New York, one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup. Online reproduction/shipping The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history to be played in three countries — the United States, Mexico and Canada. In total, 16 cities will host tournament matches, the vast majority in the USA. 📱Bookmark g1 on Google and follow the main news of the day Check out how many games each country will host below: United States: 78 games (including all knockout stages from the quarter-finals onwards and the grand final). Mexico: 13 games (including the opening game at Estadio Azteca). Canada: 13 games. The host cities of the 2026 World Cup. g1 elaboration Now on g1 READ ALSO: See all cities will host the games When does the World Cup start and end? Understand how new rules work, from 'Vini Jr law' to turbocharged VAR New World Cup format This will be the first World Cup with 48 teams — 16 more than in Qatar, in 2022. The increase in participants has changed much of the tournament's structure. See the main changes below: 48 teams, compared to 32 in the last World Cup; 12 groups of four teams each; classification of the two best in each group and the eight best third-placed teams; creation of an extra knockout phase before the round of 16; increase in total games from 64 to 104. With the new structure, the champion will need to play eight matches to lift the cup. In the Qatar Cup, seven were needed. The change is part of FIFA's strategy to expand the participation of countries and make the World Cup more global.