Where is the 2026 World Cup and why is it spread across three different countries?

F IFA unveiled the schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup a few months ago, with the final to be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026 , and which will begin at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, 2026 with a match involving the Mexican national team . Like Mexico, the national teams of Canada and the United States will play their three group matches at home . Canada will kick off its World Cup campaign in Toronto on Friday, June 12, 2026, and the United States will do the same on the same day in Los Angeles. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "The most inclusive and impactful edition of the FIFA World Cup has gone from being a dream to a reality that will see 104 matches played in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums in Canada, Mexico and the United States. From the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca to the spectacular final in New York New Jersey, players and fans have been front of mind in meticulously planning this groundbreaking tournament."

The most inclusive and far-reaching FIFA World Cup is no longer a dream, but a reality

The keys to the calendar

will host the debut of their respective national teams.

The keys to the group stage

: one by the Canadian national team and the other by the US team.

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