New to the World Cup? Start here
A beginner's guide to World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup is football's biggest event, held every four years. The 2026 edition is the largest ever — the first hosted by three countries (the United States, Mexico and Canada) and the first with 48 teams. It runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
What's new in 2026
The tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams, growing from 64 to 104 matches. Here's how a champion is crowned:
- 112 groups of 4. All 48 teams are drawn into 12 groups and each plays the other three once.
- 232 advance. The top 2 from every group, plus the 8 best third-placed teams, reach a new Round of 32.
- 3Knockouts. Round of 32 → Round of 16 → Quarter-finals → Semi-finals → Final. One loss and you're out.
- 4The Final. The last two standing meet on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, New York / New Jersey.
Defending champion
Argentina won the 2022 final in Qatar, beating France 4–2 on penalties after a thrilling 3–3 draw — Lionel Messi's crowning moment. They arrive in 2026 as the team to beat.
Recent winners
- 2022Argentinabeat France on penalties (3–3)
- 2018Francebeat Croatia 4–2
- 2014Germanybeat Argentina 1–0
- 2010Spainbeat Netherlands 1–0
- 2006Italybeat France on penalties
- 2002Brazilbeat Germany 2–0
Most titles
- Brazil★★★★★5
- Germany★★★★4
- Italy★★★★4
- Argentina★★★3
- France★★2
- Uruguay★★2
- England★1
- Spain★1
The rules, in plain English
Match length
Two 45-minute halves plus added stoppage time, with a 15-minute break at halftime (“HT”).
Group points
A win is 3 points, a draw 1, a loss 0. Ties are broken by goal difference, then goals scored, then head-to-head.
Knockout rounds
No draws allowed. Level after 90 minutes → 30 minutes of extra time → a penalty shootout if still tied.
Cards
A yellow card is a caution; two yellows or a straight red means the player is sent off and the team plays a man down.
Substitutions
Each team can make up to 5 substitutions from a bench of reserves; squads are up to 26 players.
VAR
Video Assistant Referee reviews goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity to help the on-field referee.
Hosts & stadiums
16 cities across three countries will host the 104 matches.
United States
11 cities
Mexico
3 cities
Canada
2 citiesWho's playing
The 48 places are shared across the six continental confederations, with the three host nations qualifying automatically:
Key dates
- Jun 11, 2026Opening match — Mexico City
- Jun 11–27Group stage (12 groups of 4)
- Jun 28 – Jul 3Round of 32
- Jul 4–7Round of 16
- Jul 9–11Quarter-finals
- Jul 14–15Semi-finals
- Jul 18Third-place play-off
- Jul 19, 2026Final — New York / New Jersey
Start exploring
Tournament facts are reference information compiled for newcomers and may be refined as FIFA confirms final details.