World Cup 2026 tickets

You can buy limited World Cup 2026 tickets through the official ticketing option during designated sales phases, or via trusted Livefootballtickets.com if official tickets sell out or you miss the application windows. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches taking place in 16 cities. With increased demand and limited availability, understanding your ticket options is essential for securing seats to the world's biggest sporting event.

The North American region represents a unique market for football, and the 2026 World Cup is a unique tournament due to its unprecedented scale and co-hosting across three countries.

The vast majority of fans worldwide, including those from the poorest countries, are eager to attend, and the organisation aims for a commercially successful World Cup that delivers global benefits to all 211 associations.

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Official ticketing vs Livefootballtickets.com comparison

Secondary platforms like Livefootballtickets.com can provide guaranteed access to World Cup 2026 tickets, especially when official sales are sold out. However, due to high-demand and dynamic pricing, these secondary platforms may have expensive tickets compared to face value, so buyers should be cautious and always use reputable sources.

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How to buy World Cup tickets through the official World Cup portal

The official World Cup organizer typically opens ticket sales in three main phases, starting approximately one year before the tournament. You can't buy guaranteed tickets via the official website. You will be part of a lottery and need to hope you will be one of the lucky few that gets selected.

Official pricing model for World Cup tickets has evolved over recent tournaments, with initial feedback from fans and supporter groups influencing changes announced in the latest announcement.

In the latest phase of ticket sales, demand has been extremely high, with more than 20 million requests reported.

Phase 1: Random selection period

This phase opens 12-14 months before the tournament. You submit applications for specific matches, and the federation conducts a lottery. Successful applicants are notified and must complete payment within a set timeframe.

Participating member associations also receive an allocation of World Cup tickets for their supporters, which can be accessed through the official channels of these member associations.

Timeline: Applications typically open in early 2025 for the 2026 World Cup.

Phase 2: First-come, first-served

If tickets remain after Phase 1, a first-come, first-served sales period opens. These tickets sell out rapidly, often within minutes for popular matches.

Phase 3: Last-minute sales

Close to the tournament, the World Cup releases any remaining inventory. Availability is extremely limited and primarily for less popular matches.

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Requirements for official tickets

• Create a World Cup account with verified identification
• Provide passport information for all ticket holders
• Each person can only apply through one account
• Payment via credit card in US dollars or local currency
• Mobile tickets delivered through the official app

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How to buy World Cup tickets through Livefootballtickets.com

If you miss the official sales windows or your lottery application is unsuccessful, secondary ticket marketplaces offer a reliable alternative with guaranteed ticket delivery.

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Why choose Livefootballtickets

Guaranteed availability: Unlike the official lottery system, Livefootballtickets.com provides instant confirmation and guaranteed tickets to your chosen matches. Our entire inventory is posted on the website, so every World Cup ticket you will see is an actual available ticket.

We aim to make World Cup tickets accessible to genuine supporters and more fans who might otherwise miss out through the lottery, ensuring loyal football fans have a fair chance to attend the tournament.

No lottery uncertainty: You select your match, purchase your tickets, and receive immediate confirmation without waiting weeks for allocation results.

Flexible options: Choose from various seating categories, match types, and venues with transparent pricing displayed upfront. You've always got the opportunity to book 1 ticket, or multiple tickets seated together. If you select the option to get tickets together, you will only get offered tickets seated next to each other. So you don't have to worry to leave your kid or companion all alone in the stadium.

Customer support: Our dedicated customer service team assists you with questions, changes, and any issues before or during the tournament.

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How we work

1. Select your matches: Browse available World Cup matches by date, team, venue, or tournament stage
2. Choose seating category: View seating options with clear pricing for each category
3. Complete secure checkout: Make payment through encrypted, secure payment systems
4. Receive confirmation: Get instant booking confirmation with all ticket details
5. Ticket delivery: Receive tickets via e-ticket, mobile delivery, or secure courier based on the final delivery method

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What to look for in a secondary marketplace

When selecting a secondary ticket provider, verify these critical features:

• Delivery guarantee: 100% money-back guarantee if tickets don't arrive as promised
• Seller status: Verify the company has a track record and legitimate business registration
• Transparent pricing: All fees should be clearly displayed before purchase
• Secure payment options: Look for SSL encryption and recognized payment processors
• Customer reviews: Check independent review platforms for verified customer experiences
• Support availability: Ensure customer service is accessible via phone, email, and chat

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World Cup 2026 ticket prices: What to expect

World Cup ticket prices have become a major talking point, with even the lowest prices and cheapest tickets now considered expensive tickets and often described as sky high. Dynamic pricing, introduced for this tournament, is the primary driver of these price increases, making attendance more costly for fans. The most extreme price rises are concentrated in the lower categories, greatly raising the barrier for entry for the majority of interested fans. For the 2026 World Cup, the organisation has introduced a new category of tickets priced at $60, but the limited number of $60 seats at every game represents a five-fold increase over 2022's Category 4 group-stage entry point. Additionally, the £45 ticket in the 'supporter entry tier' will make up 10% of the allocation for each football association whose team is taking part in the competition.

