The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America commences Thursday, marking the beginning of the largest tournament in the competition's history. The opening matches feature Mexico versus South Africa and South Korea versus Czech Republic, with the United States set to face Paraguay on Friday at 9 p.m. ET.
This summer's tournament represents a significant expansion of the World Cup format, with 48 men's national teams competing across three host countries for the first time. The competition will span six weeks and feature 104 matches, substantially more than previous tournaments.
Tournament Structure and Timeline
The group stage will run through June 27, with 12 groups of four teams each. Every team will compete against the other three teams in its group. The tournament employs a points system where victories earn three points, draws earn one point, and losses earn nothing. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase, along with eight of the best third-place teams, creating a field of 32 teams for the elimination rounds.
The knockout phase begins June 28, when single-elimination matches will determine each team's fate. The round of 32 runs through July 3, followed by the round of 16 from July 4 to 7. Quarterfinals are scheduled for July 9 to 11, with semifinals on July 14 and 15. The third-place match will take place July 18, and the final will be held July 19.
How to Watch
Fox holds exclusive English-language broadcasting rights for the World Cup in the United States. Cable subscribers with Fox and FS1 in their television packages can access the games at no additional cost. Some matches will air on Fox, while others will be broadcast on FS1.
Streaming options include the Fox One app, which will carry games live and on demand with a paid subscription. Tubi, a streaming service owned by Fox Corp., will offer the opening ceremony and two early matches at no cost with a free sign-in: Mexico versus South Africa on Thursday, June 11, and the United States versus Paraguay on Friday, June 12.
Spanish-language coverage will be provided by Telemundo, which will air 104 matches through either its main channel or secondary network, Universo. All Telemundo coverage will be available live and on demand on Peacock with a paid subscription.
In-person attendance remains an option, as a substantial number of seats were still available as of Wednesday, though ticket prices remain elevated.
Competing Nations
The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups. The United States is in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. Other notable groupings include Group A with Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and Czech Republic; Group C featuring Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland; and Group I containing France, Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.
Four nations will make their World Cup debuts: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
Historic Firsts and New Rules
This tournament breaks new ground in multiple ways. The final, scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (designated as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament), will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show headlined by Shakira, Madonna, and BTS—a first for the World Cup.
A new disciplinary rule aims to combat discriminatory language on the field. Players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents may receive a red card, resulting in immediate dismissal and suspension from the subsequent match. The rule also applies to players who leave the field in protest of a referee's decision.
Contenders to Watch
Throughout World Cup history, only eight nations have claimed the championship: Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Uruguay, England, and Spain. All except Italy, which failed to qualify, are competing this summer and considered major contenders.
Spain enters the tournament with considerable momentum, particularly due to 18-year-old player Lamine Yamal, who has rapidly emerged as one of the sport's rising stars. France boasts a formidable roster including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, last year's Ballon d'Or winner.
Argentina, the defending champion, returns with captain Lionel Messi, who now plays for MLS team Inter Miami, competing in his sixth World Cup. Should Argentina prevail, it would mark the first back-to-back World Cup victory since 1962.
