The clock hit 8 days. On June 11, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off and history gets rewritten.
For the first time, 48 nations will play 104 matches across 3 countries. Mexico City Stadium lights up first, but this tournament won’t stay in stadiums. FIFA says 25 towns + cities outside the 16 host venues will host teams at Base Camps. From a small Canadian town called New Tecumseth to beaches in Cancún and training grounds in Boca Raton, the World Cup is coming to the streets.
Who’s already here
Boots are hitting the ground. Australia is sweating it out in Sarasota before facing co-hosts USA. Uzbekistan, World Cup debutants under Fabio Cannavaro, landed in New York and will test themselves vs Canada + Netherlands before their opener against Colombia.
Next wave landing soon: England, Senegal, Egypt, Argentina, Scotland, Qatar, South Africa, New Zealand.
The warm-up tour
Before June 11, the action goes coast to coast. Mexico battles Australia in Pasadena, then Serbia in Toluca. USA faces Senegal in Charlotte, then Germany in Chicago. Canada locks horns with Ireland in Montreal. Even cities without official games — Orlando, San Diego, Cleveland, Tampa, Auburn — will host friendlies.
What fans should know
Tech upgrade: Every player gets a 3D scan for VAR offside calls.
Access: FIFA’s opening 75,000 spots for fans at team training sessions.
Community vibe: _Be Active_ clinics will run at camps to get kids playing.
Leagues are on pause. North America is on. From June 11 to the July 19 final, the continent became football’s home.