The most anticipated sporting event in the world is fast approaching, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup news set to kick off in less than 10 months. Here’s everything that’s been making headlines as we move closer to this historic tournament.
In a significant announcement this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw will take place on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
This decision was announced by US President Donald Trump at the White House, marking a change from the originally planned venue in Las Vegas.
The draw will determine how the 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place finishers advancing to the newly introduced Round of 32.
This represents a significant expansion from the traditional 32-team format, making 2026 the largest World Cup in history.
2026 FIFA World Cup News – Updated News
Table of Contents
Tournament Format and Schedule Details
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring an unprecedented 104 matches across 16 host cities in three countries. The tournament opens at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and culminates with the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Key Tournament Facts:
- 48 teams (expanded from 32)
- 12 groups of 4 teams each
- 104 total matches (up from 64)
- 39 days duration (extended from 32)
- 16 host cities across USA, Canada, and Mexico
Teams Already Qualified
As of August 2025, 13 teams have secured their spots for the expanded tournament:
- Automatic Qualifiers (Hosts): United States, Canada, Mexico
- AFC (Asian Football Confederation) – 6 Teams Qualified:
- Japan – First team to qualify (March 20, 2025)
- Iran – Qualified March 25, 2025
- Uzbekistan – Making their World Cup debut (June 5, 2025)
- South Korea – Qualified June 5, 2025
- Jordan – First-time World Cup participants (June 5, 2025)
- Australia – Secured qualification June 10, 2025
- CONMEBOL (South American) – 3 Teams Qualified:
- Argentina – Defending champions, qualified March 25, 2025
- Brazil – Qualified after 1-0 win over Paraguay (June 10, 2025)
- Ecuador – Despite 3-point deduction, qualified June 10, 2025
- OFC (Oceania):
- New Zealand – Returning after missing 2014-2022, qualified March 24, 2025
Ongoing Qualification Battles
European Qualifiers
UEFA qualification is heating up with several powerhouse nations fighting for their spots. England has made a perfect start to their campaign, winning all three matches so far and leading Group K with 9 points.
Other major teams like Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal are assured of play-off spots based on Nations League rankings, but still aim for direct qualification.
European qualifying schedule continues with crucial matches in September and November 2025
- 16 UEFA spots available
- 12 for group winners
- 4 through play-offs.
South American Qualifiers
The CONMEBOL qualifying table remains competitive with Argentina leading with 35 points, followed by Ecuador and Brazil, both with 25 points.
Uruguay and Paraguay are battling for the remaining automatic spots, while Colombia and Venezuela fight to avoid the inter-confederation play-offs.
CONCACAF Third Round Begins
With the USA, Mexico, and Canada automatically qualified, the CONCACAF third round is set to begin in September 2025.
Panama, Jamaica, and Costa Rica lead their respective groups as they compete for the three remaining automatic CONCACAF spots and two play-off positions.
Ticket Sales Announcement
FIFA has confirmed that World Cup 2026 tickets will go on sale starting September 10, 2025. However, this initial phase is restricted to Visa cardholders only through a special “Visa Presale Draw“.
Ticket Sale Process:
- Registration Period: September 10-19, 2025
- Selection Process: Random draw for Visa cardholders
- Purchase Window: Selected buyers will receive time slots in October 2025
- Requirement: Valid Visa credit, debit, or prepaid card
Given the historic demand expected for the expanded tournament, FIFA has warned that tickets will be released in phases due to anticipated overwhelming demand.
Historic Halftime Show Confirmed
In a groundbreaking announcement, the 2026 World Cup Final will feature the first-ever halftime show in World Cup history. The 15-minute show will be held at MetLife Stadium during the final on July 19, 2026.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will work with FIFA to select the lineup of artists for this Super Bowl-style entertainment spectacle.
FIFA has also announced plans to “take over Times Square” with performances during the final weekend.
Stadium and Security Preparations
The preparations have been intensified following security concerns from recent events, including the chaotic scenes at the 2024 Copa América final at Hard Rock Stadium.
- Multi-layered screening processes with metal detectors and biometric technology
- AI-powered surveillance systems with facial recognition and behavioural analytics
- Drone monitoring with real-time data feeds to command centres
- Three-checkpoint security perimeters around stadiums
Venue Preparations
All 16 stadiums across the three host nations are undergoing final preparations:
United States (11 venues)
- MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey) – 82,500 capacity, hosting the final
- AT&T Stadium (Dallas) – 80,000 capacity
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) – 71,000 capacity
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) – 70,240 capacity
And seven other major venues across the country
Mexico (3 venues)
- Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) – 87,523 capacity, hosting the opening match
- Estadio BBVA (Monterrey) – 53,500 capacity
- Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) – 49,850 capacity
Canada (2 venues)
- BC Place (Vancouver) – 54,500 capacity
- BMO Field (Toronto) – 45,736 capacity
Upcoming Matches and Key Dates
With qualification heating up across all confederations and major preparations underway, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the most spectacular edition yet.
The tournament will not only break records in terms of size and scope but will also introduce new traditions that could reshape future World Cups.
Key upcoming dates to watch
The stage is set for what FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called “the biggest sporting event in the world,” and with each passing week, the excitement continues to build toward this unprecedented celebration of football across North America.
- September 10, 2025: Ticket sales begin (Visa presale)
- September-November 2025: Final European and CONCACAF qualifying rounds
- December 5, 2025: Final Draw in Washington, D.C.
- June 11, 2026: Tournament kicks off in Mexico City
- July 19, 2026: Historic final with halftime show at MetLife Stadium
