Countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: An In-Depth Look at Preparations and Expectations

Just one year remaining until the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament set to break records with an unprecedented number of participating nations and matches. This edition will feature a historic volume of games spread across an expanded schedule, making it the most extensive World Cup in history.

Hosting the majority of the tournament’s matches, the United States will serve as the primary stage for this global football celebration, with 11 of the 16 venues and over 80% of the 104 matches taking place on its soil. This marks the first time North America has hosted the World Cup since 1994, rekindling local enthusiasm and international interest.

Mexico and Canada will play supporting roles, with Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca-renamed Estadio Banorte-hosting the tournament’s opening match. As the event approaches, several logistical, political, and sporting issues remain unresolved, prompting a closer examination of the current state of preparations.

Political Engagement and Government Support

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has actively engaged with U.S. political leaders to secure support for the tournament. Notably, he has held multiple meetings with President Donald Trump and key officials, even presenting a replica World Cup trophy in the Oval Office as a symbol of diplomatic goodwill.

Infantino’s efforts have extended to high-profile visits, including joining the U.S. delegation for discussions with regional leaders like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Such diplomatic moves aim to bolster U.S. support and facilitate smooth tournament operations.

The White House’s dedicated World Cup task force, led by Andrew Giuliani-son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani-is actively seeking nearly $625 million in federal funding to cover security and logistical costs. The tournament’s duration of 39 days surpasses that of the Olympics, requiring extensive planning and resource allocation.

However, concerns persist regarding immigration policies and federal budget cuts, which could complicate fan access and movement across the three host nations. Despite these challenges, FIFA officials remain optimistic, with Infantino affirming that “America welcomes the world,” even as travel bans on certain countries-such as Iran-pose restrictions for some fans, though exemptions exist for players and coaching staff.

Ticketing Strategies and Availability

Ticket sales are anticipated to commence this fall, with prices for official packages ranging from $3,500 to upwards of $73,000 for premium experiences. Fans eager to attend individual matches will need to register on FIFA’s official website, which remains the sole authorized platform for ticket distribution.

FIFA is exploring dynamic pricing models, where ticket costs fluctuate based on demand and remaining availability, aiming to maximize attendance and revenue. The organization’s goal is to sell over 6 million tickets, a significant increase from the 3.6 million sold during the 1994 U.S. World Cup, which averaged approximately 69,000 spectators per game.

Event Schedule and Match Locations

The tournament’s structure is largely finalized, with 78 matches scheduled across the United States, and 13 each in Mexico and Canada. The specific dates and venues for the group stage will be confirmed following the December draw, likely held in Las Vegas. The knockout stage pathways will be determined by March, after playoff matches.

Host nation teams are already aware of their group stage venues and dates, awaiting only their opponents. The U.S. will host matches at venues like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Seattle’s Lumen Field, while Mexico will play in Mexico City and Guadalajara. Canada’s matches will be held in Toronto and Vancouver.

Seeding arrangements ensure that the host nations are not grouped with top-ranked teams such as Brazil, France, or Argentina. The most prominent venues include AT&T Stadium in Dallas, which will host nine matches, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with eight. The semifinals are scheduled for Texas and Georgia, with the final set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

Stadium Infrastructure and Upgrades

Many U.S. venues are NFL stadiums, which presents logistical challenges due to differences in field dimensions and surface types. NFL fields are approximately 20 yards narrower than standard soccer pitches, and most of these stadiums feature artificial turf, which is incompatible with FIFA regulations.

To address this, extensive renovations are underway, including replacing artificial turf with natural grass and modifying seating arrangements to accommodate larger playing areas and security zones. SoFi Stadium recently demonstrated its capability by installing temporary grass for the Concacaf Nations League finals and a U.S. women’s national team friendly.

In contrast, all three Mexican venues and Toronto’s stadium already feature natural grass. Vancouver’s stadium will also undergo field upgrades before the tournament. Notably, Washington, D.C., was excluded from hosting matches due to FIFA standards not being met by local venues, such as the Washington Commanders’ Landover stadium and D.C. United’s Audi Field.

Qualifying Contenders and Global Participation

The qualification process, which began in September 2023, continues to be fiercely competitive across continents. The expansion from 32 to 48 teams has opened opportunities for nations that previously faced steep hurdles to qualify. Countries like Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Cabo Verde are making their first-ever appearances, highlighting the tournament’s growing inclusivity.

European nations are racing against time to secure their 16 automatic bids, with most qualifiers expected to be decided by November. South American powerhouses such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay have already secured their spots, with Ecuador, Colombia, and Paraguay also in strong positions.

In Asia, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Jordan have already qualified, with Australia securing its spot recently. The Concacaf region is expected to fill its remaining berths with teams like Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Africa’s qualification process is underway, with Egypt and Morocco among the favorites, while Oceania’s New Zealand has already qualified comfortably.

Playoff matches in Europe and inter-confederation playoffs will determine the final four spots, adding an element of suspense to the qualification journey.

The U.S. Men’s National Team: Challenges and Prospects

Looking ahead to the U.S. men’s national team’s prospects, recent performances have raised concerns about their potential impact at the World Cup. After a disappointing exit in the 2023 Copa América group stage, the team’s direction seemed to shift with the appointment of Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino in September.

Despite initial optimism, the team finished last in the Concacaf Nations League finals in March, signaling ongoing struggles. Many key players, including stars like Christian Pulisic, are entering their prime but have yet to meet expectations on the international stage since the 2022 World Cup.

With the upcoming Gold Cup-a crucial tune-up tournament-many regular starters are expected to be rested or unavailable, complicating Pochettino’s preparations. The team will play several friendly matches in the fall and spring to finalize their roster for the tournament.

As the countdown continues, the U.S. team faces the challenge of building momentum and confidence, with a year remaining to turn potential into performance on the world’s biggest stage.