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Official estimated Price Ranges

The pricing model for World Cup tickets includes several structured categories: the supporter entry tier, supporter standard tier, and supporter premier tier. These tiers are designed to cater to different levels of supporter loyalty and affordability. Tickets are split evenly among these categories to ensure a fair allocation, with the supporter entry tier and supporter standard tier offering the lowest-priced options for dedicated fans, while the supporter premier tier provides access for those seeking premium experiences.

Livefootballtickets.com pricing

Livefootballtickets.com World Cup tickets typically cost above face value, depending on:

• Team popularity and match competitiveness
• Venue location and accessibility
• Time remaining until the match
• Seating location and view quality
• Overall demand for that specific match
• Ticket availability
• Time and date of the match, we usually see midweek matches are cheaper than matches in the weekends.

Popular matches featuring traditional football powerhouses or local teams often command higher premiums, while group stage matches with less competitive teams may be closer to face value. On our website you will get all the pricing information you need.

For fans seeking a premium experience, hospitality tickets and VIP ticket packages are available, offering exclusive amenities such as private lounges, gourmet catering, VIP parking, and exclusive access. These luxury options can range from $5,000 to $24,950 per person for the World Cup. Official hospitality packages can be purchased directly via the official website.

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Best time to buy World Cup tickets

For official tickets

Apply during Phase 1 (random selection period) for the best odds of securing tickets at face value. This period typically opens 12-14 months before the tournament.

For Livefootballtickets.com tickets

The best time depends on your priorities:

Early purchase (8-12 months before): Widest selection of matches and seating options, though prices are higher for anticipated popular matches.

Mid-range (4-6 months before): Balanced availability and pricing as the market stabilizes. You now know the teams that are going to attend and the matches they will play. This makes it easier to pick the right tickets. You don't need to gamble anymore on which event you should book tickets for.

Last-minute (weeks before matches): Some prices may drop as the tournament approaches, but availability becomes limited. This strategy works better for less popular group stage matches than for knockout rounds or finals.

World Cup tickets for international visitors

The World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, attracting fans from every corner of the globe to witness the world's best teams compete on the grandest stage.

International visitors planning to attend the World Cup should secure their tickets early, as demand is extremely high and matches often sell out quickly.

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Travel and accommodation considerations

Most World Cup attendees travel from abroad. When planning your purchase:

Visa requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visa for the United States, Canada, or Mexico depending on your match locations. Processing times can take several months.

Match schedule: The 2026 World Cup will span 39 days across three countries. Plan travel between cities if attending multiple matches.

Accommodation availability: Book hotels early, as host cities experience severe accommodation shortages during the tournament.

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Delivery options for international buyers

The World Cup and sellers typically offer:

• Mobile tickets: Delivered through apps (most common for 2026)
• E-tickets: Printable PDF tickets sent via email
• Venue collection: Pick up physical tickets at designated locations in host cities
• Secure courier: International shipping for physical tickets where permitted

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Important dates for 2026 World Cup tickets

World Cup 2026 will kick off with the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and conclude with the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

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Avoiding World Cup Ticket Scams

With high demand comes increased risk of fraudulent sellers. Protect yourself by:

Never purchase from:

• Social media marketplaces or individuals
• Sellers requesting payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards
• Websites without secure HTTPS encryption
• Companies without verifiable contact information and physical addresses

Always verify:

• Company registration and business history
• Independent customer reviews on trusted platforms, see our Trustpilot score with over 17.000 reviews here.
• Clear refund and guarantee policies in writing (our terms and conditions)
• Secure payment processing with buyer protection

While secondary platforms may offer World Cup tickets, always remember that official World Cup tickets should be purchased exclusively through the official ticketing platform during designated sales phases.

