Three Host Nations, 48 Teams: The 2026 World Cup Kicks Off with a New Format.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup

According to Espreso.tv: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held across three host countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This tournament marks the first time 48 national teams are competing in the World Cup, signaling a new chapter in the history of global football championships. The final stage features 12 groups of four teams each, with matches taking place in 16 cities.

The opening match took place on June 11 in Mexico City, while the final is scheduled for July 19 in New York. For Ukrainian audiences, here is a complete list of host cities:

• Canada — Toronto and Vancouver
• Mexico — Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
• United States — Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle

Matches and Results

Several Round of 16 matches have already taken place. On July 4, Canada lost to Morocco 0–3, and on July 5, Paraguay faced France, losing 0–1. Upcoming matches on July 6 include Brazil vs. Norway, Portugal vs. Spain, and Mexico vs. England. On July 7, the United States will take on Belgium, Argentina will face Egypt, and Switzerland will play Colombia.

Key goals have also made headlines: Azzedine Ounahi scored twice, finding the net in the 50th and 82nd minutes, while Soufiane Rahimi sealed the lead in the 90+8th minute. Kylian Mbappé scored from a penalty in the 70th minute. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an unforgettable event for fans worldwide.

The expanded number of teams in the 2026 World Cup reflects the growing global interest in football and FIFA's push to involve more nations in the competition.

The early stage of the tournament has already shown increased competition among teams, with results that may surprise many fans. A key highlight of this championship is its geographic diversity, as matches are spread across three countries, adding a unique flavor and greater accessibility for supporters. The success of this tournament could have long-lasting effects on the development of football in North America.