The FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to North America. For the first time, three countries will host the world’s most prestigious football tournament: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be a historic event for football fans around the world, including Bangladesh.
A World Cup with More Teams and More Matches
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest World Cup ever. It will feature 48 national teams, expanded from the usual 32 teams. This means more countries will have the chance to compete on the world stage. There will also be a record 104 matches played during the tournament, up from 64 in previous World Cups.
The tournament will start on June 11, 2026, and the final match will be played on July 19, 2026. Football fans can expect over a month of exciting matches and global football celebration.
Host Cities and Stadiums
Sixteen cities across the three host countries will stage matches. These include:
- Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
- Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
- United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle
The final match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York City. This modern stadium is a great venue for such a significant game.
New Format for a Bigger Tournament
With 48 teams, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will have a new format. Teams will be divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to a new round of 32. This new format ensures more matches and more opportunities for teams to progress in the tournament.
Trump Creates Task Force for World Cup
To ensure the safety and smooth running of the FIFA World Cup 2026, US President Donald Trump has announced a special task force. This task force will manage security and planning for the tournament, which is expected to attract millions of visitors. Vice President JD Vance will support this task force.
President Trump believes that any trade issues between the USA, Mexico, and Canada will make the World Cup “more exciting”. He sees the tension as a positive thing for the competition.
FIFA President Praises USA and Highlights Super Bowl-Style Final
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised the United States for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026. He believes the USA has a good chance to win the tournament with fan support.
Infantino also announced that the FIFA World Cup 2026 final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show, a first for the World Cup final. Coldplay band members will help choose the performers for this historic event.
Football in the USA and the World Cup Impact
Football, or soccer, is growing in popularity in the United States. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to boost its popularity even further. Infantino believes that the World Cup can change the status of football in the USA and unlock its huge potential.
Looking Ahead
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be an unforgettable event. With more teams, more matches, and three host countries, it will be a truly global celebration of football. Bangladesh, as a football-loving nation, will surely be following all the action closely.