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2026 FIFA World Cup: A Complete Guide to the Tournament: Quick Facts

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News •

German skier Emma Aicher wins her first World Cup slalom race • Nov. 14, 2026, 10:56 AM ET (AP)
The coach who energized U.S. soccer at the World Cup is on the verge of leaving for a job in England • Nov. 12, 2026, 5:32 PM ET (AP)
US pulls boys team from FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar citing security in the Gulf • Nov. 12, 2026, 4:24 PM ET (AP)
FIFA releases evaluation reports for the 2031 and 2035 Women's World Cup • Nov. 11, 2026, 6:30 PM ET (AP)
FIFA politics around Infantino re-election bid compels Japanese official to quit • Oct. 28, 2026, 8:57 PM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As 2026 World Cup
Location Canada • Mexico • United States

Photos

Rodri raises the FIFA World Cup trophy above his head as jubilant Spain teammates crowd around him on the winners' podium, cheering and celebrating their victory. Gold confetti fills the air while FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump stand nearby on the stage during the trophy presentation following Spain's win over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final
The FIFA World Cup trophy stands on display at FIFA Home of Football in Zurich on November 20, 2025, ahead of the 2026 World Cup and European Play-Off draws. The golden trophy shines brightly, symbolising international football competition and achievement.
Photo and labeled diagram of the Trionda soccer ball used in FIFA 2026, featuring red, blue, and green panels for host countries, four aerodynamic panels, a motion sensor chip, and counterweights for balance.
Lionel Messi, wearing Argentina number 10 jersey, looks upward with his hands raised in prayer as he celebrates scoring his team second goal during a FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri.
Infographic summarizing FIFA World Cup history, including record attendances, top players and teams by appearances and goals, a map of 2026 host cities, and a timeline of past winners and milestones.
Fans in yellow Brazil jerseys gather in Times Square, waving large banners with illustrations of soccer legends Pele and Mario Zagallo ahead of the 2026 World Cup match.
Cape Verdes players and staff celebrate on the pitch after finishing as runners-up in Group H during the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Houston Stadium in Texas.
Curacao football supporters, including superfan Roald Balentien with his face and beard painted blue, cheer and pose with a Curacao flag in a stadium crowd.
Congo DR fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as Lumumba Vea, stands still in a red jacket and blue pants amid cheering fans at a FIFA World Cup match in Guadalajara Stadium.
Luis Díaz of Colombia, wearing a yellow jersey, jumps to head the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Venezuela at Estadio Monumental de Maturin.
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Topics

Key People

Lionel Messi, wearing Argentina number 10 jersey, looks upward with his hands raised in prayer as he celebrates scoring his team second goal during a FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri.
Lionel Messi
Argentine-born football (soccer) player
Cristiano Ronaldo, wearing a light green Portugal national team training top, jogs on a soccer field before a FIFA 2018 qualification match.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portuguese football (soccer) player
Alexia Putellas and Harry Kane stand onstage holding Ballon d'Or trophies, Putellas in a white gown and Kane in a black tuxedo.
Harry Kane
English football (soccer) player
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah
Egyptian football (soccer) player
Vinícius Júnior in 2025
Vinícius Júnior
Brazilian football (soccer) player
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid smiles and holds the UEFA Champions League Trophy on the field after the 2023/24 final at Wembley Stadium.
Jude Bellingham
English football (soccer) player
French soccer player Kylian Mbappe, wearing jersey number 10, takes a shot on goal during the FIFA World Cup quarter final against England at Al Bayt Stadium.
Kylian Mbappé
French football (soccer) player
Erling Braut Haaland in a red Norway jersey celebrates a goal with one arm raised and the other by his ear during a World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands at Ullevaal Stadium.
Erling Haaland
Norwegian football (soccer) player
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric passes the ball during the 2025 Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona in Seville, with a red Copa del Rey banner in the background.
Luka Modrić: Conductor of the Midfield
Croatian football (soccer) player
Frances Ousmane Dembele (11) runs after the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match against Australia at Al Janoub Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on November 22, 2022.
Ousmane Dembélé
French football (soccer) player
Aitana Bonmati and Rodri, both in formal attire, hold their Ballon d'Or trophies on stage, with Rodri kissing his award and Bonmati smiling at the camera.
Rodri
Spanish football (soccer) player
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal
Spanish football (soccer) player