: 48,071
- Matches: 4
- Special Feature: Beautiful modern design
- Location: Zapopan, Jalisco
14. Monterrey – Estadio BBVA
- Capacity: 53,500
- Matches: 4
- Special Feature: Stunning mountain backdrop
- Location: Monterrey, Nuevo León
Canada Venues (2 Cities)
15. Toronto – BMO Field
- Capacity: 45,500
- Matches: 6
- Special Feature: Expandable for World Cup
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
16. Vancouver – BC Place
- Capacity: 54,500
- Matches: 7
- Special Feature: Retractable roof
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Qualified Teams & Group Stage Draw
How Many Teams Qualified by Confederation?
- UEFA (Europe): 16 teams
- CAF (Africa): 9 teams
- AFC (Asia): 8 teams
- CONMEBOL (South America): 6 teams
- CONCACAF (North America): 6 teams (including 3 hosts)
- OFC (Oceania): 1 team
- Intercontinental Playoffs: 2 teams
All 48 Qualified Teams (Listed by Confederation)
- Europe (16 teams): England, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Norway, Scotland, Italy (via playoffs), plus remaining playoff winners
- South America (6 teams): Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, plus playoff qualifiers
- Africa (9 teams): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, plus other qualified nations
- Asia (8 teams): Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Jordan
- North America (6 teams): 🇺🇸 United States (host) 🇲🇽 Mexico (host) 🇨🇦 Canada (host) Panama, Haiti, Curaçao
- Oceania (1 team): New Zealand or playoff winner
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets – Complete Buying Guide
Ticket Categories & Pricing
Wondering “how to buy World Cup 2026 tickets“? Here’s the complete pricing breakdown:
Category 1 (Premium):
- Group Stage: $185 – $620
- Round of 32: $250 – $800
- Round of 16: $350 – $1,200
- Quarter-finals: $450 – $1,800
- Semi-finals: $650 – $3,000
- Final: $800 – $6,730
Category 2 (Mid-tier):
- Group Stage: $120 – $400
- Knockout Rounds: $200 – $2,000
Category 3 (Standard):
- Group Stage: $80 – $250
- Knockout Rounds: $150 – $1,200
Category 4 (Accessibility – Group Stage Only):
- Starting at $60
Host Nation Premium:
- Matches featuring USA/Canada/Mexico: up to $2,735
When & How to Buy Tickets
Step 1: FIFA Registration
- Registration opened: September 2025
- Official website: FIFA.com/tickets
- Create your FIFA account (required for all purchases)
Step 2: Ticket Sales Timeline
| Phase | Dates | How It Works |
| First Sales | Sep-Oct 2025 | Lottery system |
| Second Sales | Nov 2025 – Jan 2026 | Random selection |
| Last-Minute Sales | Mar-June 2026 | First-come, first-served |
Step 3: Official Resale Platform
- Only use FIFA’s official resale platform
- Avoid third-party websites (high counterfeit risk)
- FIFA doesn’t guarantee non-official tickets
Hospitality Packages
For a VIP experience, check out official hospitality:
Official Partner: On Location (FIFA-authorized)
Package Includes:
✓ Match ticket guaranteed
✓ Premium food and beverages
✓ Lounge access
✓ VIP suite options
Pricing: Starting from $1,300 per match
Availability: 1 million tickets allocated for hospitality
Ticket Buying Tips & Warnings
| Do This | Avoid This |
| Only buy from FIFA.com or authorized resellers Register early for better chances Have backup match preferences Check visa requirements before buying | Avoid secondary marketplaces (high counterfeit risk) Tickets marked up 1,000%+ on unofficial sites FIFA does not guarantee validity of third-party tickets |
New Rules for World Cup 2026 & Tournament Changes
Revolutionary Hydration Break Rule
- 22-minute hydration break (NEW for 2026)
- Mandatory in EVERY match
- 3-minute duration
- Both halves (22nd minute mark)
- Applies regardless of weather/temperature
- First time in World Cup history
Expanded VAR Implementation
- Enhanced video assistant referee technology
- Semi-automated offside technology
- Faster decision-making
Squad Size & Player Regulations
- Final club release date: May 24, 2026
- Players must join squads by: May 25, 2026
- Exception: Players in continental finals (until May 30)
Tournament Format Changes
- Round of 32 added (first time since 1998 format change)
- Teams reaching final play 8 matches (previously 7)
- Third-place teams now have advancement chance
- 104 total matches (previously 64)
Transportation: The Biggest Challenge for World Cup 2026
Now you know everything about the FIFA World Cup 2026 – from opening day on June 11 to the final on July 19. You’ve learned about tickets, stadiums, teams, and fifa world cup 2026 schedules. But here comes the biggest concern: how will you move around? Getting from Dallas to Houston, from airports to stadiums, and between multiple cities across the USA is not easy.
