As FIFA has unveiled the remainder of its game schedule for the 2026 World Cup, hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States now have a clearer picture of where their teams could potentially play beyond the group stage. The group stage destinations for the three co-hosts have already been determined, with Canada opening its campaign in Toronto followed by matches in Vancouver. Mexico will have the privilege of playing its first and last group stage games in Mexico City, with the second match in Guadalajara. Similarly, the United States will kick off in Los Angeles, playing their third game there as well, with the second match taking place in Seattle.
The path after the group stage for each host nation will depend on their final position. For instance, if the U.S. finishes first in Group D, they could potentially play in the San Francisco Bay Area in the round of 32 on July 1. The journey could then take them to Seattle in the round of 16 on July 6, followed by matches in Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final respectively. On the other hand, if Mexico secures first place in Group A, their potential path could lead them to Mexico City for the round of 32 and round of 16 games, followed by matches in Miami, Atlanta, and finally in Miami and New York for the third place and final games.
The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time in history, as FIFA has expanded the field from the traditional 32. This decision marks a new era in the World Cup format, providing more opportunities for nations to compete on the global stage. The last time the United States hosted the men’s World Cup in 1994, only 24 teams participated, highlighting the significant growth in the tournament over the years.
In addition to the game schedule, FIFA also released a sneak peek of the 24 cities that could potentially host the training facilities for the participating teams, also known as “base camps.” These sites play a crucial role in the preparation and performance of the teams during the tournament. Nine cities outside of the host cities for matches have been included as potential training sites, such as Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Westfield, Irvine, Louisville, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, and San Antonio. The final decisions on the training facilities will be determined by a lottery system, as stated by World Cup COO Heimo Schirgi.
The unveiling of the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule provides an exciting glimpse into what the tournament will offer fans and teams alike. With the expanded field, diverse host cities, and potential paths for the participating nations, the upcoming World Cup promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable event for the global football community. As the countdown to 2026 continues, anticipation and excitement will only continue to grow as the world eagerly awaits the pinnacle of international football.
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