FIFA World Cup 2026: Host Cities, Qualifiers, and How to Watch

The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be a groundbreaking tournament, featuring more teams, more matches, and more host cities across North America. As the world prepares for the biggest sporting event in football, here's everything you need to know about the host cities, qualifying teams, and where to watch the action unfold.

Host Countries and Cities

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature three co-hosting nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will also expand to include 48 teams, up from 32 in previous editions.

List of Host Cities

The matches will be spread across 16 host cities, each chosen for their infrastructure, capacity, and experience in hosting large-scale events.

• United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle
• Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
• Mexico: Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara

Qualification Process

With the expansion to 48 teams, the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is more inclusive, offering opportunities for nations that have never reached the tournament before.

Automatic Qualifiers

As hosts, the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualify for the tournament.

Confederation Slots

The allocation of qualification slots is as follows:

• AFC (Asia): 8 slots
• CAF (Africa): 9 slots
• CONCACAF (North, Central America & Caribbean): 6 slots (including 3 hosts)
• CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots
• OFC (Oceania): 1 slot
• UEFA (Europe): 16 slots
• 2 additional spots via intercontinental playoffs

How to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026

Fans around the world will have multiple options to tune in to the 2026 World Cup, with global broadcasting deals already in place.

Broadcasting Networks

• United States: Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
• Canada: TSN, CTV, RDS
• Mexico: Televisa, TV Azteca
• Global: Viewers can check partnerships in their respective countries

Additionally, fans will be able to stream matches via digital platforms, offering more flexibility to watch games live or on-demand.

Will 2022 Winner Argentina Repeat?

Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champion, will look to defend their title in 2026. With stars like Lionel Messi potentially making a final appearance in the tournament, fans are eager to see how the reigning champions will perform on North American soil.

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun. With massive changes in format, more host cities, and broader global participation, it promises to be one of the most exciting World Cups in history.