In the world of sports, there are few events that attract nearly as much attention as the World Cup does. It is not merely a display of the best football players and nations in the world, but a celebration of culture, and pride. Gear up and get ready to witness history at the biggest stage. The largest sporting event in history, the FIFA World Cup, makes its highly anticipated return in 2026! Star-studded lineups from all over the globe are set to arrive and compete across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The grand final is to be hosted in the New York/New Jersey area, at MetLife Stadium, which holds a large capacity of 87,157.
The Hosts
As North America will be hosting this World Cup, the three hosting nations will be guaranteed a spot in this huge tournament. Mexico will start this tournament off with a bang at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City on June 11, while the US Men’s national team will start their journey in Los Angeles’ own SoFi Stadium on June 12. Finally, the Canadian Men’s national team is set to have their first match in the nation’s biggest city– Toronto, on June 12.
The Format
The Men’s World Cup is changing its format for which it has stuck with since 1998, by adding an extra knockout round and with a staggering 104 matches compared to the past’s 64. This will make it both the longest and busiest World Cup to ever take place. It will have twelve groups of four teams each, and the top two seeds from each group will advance to the first knockout stage, while also including the top eight third placed nations. Following that, there will be a usual round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the ultimate final.
With this new change in format, the biggest tournament in football will draw eyes from all over the world. Once again, football will prove itself that it is not just a game; it is a source of inspiration and unity for billions. Prepare to be amazed by greatness under the biggest lights, as the FIFA World Cup makes its return to the United States for the first time since 1994.
Sources:
Staff, A. (2024, February 12). World Cup 2026: The biggest tournament yet and a New York final. The Athletic. https://theathletic.com/5249988/2024/02/04/world-cup-2026-schedule-explained/#