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Dossier: 2026 World Cup

May 19, 2026

The 2026 World Cup takes place in the USA, Mexico and Canada and will be the biggest World Cup in history with 48 teams and 104 games. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19.

Messi holds the World Cup trophy aloft after winning the final
Argentina are the defending World Cup champions after Lionel Messi's triumph in QatarImage: Matthias Koch/IMAGO

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada and will be the biggest World Cup in history with 48 teams and 104 games. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

World Cup market in India and China: 'FIFA got greedy'

The 2026 World Cup is weeks away, but India is still without a broadcasting deal. Why?
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World Cup fans feel fleeced by transportation prices more than 10 times higher than regular fares
SportsApril 18, 2026

World Cup 2026: Fans with disabilities 'excluded'

It's not just the rip off prices that are making the World Cup feel impossible for football fans with disabilities.
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Skip next section More on Sports from North America

More on Sports from North America

Madonna, Shakira, BTS to play World Cup final halftime show

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