FIFA World Cup 2026: The Complete Guide
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest tournament in football history — 48 national teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026. MarcadorSports is your home for World Cup 2026 prediction tournaments, private pools and leaderboards.
What Makes World Cup 2026 Historic
For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams, up from 32. The tournament features 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advancing to a new round of 32.
It is also the first World Cup hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. Mexico becomes the first country to host matches in three different World Cups (1970, 1986 and 2026).
- 48 national teams — the largest World Cup ever
- 104 matches over 39 days
- 16 host cities across three countries
- New round of 32 knockout stage
- Final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on July 19, 2026
Key Dates for World Cup 2026
The group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, 2026. The round of 32 begins June 28, followed by the round of 16, quarter-finals (July 9–11), semi-finals (July 14–15), and the final on July 19, 2026.
The opening match takes place at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the first stadium to host three World Cup opening ceremonies.
Make Your World Cup 2026 Predictions
MarcadorSports lets you predict every World Cup 2026 match, join private pools with friends and coworkers, and climb global leaderboards. Create your own quiniela, prode or penca and invite your group — scoring is automatic and standings update in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts on June 11, 2026, with the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and ends with the final on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How many teams play in the World Cup 2026?
48 national teams compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded from 32 teams. They are divided into 12 groups of four, playing a total of 104 matches.
Which countries host the World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — the first World Cup hosted by three nations, across 16 host cities.
How can I make World Cup 2026 predictions?
Register for free on MarcadorSports, join or create a prediction pool, and submit your picks for every World Cup 2026 match. Points are awarded automatically and you compete on live leaderboards.
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