The 2026 World Cup is set to kick off, featuring an unprecedented format with 48 countries divided into 12 groups.
Co-hosting the tournament are Mexico, the USA, and Canada, who are the top seeds in Groups A, B, and D, respectively. Meanwhile, Scotland joins Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti in Group C, while former champions England are placed in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will move on to the knockout stage, and just three points could suffice for some teams to advance.
Advertisement
This edition will feature 104 matches, an increase of 40 compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Notably, icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are expected to appear, likely for the last time in their illustrious careers.
Check out the fixtures, results, and the latest group standings:
The tournament will commence at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, historically famous for Diego Maradona’s legendary moments against England during the 1986 World Cup. This iconic venue has also hosted two unforgettable World Cup finals: Brazil’s victory over Italy in 1970, featuring Carlos Alberto’s memorable team goal in a 4-1 triumph, and Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 win against West Germany in 1986, clinched by Jorge Burruchaga’s late strike.
Advertisement
Mexico and Canada will each host 13 matches, while the United States will host a staggering 78, and from the quarter-finals onward, all remaining matches will take place in the U.S., culminating in the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Who will claim the World Cup title?
The ultimate question in football emerges once again, sparking lively discussions. Will it be England’s promising new generation, the defending champions Argentina, the deep squad of France, or the developing talents of Spain that prevail? It’s your turn to weigh in: who do you think will lift the trophy?