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2026 World Cup: Tri-Nation Hosting Revolutionizes Football

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 13:36 GMT by USA Today
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA, MEXICO

A Tri-Nation Tournament

The decision to award the 2026 World Cup to a joint bid from the US, Canada, and Mexico was a landmark moment for football in North America. The tournament is designed to leverage the existing infrastructure and passionate fan bases in each country. The United States will host the majority of the matches (60), with Canada and Mexico hosting 10 games each. Key cities selected to host include iconic stadiums like AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey - the venue slated to host the final.

Expanded Format, More Football The move to a 48-team format is a significant change from the traditional 32-team tournament. This expansion is intended to give more nations a chance to compete on the world stage, fostering greater global participation and development of the sport. While some have voiced concerns about potential dilution of quality, FIFA believes the expanded format will generate increased revenue and interest.

Broadcast Schedule: Key Dates and Channels

The group stage kicks off on June 11th, 2026, with matches spread throughout the month. The broadcast schedule, as currently planned, emphasizes accessibility for American viewers. Fox and FS1 will carry the bulk of the English-language coverage, while Telemundo will provide Spanish-language broadcasts. Early matches on June 11th will begin as early as 12:00 PM Eastern Time, with multiple games scheduled throughout the day to cater to different time zones and fan preferences. Telemundo will begin its coverage at 9:00 AM ET on June 12th.

The knockout stage begins on June 29th, with the stakes getting higher with each match. Round of 32 and Round of 16 games will continue to be broadcast on Fox and FS1. The semi-finals and the highly anticipated final, scheduled for July 12th at MetLife Stadium, will also air on Fox, promising a wide reach for the championship game.

Key Stadiums and Locations

The selection of host cities reflects a commitment to showcasing football across North America. In the US, cities like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Philadelphia will host matches, ensuring fans across the country have access to live games. Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, and Guadalajara and Mexico City in Mexico, will also play a crucial role in hosting the tournament. The stadiums themselves have undergone, or are scheduled to undergo, upgrades to meet FIFA's standards, ensuring a world-class experience for players and fans alike.

What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 World Cup is more than just a sporting event; it's a cultural phenomenon. The expanded format, coupled with the unique tri-nation hosting arrangement, promises a truly global and inclusive tournament. For US fans, the convenient broadcast schedule on Fox, FS1, and Telemundo ensures they won't miss a moment of the action. As the tournament draws closer, anticipation will undoubtedly build, making the 2026 World Cup a summer to remember for football fans across North America and around the world.