Millions expected to visit the US this summer for 2026 World Cup
FILE-A detailed view of the FIFA World Cup 2026 sign inside Dallas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, on April 13, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is weeks away and travelers are preparing to descend on the United States.
This year’s historical tournament kicks off on June 11 and will host 48 teams and is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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The U.S. is expected to host 78 of the 104 matches at the World Cup, welcoming over five million visitors to the area.
In anticipation of the millions of soccer fans entering the country, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported Monday increases in travel authorizations from FIFA World Cup qualified nations through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, VISA Waiver Program and Trusted Traveler Programs.
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Customs and Border Protection officials are informing international travelers to visit the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on the CBP website for travelers to review the CBP and FIFA 2026 Know Before You Go travel fact sheet for an array of information, including passports, and whether travelers are required to have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization under the VISA Waiver Program or a visa.
Where are the 2026 World Cup matches being played?
Dig deeper:
The United States will host games in Arlington, Texas; Atlanta; East Rutherford, New Jersey; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Houston; Inglewood, California; Kansas City, Missouri; Miami Gardens, Florida; Philadelphia, Seattle; and San Jose, California.
Two Canadian cities will have World Cup games: Toronto and Vancouver, British Columbia.
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In Mexico, games will be played in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City.
FIFA World Cup 2026 format
Why you should care:
The World Cup group stage format for 2026 was changed to 12 groups of four teams from 16 groups of three teams, increasing the total to 104 matches from 64 in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
To win a World Cup, a nation will have to play eight games, up from the seven in place since 1974.
The top two teams in each group and the top eight third-place teams will advance to a new round of 32 that starts the knockout phase. Advancement for third-place teams was eliminated for 1998, when the tournament expanded from 24 teams to 32.
Additional matches mean more content for television broadcasters and more tickets to sell, increasing revenue for FIFA.
How can I watch the 2026 World Cup?
Big picture view:
The 39-day tournament starts June 11, 2026, and will feature 104 matches across 16 North American cities—all of which will be broadcast on FOX and FOX Sports, and you can stream matches on FOX One and FOX Sports app by signing in with your TV provider or signing up.
When is the World Cup final?
Timeline:
The World Cup final will take place July 19 at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, the culmination of a month-long tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by a Customs and Border Protection release and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.