2026 FIFA World Cup kick-off and key tournament details

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 and concludes on July 19, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This edition introduces a new format featuring 48 national teams divided into 12 groups, with 104 matches played across 16 stadiums. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium near New York. Five new FIFA regulations have been implemented to reduce delays, including time limits on set-piece restarts and substitution procedures. Ten players from the Cypriot league will participate in the tournament, securing financial compensation for their clubs through FIFA's Club Benefits Programme, which has a record budget of $355 million. Media analysts have mixed predictions for the winner, with Spain, France, and Argentina frequently cited as top favorites. Concerns were raised by critics regarding visa restrictions and the exclusion of officials, though FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged focus on the sport. Security operations in Mexico involve over 100,000 personnel to manage the event.