World Cup 2026: Where to Watch, Who is Playing & the $50 Million Prize

This year features 48 teams instead of the usual 32, which means more stadiums and team base camps. Luckily, that played into the North American countries' favor when the three joined forces to bid to host the World Cup. 

"Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a rare and important moment to demonstrate that we are all truly united through sport," president of U.S. Soccer and co-chair of the United Bid Carlos Cordeiro said in a press release at the time. "We are humbled by the trust our colleagues in the FIFA family have put in our bid; strengthened by the unity between our three countries." 

As fans around the world wait for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to kick off, here's everything you need to know to play the long game.

How Does the World Cup Work?

The World Cup will kick off June 11 with 48 teams divided into 12 groups with four teams each. Each team will play three games round-robin style, one against each in its group. 

Then comes the knockout round June 24, in which the top two teams in each group, as well as eight third-place teams advance to the Round of 32. 

The Round of 32, beginning June 28, are elimination games, bringing us to Round of 16 from July 4 to July 7. Then, eight teams will compete in the quarterfinals from July 9 to July 11, before four teams score their spot in the semifinals July 14 and 15. 

While the two losing teams head to Miami July 18 for a third place face off, the winners land at MetLife Stadium July 19 for the ultimate match.

How Can I Watch the World Cup?

Beginning June 11 until July 19 fans cheer on their favorite countries on Fox, Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2. Plus, catch the games in Spanish on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.

World Cup Makes History With Halftime Show Featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS

Halftime shows aren't just for the Super Bowl anymore. For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup will have its own show at MetLife Stadium July 19 with BTS, Shakira and Madonna.

The star-studded set—curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin—is just as good as gold.

"A FIFA World Cup first, the Halftime Show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund," the organization announced on Instagram in May, "a landmark initiative working to raise $100 USD million to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world." 

There will also be three opening ceremony performances, with J. Balvin and Tyla hitting the stage June 11 in Mexico City. Meanwhile, Katy Perry and Future will step off the sidelines at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette will be, er, pitch perfect in Toronto June 12.

Where Is the World Cup Taking Place?

For the first time, the event will be hosted in three countries simultaneously: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Fans can watch their favorite teams IRL in Toronto; Vancouver; Guadalajara; Mexico City; Monterrey; Atlanta; Boston; Dallas; Houston; Los Angeles; Miami; Philadelphia; Seattle; San Francisco; New York/New Jersey and Kansas City, Kansas.

Which Countries Are Competing at the World Cup?

There will be 48 teams from around the world hitting the field for the World Cup this summer. Countries were chosen through qualifying matches, which took place between February 2023 and this March. 

The countries competing will be Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland, Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland, the U.S., Paraguay, Australia, Turkey, Germany, Curaçao, the Ivory Coast, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia, Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand, Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabi, Uruguay, France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia, England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

Which World Cup Team Ranks the Highest?

There may be nearly 50 teams vying for gold, but there are a few front. Spain, France, Argentina, England and Brazil are all considered the top teams and the ones to watch. Back in 2022, Argentina—led by Lionel Messi—defeated France in a penalty shootout. 

What Do Winners Take Home After the World Cup?

Along with the 18-karat gold trophy, the winning national team will be awarded $50 million, FIFA announced in December. 

Meanwhile, the runners-up will take home $33 million, third place gets $27 million, fourth place earns $27 million. From there, fifth through eighth win $19 million and ninth through 16th take home $15 million. Meanwhile, 17th through 32nd get $11 million and 33rd through 48th win $9 million.