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2026 World Cup Groups

The men's World Cup brings together national teams from around the globe, and the 2026 edition will feature 48 competing nations, an increase from the previous 32. This expansion means the group stage will grow from eight groups to 12, resulting in 72 group games instead of 48, and a total of 104 matches will be played—up from 64 in previous tournaments. For historical context, the first World Cup took place in 1930 in Uruguay, with far fewer teams and a much smaller format compared to today's global event. The 48 qualified teams for the 2026 World Cup have been divided into four pots based on world rankings. Each group will contain one team from each pot, ensuring competitive balance throughout the tournament. Here's the complete breakdown:

Pot 1 (Top Seeds)	Pot 2 (Ranks 10-22)	Pot 3 (Ranks 23-36)	Pot 4 (Ranks 37+)
Spain	Croatia	Scotland	Ghana
Argentina	Morocco	Egypt	Cabo Verde
France	Uruguay	Tunisia	South Africa
England	Colombia	Algeria	Curaçao
Portugal	Japan	Ivory Coast	Haiti
Netherlands	Senegal	Saudi Arabia	Panama
Brazil	South Korea	Qatar	UEFA Playoff Winner (Path A)
Belgium	Iran	Australia	UEFA Playoff Winner (Path B)
Germany	Switzerland	Uzbekistan	UEFA Playoff Winner (Path C)
United States (Host)	Austria	Jordan	UEFA Playoff Winner (Path D)
Mexico (Host)	Norway	Paraguay	Inter-Confed Playoff (Path 1)
Canada (Host)	Ecuador	Venezuela	Inter-Confed Playoff (Path 2)

Note: Six spots remain to be determined through playoff matches in March 2026. Four UEFA playoff winners and two inter-confederation playoff winners will complete the 48-team field.

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World Cup 2026 Venues and Stadiums

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by three host nations, United States, Canada, and Mexico—as co-hosts, bringing the tournament to the grandest stage in football.

The 16 host stadiums are distributed across three countries, offering diverse experiences for fans:

United States (11 Venues)

Stadium	City	Capacity	Key Matches
MetLife Stadium	New York/New Jersey	82,500	Final, Semi-final
SoFi Stadium	Los Angeles	70,240	Semi-final, Quarter-final
AT&T Stadium	Dallas	80,000	Quarter-final
Mercedes-Benz Stadium	Atlanta	71,000	Quarter-final
NRG Stadium	Houston	72,220	Group Stage, Knockouts
Arrowhead Stadium	Kansas City	76,416	Group Stage, Knockouts
Lincoln Financial Field	Philadelphia	69,176	Group Stage, Knockouts
Hard Rock Stadium	Miami	64,767	Group Stage, Knockouts
Levi's Stadium	San Francisco	68,500	Group Stage, Knockouts
Lumen Field	Seattle	68,740	Group Stage, Knockouts
Gillette Stadium	Boston	65,878	Group Stage

Mexico (3 Venues)

Stadium	City	Capacity	Key Matches
Estadio Azteca	Mexico City	87,523	Opening Match, Quarter-final
Estadio BBVA	Monterrey	53,500	Group Stage
Estadio Akron	Guadalajara	48,071	Group Stage

Canada (2 Venues)

Stadium	City	Capacity	Key Matches
BC Place	Vancouver	54,500	Group Stage
BMO Field	Toronto	45,500	Group Stage

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Understanding World Cup Ticket Categories

World Cup tickets are divided into four categories based on seat location and price tier, allowing fans to choose the best option for their budget and viewing preference:

General admission tickets are the most affordable way to attend the World Cup, offering options such as behind goal, center line block, and family areas. The cheapest tickets are often positioned behind the goal, making them the most accessible for fans seeking lower-priced entry. Accessibility tickets are reserved for fans using wheelchairs and their companions, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience the tournament.

Category 1

Premium seating with the best views, typically located at midfield positions in lower tiers. These seats offer optimal sightlines and are ideal for fans wanting the ultimate matchday experience. Category 1 tickets are the most expensive but provide unobstructed views of all the action.

Category 2

Excellent seating in prime locations, usually in lower tiers near the goals or midfield positions in upper tiers. These tickets offer great value while maintaining quality views of the pitch.

Category 3

Good seating options, typically in upper tiers with full pitch visibility. These tickets are more affordable while still providing an excellent stadium atmosphere and clear views of the match.

Category 4

Budget-friendly options in upper tier sections. While further from the pitch, these seats still offer the complete World Cup stadium experience and are perfect for fans prioritising attendance over premium positioning.

