The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first with 48 teams, kicks off on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in Mexico City. Defending champion Argentina, which beat France in the 2022 final in Qatar, is among the favorites. Other top contenders include France, Spain, Brazil, and England, according to pre-tournament analysis.
Outsiders to watch include Morocco, which reached the semifinals in 2022, and Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo in what may be his last World Cup. The expanded format adds new teams like Canada and Uzbekistan, increasing unpredictability.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
