The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest-ever tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This website will focus on articles related to Japan's national team, but here we will first organize basic information about the tournament as a whole.
Overview
The 2026 convention will be
(1) Expansion to 48 participating countries
(2) Largest volume in history with 104 matches
(3) 16 cities in 3 countries
(4) Itinerary design is more important than in previous years due to long travel between cities.
5) New format changes group breakthrough line
This is the most important feature of the system.
Details
1. host country/city (3 countries, 16 cities)
The 2026 Games will be co-hosted by the three countries for the first time in history.
- U.S.A.: 11 cities
- Canada: 2 cities(Toronto/Vancouver)
- Mexico: 3 cities(Mexico City/Monterrey/Guadalajara)
Because it spans a large area,Planning for spectator travel is more important than ever.
2. period (to be confirmed)
- June 11 - July 19, 2026
The tournament will last a little over a month, and all matchdays have already been confirmed according to the official FIFA schedule.
(See official PDF) FIFA World Cup 26 Match Schedule
3. number of participating countries: 48 (expanded from 32 to 48)
The tournament format will be revamped starting this year.
- 4 teams x 12 groups (= 48 countries)
- The final tournament will be 32-team system(Round 32 newly established)
- The number of matches is 64 games → 104 games Increase to
The increased size of the convention is expected to increase demand for spectator tickets, making it more difficult to plan itineraries and accommodations.
4. key points of the new format
- Some 3rd place teams also advance to the Final T
- Tension mounts in final group stage
- Tournament is one match more than before
- Players will have to “compete physically” by traveling and playing more matches.
For spectators. Match cities become more difficult to read. is the biggest change.
5. differences from past competitions (organized as open sea)
- First time in history that three countries have hosted the event.
- The distance to be traveled is different.(LA to NY is about 4,000 km)
- Climate varies extremely from city to city.
- Countries advancing in the tournament are 32 teams Increase to
- Due to the large number of matches Increased density throughout the convention
These affect both spectators and teams.
6. practical points affecting spectating
- Inter-city transfers are basically Domestic flights required
- Higher hotel prices and crowding expected.
- North America is Entry procedures vary from country to country.
- U.S.A.: ESTA
- Canada: ETA
- Mexico: Immigration
- It is important to secure "air tickets + accommodations" at an early stage.
Summary
- The 2026 convention will be 3 countries, 48 countries, 104 games The largest ever in the history of the
- The new format will significantly change the tournament progression
- Long distances between cities make advance planning important for spectators
- This site focuses on information related to the Japan national team