Newsletters
The wait is over as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off tomorrow in Mexico City, launching what is set to be the most expansive and globally inclusive edition in the tournament’s history.
For the first time, 48 national teams will compete across three host nations 'the United States, Mexico and Canada' over six weeks of action that will span an entire continent and culminate in a final in New York–New Jersey on July 19.
The opening match will be staged at the iconic Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), a venue deeply embedded in football history and now becoming the first stadium ever to host three World Cup opening matches.
In the tournament’s curtain-raiser, hosts Mexico will face South Africa.
The 2026 edition introduces a major expansion format, increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48.
A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 host cities, with the United States staging the majority of fixtures.
Matches will be played in major stadiums including Dallas, New York–New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver. The final is scheduled for July 19 at the New York–New Jersey Stadium, which has a capacity of 82,500 spectators.
The expanded qualification format has allowed several nations to make their World Cup debuts, including Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
FIFA expects the tournament to generate approximately $11 billion in revenue, significantly surpassing the estimated $7 billion earned during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The increase is attributed to expanded participation, more matches and broader broadcasting rights across global markets.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also mark the return of several nations ending lengthy absences from football’s biggest stage. Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo have qualified for the tournament for the first time in 52 years, while Iraq returns after a 40-year absence.
Austria, Scotland and Norway will make their first World Cup appearances in 28 years, while Türkiye returns to the global tournament after a 24-year wait. Czechia ends a 20-year absence, with South Africa, Paraguay and New Zealand returning after 16 years. Ivory Coast will also be back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 2014.
For Türkiye, the 2026 tournament represents a significant milestone. The Turkish national team will compete in the World Cup finals for the third time in its history. Although Türkiye qualified for the 1950 World Cup, it was unable to participate due to financial and logistical constraints, leaving the team with only two previous appearances in the tournament.
Türkiye has played 10 World Cup matches, recording five wins, one draw and four defeats. The Crescent-Stars last appeared at the World Cup in 2002, when they enjoyed a historic campaign in South Korea and Japan, finishing third and achieving the country's best-ever result in the competition.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
