2026 FIFA World Cup Starts June 11 with 48 Teams

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will commence on June 11 in Mexico City, where host nation Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match at Estadio Azteca, marking the start of the largest edition in the tournament's history with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This expanded format, approved by FIFA in 2017, increases the field from 32 teams to 48, divided into 12 groups of four. The change allows more nations to participate, including four debutants: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, each advancing through regional qualifiers. As of now, 42 teams have secured spots, with the remaining six determined by playoffs in March. The host countries, Mexico, the United States, and Canada, received automatic entry, sparing them the qualification process. Argentina enters as defending champions after defeating France in the 2022 final in Qatar.

Qualification has been rigorous for most entrants. England advanced with an undefeated record, while Scotland returns for the first time since 1998. In Europe, Wales faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff semifinal, with the winner advancing to play the victor of Italy versus Northern Ireland; a successful...