The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, officially began on June 11, 2026, with the opening match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This edition is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time three nations have jointly organized the tournament.
The tournament spans 16 cities across North America, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The expanded format includes 104 matches, up from 64 in previous tournaments.
Geopolitical tensions have shadowed the event, including debates over human rights records of participating nations and security concerns along the US-Mexico border. FIFA has emphasized the tournament's unifying role, but critics point to ongoing issues such as migrant treatment and political divisions within host countries.
Economic impacts are significant, with projections of billions in revenue for host cities. However, local communities have raised concerns about displacement and cost overruns. The event also highlights the growing influence of North America in global soccer, following the US women's team's success and Major League Soccer's expansion.
