The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially commenced, marking a significant evolution for football's premier international tournament. For the first time in its history, 48 nations are participating, organised into 12 groups. This expanded format will see a total of 104 matches played across the three co-hosting nations: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Co-hosts Mexico, USA, and Canada have been designated as top seeds in Groups A, B, and D respectively. England finds itself in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, while Scotland has been drawn into Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. This new structure promises a more extensive competition, with 40 more fixtures than the previous World Cup in Qatar.
The qualification pathway to the knockout stages has also been altered. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically progress to the Round of 32. Additionally, the eight best third-placed teams across all groups will also secure a spot in the next stage, meaning that even a modest points tally could be sufficient for some teams to advance.
The tournament kicked off at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium, a venue steeped in World Cup history, having hosted two previous finals and memorable moments from the 1986 tournament. Mexico and Canada are each hosting 13 matches, with the United States staging the majority of games, a total of 78. From the quarter-finals onwards, all remaining matches will be held in the US, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
As the competition unfolds, anticipation is building around which nation will lift the coveted trophy. Defending champions Argentina, a talent-rich France, an evolving young Spain, and England's 'golden generation' are among the favourites. The tournament is also expected to be the final World Cup appearance for football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, adding another layer of historical significance.