SRINAGAR: The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday across the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the largest edition of the tournament in history with 48 teams competing for football’s biggest prize.
The month-long competition, which will conclude with the final on July 19, expands significantly from previous editions that featured 32 teams. A total of 104 matches will be played during the tournament, including 72 group-stage fixtures and 32 knockout-round matches.
The United States, Canada and Mexico qualified automatically as host nations, while the remaining 45 teams secured their places through a two-year qualification campaign.
Under the expanded format, the 48 participating teams have been divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance directly to the knockout phase, alongside the eight best third-placed teams, creating a 32-team knockout stage for the first time in World Cup history.
FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament is expected to increase global participation and provide more nations with an opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.
The final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place on July 19, bringing an end to the first World Cup jointly hosted by three nations and the largest tournament ever staged by the world governing body of football.
