What's Ahead for the 2026 World Cup in North America?

The United States along with Canada and Mexico were awarded the right to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the 68^th FIFA Congress on June 13, 2018 in Moscow.

You have questions on the tournament’s return to North America? We have answers.

See below.

GENERAL COMMENTS

We are all elated and, above all, very proud to accept the honor of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 along with Canada and Mexico. Our collaborative effort demonstrated to the world our passion and commitment to deliver the most successful World Cup in history and leave a lasting legacy on soccer in the United States and around the world. While it is eight years away, we can’t wait to get started.  And we will get started soon.

We thank you for your support and look forward to providing more details in the future.

THE VOTE

How did the vote work?

The right to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup was voted on by all the member associations of FIFA, with a simple majority needed to win. With 203 eligible ballots, the United Bid obtained 134 votes, the Morocco Bid 65 votes, with one vote for neither bid and three abstentions. 

We are grateful for the confidence FIFA showed today and we will reward that trust in 2026 and in the years leading up to what will be the greatest FIFA World Cup in history.

Why did the USA have a joint bid with Canada and Mexico?

We believed a United effort with Canada and Mexico would demonstrate to the world that three nations working as a team, highlighting our respective strengths and opportunities to serve the game locally and globally, would makes it clear that the 2026 FIFA World Cup belonged in North America. With the expanded 48-team field, this will be the largest

tournament in history and it calls for an epic hosting plan that meets both the needs, and wants, of FIFA and football fans throughout the world.  Bringing fans from across the world to the United States, Canada and Mexico will be huge boost to the sport in all our countries, but ultimately our campaign was and will remain rooted in the principle of serving the game on every continent.

Who voted for us/against us?

The votes of all member associations are public. You can find that information on fifa.com.

What happens now?

Now that we have successfully won the right to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we can begin working with FIFA on delivering the best World Cup in history that will have a lasting legacy for soccer in the United States and around the world.

COMPETITION

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The exact dates will be set by FIFA in the future.

What are the Official Host Cities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

FIFA will decide the host cities in 2020 or 2021.  We included 23 candidate host cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States as part of our offer to FIFA to provide maximum flexibility and leverage when making the best choice for where and how to stage the Competition.

Will Canada/USA/Mexico automatically have a spot in the 2026 World Cup?

That decision will be made by the FIFA Council in the future.

How many teams will compete in the competition?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ will be the first with 48 teams – the largest ever.

How many games will each country host?

Under the current plan, the United States will host 60 matches, while Canada and Mexico will host 10 each.

When are matches being played in (city)?

Those details will be decided by FIFA in the future.

What is the schedule for the competition?

Those details will be decided by FIFA in the future.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Official Draw?

Those details will be decided by FIFA in the future.  We anticipate it will take place in December 2025.

What is the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Those details will be decided by FIFA in the future.

When and where do Canada/USA/Mexico play their matches?

The schedule will be decided by FIFA once the host cities have been decided, the teams have qualified, etc.

Will the matches be broadcast on TV in Canada/USA/Mexico/Internationally?

We fully expect this to be the most-watched, most connected FIFA World Cup in history. We will spend the next eight years planning and executing efforts to engage fans all around the world.

ORGANIZATION AND JOBS

Who is Organizing the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Our three football federations will work closely with FIFA to organize the event.

Who are the staff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The details of the organization have not been confirmed. We’ve been focusing on winning the right to play host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We will work with FIFA to confirm those plans in the months ahead.

Where are the 2026 FIFA World Cup offices located?

We will work with FIFA to determine where the headquarters will be located and make that announcement in the coming months.

How do I contact 2026 FIFA World Cup organizers?

You can contact any of our three football federations.

Are their opportunities to work at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

There will likely be opportunities to work for the World Cup. Details will be shared in the coming months.

What kind of jobs will there be?

Many important roles will likely need to be filled during the next eight years. Details will be shared in the coming months.

Will there be jobs in my city?

There will be opportunities in all the host cities once they are decided. Already there are local organizing committees in all 23 of the candidate host cities. You can contact them for more information about how to get involved.

When will you post jobs?

We don’t have a specific timetable – we will determine next steps with FIFA in the coming months.

How can I apply for future positions?

More information will be shared about how to get involved in the coming months.

What kind of experience do I need?

Many important roles will need to be filled by staff and volunteers during the next eight years, requiring varying levels of experience and expertise. There will be many opportunities to serve.  Details will be shared in the coming months.

Will there be internships available?

There will likely be opportunities to work for the World Cup. Details will be shared in the coming months.

TICKETS AND TRAVEL

When can I purchase tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

That will be decided by FIFA in the future.

How do I purchase tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

That will be decided by FIFA in the future.

How much will tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup cost?

That will be decided by FIFA in the future.

How will I be able to follow my team across international borders?

We are committed to all fans being able to visit North America, attend games and enjoy the experience of what we plan on making the best World Cup in history.

Will VISAs be provided for all three countries?

Given that Canada, Mexico and the United States have just been awarded the right to host in 2026, it is still a bit early to outline or comment on VISA policies and practices. What we can say is we are committed to all fans being able to visit North America, attend games and enjoy the experience of what we plan on making the best World Cup in history. It would have been impossible to have pursued the privilege of hosting without a firm pledge and commitment to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup accessible to all.

Will there be ticket and travel packages?

Details will be figured out in the years ahead.

VOLUNTEERING

How can I volunteer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and when does it begin

There will be opportunities to work for the World Cup – including an extensive volunteer program. Details will be shared in the coming months. In the months ahead we will be able to share various details on volunteering, including registration, language capabilities, citizenship requirements and other important information.

INFORMATION

How can I stay informed about all aspects of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Details will be shared in the coming months. 

Where can I buy 2026 FIFA World Cup clothing or merchandise?

We can’t wait to unveil official merchandise and gear in the months ahead.  

How can my child try out for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? 

Playing for your National Team in a World Cup is the highest honor for a player. Those teams won’t be picked for a long time, so for now we wish that your child is having as much fun as possible playing soccer and can reach the highest level they hope to achieve. That’s what makes hosting the World Cup so great – it gives young kids something to dream about it!