Ticket Pricing: What to Expect

World Cup 2026 ticket prices vary significantly based on several factors:

World cup ticket prices have followed a pricing model that has evolved. The original plans for 2026 ticket pricing and allocation were met with a global negative backlash from fans and supporter groups, who criticized the high costs and limited access. In response, the organisation introduced some more affordable options, which many see as an appeasement tactic to address the criticism without making substantial changes to the overall pricing strategy.

Historically, most World Cup rounds have been priced more expensively than the ones before, except for the third-place match.

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Factors Affecting Price

• Match stage: Final and semi-final tickets cost significantly more than group stage matches
• Teams involved: Matches featuring Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and England command premium prices
• Stadium capacity: Smaller venues like BMO Field (45,500) may have higher demand-driven prices
• Seating category: Category 1 seats can cost 3-4 times more than Category 4
• Dynamic pricing: The organisation uses dynamic pricing for general sales, meaning prices increase as demand rises

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Secure Your World Cup 2026 Tickets

The 2026 World Cup promises to be the greatest football tournament ever staged. With 48 nations competing across three countries, 104 matches over 39 days, and historic venues hosting the world's best players, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for football fans. However, if ticket prices remain too high, the organisation risks losing touch with the loyal fans who make the tournament special.

By staying informed, acting early, and booking through trusted sources, you can secure your place at football's greatest celebration. Whether you're following England's quest to end 60 years of hurt, witnessing Argentina defend their title, or experiencing the passion of hosts USA, Mexico, and Canada, the 2026 World Cup awaits.

Start planning your World Cup journey today. Browse our complete selection of World Cup 2026 tickets and experience football history in the making.

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FAQ: Buying World Cup 2026 tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I buy World Cup tickets?
You can purchase World Cup tickets through official channels or trusted secondary marketplaces like LiveFootballTickets.com. Each football association manages ticket allocations for their supporters, so check with your national football association for official details.

Are World Cup tickets refundable?
Refund policies depend on the ticket provider. LiveFootballTickets.com offers a money back guarantee if an event is cancelled or your ticket is not delivered.

Can I choose my seat when buying World Cup tickets?
Seat selection options vary by seller. On LiveFootballTickets.com, you can view available seats and select your preferred location when purchasing.

How much did it cost to follow England at previous World Cups?
England tickets have historically been expensive. Under the previous pricing structure, it would have cost a fan more than £5,000 to follow England at every match all the way to the final. This high cost has raised concerns about affordability and accessibility for loyal supporters.

Can I buy World Cup tickets if I don't live in the host countries?

Yes, World Cup tickets are available worldwide, though you must provide valid passport information. We also sell to international customers with various delivery options suitable for overseas buyers.

What happens if I can't attend after buying tickets?

Official tickets can be resold through the official resale platform during designated windows. If you book your tickets via our website, you can contact our customer service department and ask them to resell your tickets. We will do our best to sell them for you. If we manage to resell them, you will get the money back!

How are World Cup tickets delivered?

It is expected to use primarily mobile tickets delivered through World Cup app for 2026. Some tickets may be available as e-tickets or through venue collection. We will follow the delivery protocols.

Are ticket names checked at World Cup venues?

The World Cup requires valid photo ID matching the name on the ticket for entry. However, tickets are transferred by the seller according to the transfer procedures, ensuring tickets are correctly registered to the purchaser.

What if my secondary market tickets don't arrive?

A reputable marketplace like Livefootballtickets.com offers 150% money-back guarantees. If tickets fail to arrive as promised, you receive a full refund and give you 50% credit for new tickets.

Can I buy tickets for multiple matches?

Yes, we allow you to purchase tickets for multiple matches. It is important to know we don't work with a shopping cart, so tickets for each match should be a separate order.

When is the best time to buy World Cup tickets?

For secondary market tickets, purchasing 6-8 months before the tournament provides good availability, though last-minute opportunities occasionally arise for less popular matches.

How much should I budget for World Cup tickets?

Budget $300-$2,000+ per ticket depending on match importance and seating category. Group stage matches start around $300-$500 for good seats, while finals can exceed $2,000.

Why fans buy World Cup tickets through us

Official ticket sales operate through lottery phases with no guaranteed allocation. Millions of fans enter; most leave empty-handed. That's where our marketplace comes in. Fans can choose tickets for any game in the tournament, with a wide range of ticket options available to suit different preferences and budgets.

When do World Cup 2026 tickets go on sale?