America is a huge country, and during the World Cup, millions of fans will travel together. Public transport is limited in most cities, taxis will be expensive, and ride-sharing apps will be overwhelmed. Without proper transportation planning, you might miss matches, waste time, or face unnecessary stress. This is where professional ground transportation becomes essential for your World Cup experience.
Why Professional Transportation Services Matter
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, only professional transportation services can guarantee smooth, reliable travel. Regular taxi services and ride-sharing apps will struggle with the massive crowd of 6.5 million spectators. Professional transportation companies have experience handling large events, dedicated vehicles, and trained drivers who know the best routes.
When you book professional services, you get guaranteed pickup times, comfortable vehicles, and no surge pricing surprises. For traveling between World Cup 2026 Texas cities like Dallas and Houston, or moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco for multiple matches, professional services offer safety, reliability, and peace of mind. Whether it’s airport to stadium transfers, stadium to hotel rides after late-night matches, or city-to-city luxury coaches, only professional companies can deliver the quality service you deserve during this historic tournament.
Why Choose United CLS for Your World Cup Transportation
United CLS is your trusted partner for all FIFA World Cup 2026 transportation needs across the United States. We offer complete transportation solutions covering all 11 USA host cities – from New York to Los Angeles, Dallas to Houston, Atlanta to Seattle. Our services include:
- Comfortable airport to stadium transfers
- Reliable ride to hotels near FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums.
- Smooth city-to-city transportation for multi-city trips
- Guided tours to the best spots in each host city.
We understand that the World Cup in Dallas, Houston, and other American cities requires professional coordination. Our experienced drivers know every route, our vehicles are modern and comfortable, and our customer service team works 24/7 to ensure your journey is stress-free. While others worry about traffic and transportation, you’ll enjoy the matches knowing United CLS has your ground transportation covered completely.
Need Help Planning Your World Cup Trip?
At United CLS, we specialize in creating unforgettable World Cup experiences:
- Customized World Cup 2026 travel packages for every budget
- Premium hotel bookings near all World Cup venues 2026
- Ticket assistance and hospitality access
- Private transfers and ground transportation
- Multi-city itinerary planning (Dallas, Houston, and beyond)
- Special Texas packages combining both cities
Final Word
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the opportunity of a lifetime, and proper transportation planning is just as important as booking tickets and hotels. Don’t let transportation challenges ruin your World Cup experience. Whether you’re attending world cup games in Dallas, catching matches in Houston, or traveling across multiple cities to follow your team, United CLS ensures you arrive on time, travel in comfort, and focus on what matters most – enjoying the beautiful game.
Action Steps to Take Now:
- Register at FIFA.com for ticket lottery
- Book hotels early in your target cities
- Check visa requirements for your nationality
- Plan your multi-city route strategically
- Consider travel packages for convenience
- Follow updates for final team confirmations
| Don’t wait! Tickets are limited, hotels near World Cup stadiums are filling up fast, and the countdown to June 11, 2026 has already begun. Start planning your World Cup adventure today! |
Contact United CLS today and let us handle your complete transportation needs for the greatest football tournament in history. Your World Cup journey deserves professional service from day one to the final whistle!
- Book Your World Cup Transportation Now
- Call Us for Custom Transportation Packages
- Email Us for Group Transportation Solutions
United CLS – Your Official Ground Transportation Partner for Dallas World Cup 2026
FAQs
How many teams are playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 48 teams for the first time, expanded from the previous 32-team format.
What is the FIFA qualification process for 2026?
Each confederation follows its own qualification rounds. A total of 46 teams qualify through regional competitions, while USA, Mexico, and Canada qualify automatically as hosts. Two additional teams qualify via intercontinental playoffs.
What is the World Cup schedule for 2026?
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring 104 matches across 39 days. The opening match is in Mexico City, and the final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Which soccer stadiums in the USA are hosting World Cup matches?
The USA will host matches across 11 stadiums, including AT&T Stadium (Dallas), NRG Stadium (Houston), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), and others.
What should fans know about Dallas World Cup 2026 matches?
Dallas will host 9 matches, the most of any host city, including a semi-final. AT&T Stadium is one of the key venues for the Dallas FIFA World Cup 2026.
What about FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Houston?
Houston’s NRG Stadium will host 7 matches. Fans traveling for World Cup 2026 Houston games should book transportation and hotels early due to high demand.
Where can I buy FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets?
Tickets are sold only through FIFA.com/tickets. Fans must register on the website to enter the lottery and purchase phases. Avoid all unofficial resale sites.
How many groups are in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
There will be 12 groups, labeled A to L, with 4 teams in each group. The top teams plus the best third-place teams advance.
How can I travel between Dallas and Houston for World Cup matches?
Public transport options are limited. Most fans choose private transportation, car services, or city-to-city shuttles to move between the two major Texas host cities.