Shakira, J Balvin and Maná headline opening festivities as Mexico becomes first nation to host matches at three separate World Cups and the expanded 48-team tournament gets underway

FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by USA, Mexico, Canada, features 48 teams, 104 matches, and runs June 11–July 19 in a historic expanded format. A new era.

Rising costs, visa barriers and growing criticism over FIFA’s decisions have raised questions about whether the world’s biggest sporting event is becoming disconnected from the supporters who built the game

Health experts will use sewage analysis and online data to spot possible outbreaks as millions of fans travel across North America for the tournament

FIFA confirmed the relocation to Tijuana after U.S. authorities declined to host Iran’s squad during the tournament, with players set to travel into the United States only for matchdays

While the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is unlikely to threaten spectators, enhanced screening measures and travel restrictions could create logistical challenges during the tournament

A new study finds that roughly a quarter of World Cup matches may be played in conditions exceeding safety limits, with heat risks double those of the 1994 tournament

While FIFA does not regulate the prices set on its resale marketplace, it does collect hefty commissions: 15% from the buyer and another 15% from the seller.

Mexico’s second-largest city ramps up security for a key playoff match as it prepares for the 2026 World Cup, even as concerns persist over cartel violence and a deepening disappearance crisis

FIFA has reportedly canceled bookings for around 2,000 hotel rooms in Philadelphia—originally secured for the tournament—as well as an additional 800 rooms in Mexico City.

Escalating cartel violence after a major kingpin’s death has prompted military deployment and raised concerns over safety as the country prepares to co-host the upcoming World Cup