Official ticket sales are expected to begin in Q3 2025. Authorised resellers may have access to hospitality packages and premium tickets before general sales open.

How many tickets will be available?

With 16 venues hosting 104 matches and combined capacity exceeding 850,000 seats, millions of tickets will be available. However, demand is expected to far exceed supply, particularly for knockout matches and games featuring popular teams.

What identification is required?

Ticket holders typically need to present valid photo identification matching the name on the ticket. Specific requirements will be announced closer to the tournament.

When is the World Cup 2026 final?

The World Cup final takes place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

World Cup Winners: Complete History

The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious trophy in international football. Since the inaugural tournament in Uruguay in 1930, only eight nations have lifted the famous golden trophy. Here is the complete history of every World Cup final.

Year	Host	Winner	Runner-up	Score	Third Place
2022	Qatar	Argentina ??	France	3-3 (4-2 pen)	Croatia
2018	Russia	France ??	Croatia	4-2	Belgium
2014	Brazil	Germany ??	Argentina	1-0 (aet)	Netherlands
2010	South Africa	Spain ??	Netherlands	1-0 (aet)	Germany
2006	Germany	Italy ??	France	1-1 (5-3 pen)	Germany
2002	Japan / South Korea	Brazil ??	Germany	2-0	Turkey
1998	France	France ??	Brazil	3-0	Croatia
1994	USA	Brazil ??	Italy	0-0 (3-2 pen)	Sweden
1990	Italy	West Germany ??	Argentina	1-0	Italy
1986	Mexico	Argentina ??	West Germany	3-2	France
1982	Spain	Italy ??	West Germany	3-1	Poland
1978	Argentina	Argentina ??	Netherlands	3-1 (aet)	Brazil
1974	West Germany	West Germany ??	Netherlands	2-1	Poland
1970	Mexico	Brazil ??	Italy	4-1	West Germany
1966	England	England ??	West Germany	4-2 (aet)	Portugal
1962	Chile	Brazil ??	Czechoslovakia	3-1	Chile
1958	Sweden	Brazil ??	Sweden	5-2	France
1954	Switzerland	West Germany ??	Hungary	3-2	Austria
1950	Brazil	Uruguay ??	Brazil	2-1	Sweden
1938	France	Italy ??	Hungary	4-2	Brazil
1934	Italy	Italy ??	Czechoslovakia	2-1 (aet)	Germany
1930	Uruguay	Uruguay ??	Argentina	4-2	—

World Cup Titles by Nation

Nation	Titles	Runner-up	Years Won
Brazil	5	2	1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
Germany	4	4	1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
Italy	4	2	1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Argentina	3	3	1978, 1986, 2022
France	2	2	1998, 2018
Uruguay	2	0	1930, 1950
England	1	0	1966
Spain	1	0	2010

Brazil remains the only nation to have won the World Cup five times and the only country to have participated in every World Cup tournament. Argentina are the reigning champions heading into 2026.

World Cup 2026 Qualification: How Teams Qualify

The 2026 World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams, up from 32 in previous tournaments. This means more nations than ever have the opportunity to qualify for football's biggest event. Here's how the qualification slots are distributed across the six FIFA confederations.

Qualification Slots by Confederation

Confederation	Region	Direct Slots	Playoff Slots	Total Possible	Competing Nations
UEFA	Europe	12	4 (via playoffs)	16	55
CAF	Africa	9	1 (inter-confed)	9-10	54
AFC	Asia	8	1 (inter-confed)	8-9	47
CONMEBOL	South America	6	1 (inter-confed)	6-7	10
CONCACAF	North/Central America & Caribbean	6 (incl. 3 hosts)	2 (inter-confed)	6-8	41
OFC	Oceania	1	1 (inter-confed)	1-2	11
Total	42	6	48	211

Automatic Qualifiers (Host Nations)

As co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, three nations qualify automatically:

• United States – 11 host venues
• Mexico – 3 host venues (Estadio Azteca hosts opening match)
• Canada – 2 host venues

European Qualification (UEFA)

Europe has the most complex qualification process with 55 nations competing for 16 spots:

• 12 group winners qualify directly
• 12 group runners-up enter the playoffs
• 4 Nations League teams also enter playoffs
• 4 playoff winners complete the UEFA allocation

Key European teams already qualified or expected to qualify include England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, and Belgium.

