Countries participating in the 2026 World Cup have been finalized
The countdown has begun for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. As the participating countries for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, have been confirmed, the stadiums that will host the opening and final matches have also been announced.
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As preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest organization in the football world, the 48 countries that will participate in the tournament have been determined. The massive event, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will take place between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
TO BE PLAYED WITH 48 TEAMS FOR THE FIRST TIME
The World Cup, which has been held with 32 teams since 1998, will undergo the biggest format change in its history as of 2026. The tournament will be played with the participation of 48 teams for the first time, marking a historic moment for the organization.
OPENING MATCH AT AZTECA
The opening match of the tournament will be played at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026. Azteca, one of Mexico's iconic stadiums, is known as an important football center that has hosted World Cup history before.
FINAL TO BE PLAYED IN NEW YORK
The final match of the 2026 World Cup will be held at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026. Thus, the USA will host a World Cup final once again after 1994.
The hosts of the organization, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, have earned the right to participate in the tournament directly.
COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP
The 48 countries that will compete in the tournament are as follows:
USA, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Croatia, France, England, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Scotland, Saudi Arabia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Qatar, South Africa, Cape Verde, Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, New Zealand, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Algeria, Ghana, Panama, Curaçao, Haiti, Sweden, Turkey, Czechia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Iraq.