The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off next week, marking the longest and largest edition in the tournament's 96-year history. Stretching across 39 days, 104 matches will take place in 16 stadiums across 16 cities spanning the eastern, western, and central regions of North America, promising unprecedented changes.
First World Cup hosted by three countries
Previously, every men's World Cup from 1930 to 2022 was held in a single host nation, except for the 2002 co-hosting by Japan and South Korea. In 2026, for the first time, a World Cup (both men's and women's) will be played across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 2030 World Cup will follow this trend, hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
48-team format and additional knockout round
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams – the most ever. Among them, UEFA (Europe) gets 16 direct slots, CAF (Africa) 9, and AFC (Asia) 8. With the expanded field, the tournament adds a new stage: after the group stage, teams enter a round of 32 before the round of 16. This year's champion will play eight matches, one more than Argentina played when winning in Qatar 2022.
NFL-style halftime show at the final
For the first time in history, the World Cup final will feature a halftime performance, inspired by the NFL's Super Bowl. The final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York will include an 11-minute show starring K-pop group BTS, Madonna, Colombian superstar Shakira, and Chris Martin – lead singer of Coldplay – as music director. Previously, the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Chelsea and PSG at the same venue also featured a halftime performance with rapper Doja Cat and singer J Balvin.
Striking new kits
Excitement for this year's World Cup began in late March when teams unveiled new jersey designs. Adidas kits were the most popular for their bold looks: Japan's home shirt in navy with concentric ribbing; Curacao's away kit in lime yellow inspired by the colorful buildings of capital Willemstad; Argentina's away shirt in black and blue with Fileteado folk art; France's home kit in dark green with a crisp white collar; South Africa's away jersey in gold and forest green with vertical stripes from hand-drawn triangular patterns.
New pre-match ceremony
Exactly one week before the opening match, FIFA announced a new pre-match ceremony. Before each game, all players on the matchday roster – not just the starting 11 – will line up around the center circle before the anthem. FIFA described the ritual as "turning the stadium into a shared stage," including large flag banners and players entering through a dedicated arch near the tunnel. The opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at Mexico City's stadium will see this ceremony for the first time.
