Interesting facts
The records, firsts and quirks behind the biggest World Cup ever.
2026 is the first World Cup hosted by three nations — Canada, Mexico and the United States.
It is also the first 48-team World Cup, expanding from 32 and running a record 104 matches.
Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium ever to host matches at three different World Cups.
The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area.
16 host cities span three countries and four time zones — the most geographically spread finals in history.
Mexico becomes the first country to host (or co-host) the men's World Cup three times: 1970, 1986 and 2026.
The tournament introduces a new Round of 32 knockout stage for the first time.
Canada will host men's World Cup matches for the first time, in Toronto and Vancouver.