South American Qualification (CONMEBOL)

All 10 South American nations compete in a single round-robin league format:

• Top 6 qualify directly for the World Cup
• 7th place enters the inter-confederation playoff

Traditional powerhouses Brazil and Argentina lead the standings, with Uruguay, Colombia, and Ecuador also in strong positions.

African Qualification (CAF)

Africa's 54 nations compete through group stages and knockout rounds:

• 9 teams qualify directly from 9 groups
• Best runners-up may enter inter-confederation playoff

Leading contenders include Morocco (2022 semi-finalists), Senegal, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Egypt, and Ghana.

Asian Qualification (AFC)

Asia's expanded allocation reflects the region's growing football strength:

• 8 teams qualify directly from two groups of 6
• Two 5th-place teams enter Asian playoff, winner goes to inter-confed playoff

Qualified and contending teams include Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Inter-Confederation Playoffs

The final 2 World Cup spots are determined through inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026. Teams from different confederations face off in single-leg matches to decide who completes the 48-team field.

World Cup 2026: Tournament Statistics & Format

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, with an expanded format bringing more teams, more matches, and more opportunities for fans to experience football's greatest event.

Tournament Overview

Statistic	2026 World Cup	Previous Format (2022)	Change
Participating teams	48	32	+16 teams (+50%)
Total matches	104	64	+40 matches (+63%)
Group stage matches	72	48	+24 matches (+50%)
Knockout matches	32	16	+16 matches (+100%)
Groups	12	8	+4 groups (+50%)
Teams per group	4	4	No change
Teams advancing from groups	32	16	+16 teams (+100%)
Host countries	3	1	First tri-hosted WC
Host cities	16	5	+11 cities
Host stadiums	16	8	+8 venues (+100%)
Tournament duration	39 days	29 days	+10 days

Key Tournament Dates

Event	Date	Venue
Opening Match	June 11, 2026	Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Group Stage	June 11-27, 2026	All 16 venues
Round of 32	June 28 - July 2, 2026	Various venues
Round of 16	July 3-6, 2026	Various venues
Quarter-Finals	July 9-10, 2026	4 venues
Semi-Finals	July 14-15, 2026	MetLife Stadium, SoFi Stadium
Third Place Match	July 18, 2026	TBC
World Cup Final	July 19, 2026	MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Stadium Capacity Overview

Statistic	Value
Largest stadium	Estadio Azteca – 87,523
Final venue capacity	MetLife Stadium – 82,500
Smallest stadium	BMO Field – 45,500
Average stadium capacity	~65,000
Total combined capacity	~1,040,000 per matchday
Estimated total attendance	5+ million across tournament

New Knockout Format: Round of 32

The expanded 48-team format introduces a new knockout round. Here's how teams progress:

• Group Stage: 12 groups of 4 teams each play round-robin (3 matches per team)
• Advancement: Top 2 from each group (24 teams) + 8 best third-place teams = 32 teams
• Round of 32: NEW ROUND – 16 matches to reduce field to 16 teams
• Round of 16: 8 matches
• Quarter-Finals: 4 matches
• Semi-Finals: 2 matches
• Third Place Match: 1 match
• Final: 1 match

The additional Round of 32 means more knockout football and more opportunities for fans to witness dramatic elimination matches.

World Cup 2026 by Numbers

• 48 – Participating nations (up from 32)
• 104 – Total matches (up from 64)
• 39 – Tournament days
• 16 – Host cities across 3 countries
• 16 – Stadiums hosting matches
• 12 – Groups in group stage
• 11 – Venues in the United States
• 3 – Venues in Mexico
• 2 – Venues in Canada
• 8 – Nations that have won the World Cup
• 5 – Brazil's record World Cup titles
• 3 – Argentina's titles (defending champions)
• 1 – England's title (1966, still waiting for another!)

Historic Firsts for 2026

• First tri-hosted World Cup – USA, Mexico, and Canada share hosting duties
• First 48-team World Cup – Expanded from 32 teams
• First World Cup with Round of 32 – New knockout stage
• First World Cup in USA since 1994 – Returns after 32 years
• Third World Cup in Mexico – Also hosted in 1970 and 1986
• First World Cup in Canada – Historic debut as co-host
• Largest stadium to host a final – MetLife Stadium (82,500) exceeds previous finals

Book your World Cup 2026 tickets today and be part of history at the biggest World Cup ever staged.

Useful Links

• Official FIFA World Cup 2026 website
• World Cup tickets
• Canada World Cup tickets
• World Cup final tickets
• Find your accommodation in Toronto
• Find your route to accommodation and stadium