World Cup 2026 is still a few years away, but with more teams, matches, and host nations than ever before, it's never too late to start studying everything there is to know about the event because it's shaping up to be, in many respects, the biggest World Cup we've ever witnessed.

While there are still a lot of international competitions to worry about before then, as we'll discuss in more detail below, we already know a lot about World Cup 2026.

When will the schedule be made (finally) available?

FIFA revealed Thursday that the FIFA World Cup 26 final, which will take place live on television on February 4 at 3 p.m. The sites of important events, such as the FIFA World Cup 26 final the massive showcase match, will be determined by astern time, along with the host city match allocations for the 104 matches in the tournament in 2026. FIFA had promised to produce a timetable by the end of 2023, but it went over that date in October.

The broadcast will disclose the sites and their updates at score.io of each host nation's national team's group stage matches and the World Cup final, set for July 19, 2026. The tournament's opening matches will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. When FIFA released the 2026 TV rights to the Australian market, it said that the competition would run for five and a half weeks, with the first game scheduled for June 7.

Is this the first time?

It's Canada's first time hosting a men's World Cup, but not for the United States or Mexico.

Mexico hosted the World Cup for the first time in North American men's competition history. They staged the competition twice, in 1970 and 1986, with Brazil and Argentina victorious in the respective years.

When the United States hosted the celebration eight years later, Brazil won the trophy for the fourth time after defeating Italy on penalties in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Canada has experience hosting the Women's World Cup while never having hosted the Men's World Cup. The USWNT became victorious in the tournament that they hosted in 2015.

Three years ago in 1999 and 2003, the USWNT hosted the event as the home team, 2026 host squad has a wealth of experience.

Format and number of participants

The 48 teams would probably get split up into groups of four. Consequently, there were 12 groupings. However, the issue with such an approach is that both the teams playing in the championship group match might be aware of the precise outcome needed for them to advance. Manipulate any outcome between them to their advantage.

But in a recent series of events, FIFA's head of global football development, Arsene Wenger, said that discussions about a surgical solution to this issue have continued with sponsors and stakeholders. The next tournament may surpass the 100-game mark if the 48-team competition remains divided into four-team groups. The governing authorities will be able to generate more cash from this. Though serious talks seem probable for next year, very casual chats are occurring amongst powerbrokers about remaining with groups of four.

Which arenas will hold the games?

FIFA announced the 16 host cities in June of last year. They were divided into three geographic groups:

Western area

Los Angeles, Guadalajara, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Vancouver

The Central Cities:

Monterrey, Mexico City, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City

East area

Philadelphia, Toronto, Miami, New York/New Jersey, and Boston

About the chosen venues, only Mexico City's Estadio Azteca has held a men's World Cup game in the past. This time, not even a single venue from 1994, 1970, or 1986 will be used.

How do teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

The upcoming World Cup qualification procedure is presently in progress.

FIFA has revealed that six countries from CONCACAF (North America) will compete in the 2026 World Cup, leaving just three spots open because the hosts, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, have already qualified. South America will also be represented by six teams in CONMEBOL.

The AFC (Asia) has allocated eight qualification berths, while the CAF (Africa) has nine. While UEFA (Europe) has sixteen spots open for the competition, OFC (Oceania) only has one. Following that, the play-offs will decide which six teams proceed, with the confederations receiving a certain number of slots (UEFA is not participating in the play-offs).

Why is having a timetable two years ahead of time vital?

The local organizing committees' financial and logistical concerns are the primary justification.

Understanding the calendar is crucial, but it also helps with budgetary considerations to focus on the specific demands you'll have throughout that time.

Simple curiosity and the timing of other events in each city are other factors.

The FIFA World Cup in 2026: How to Get Ready?

A global community of supporters, viewers, and enthusiasts is involved in the preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, not simply those of the host nations. For you to prepare for this historic occasion, consider these crucial steps:

Make travel plans:

Plan and do your homework before buying tickets, if you want to see the matches in person. It covers making travel and lodging arrangements and obtaining tickets for games. Learn about the host cities' distinctive features, customs, and modes of transportation by exploring them.

Refresh your understanding of football:

Explore the rich past of the FIFA World Cup to discover past competitions, renowned athletes, and memorable occasions. You will have a deeper comprehension of the game and have a better overall experience as a result.

Assist your group:

Show support for your national team or favorite players, regardless of whether you're an avid fan or a casual football watcher, and know the update of your team's score through score.io. Keep yourself informed about their World Cup performance, rosters, and preparations.

Get to know the participating countries better:

Learn about the 2026 World Cup participating teams. To enjoy the matches more, familiarize yourself with their playing strategies, star players, and most recent output.

Put on your best outfit:

During games, show your team spirit by donning the shirt or colors of your chosen squad. Since official merchandise for the 2026 World Cup will be readily accessible, you might want to acquire some or make your custom fan clothing.

Give it your all in the present:

As the competition draws near, get into the World Cup mindset. To fully immerse yourself in the worldwide celebration of football, attend all of the pre-tournament activities, opening ceremonies, and fan gatherings.

Remember that the FIFA World Cup is a singular chance to see the world's finest football players in action and interact with millions of fans.