Last updated on: June 09, 2026 11:49 IST
Key Points
- FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first football world cup to have 48 teams -- an expansion from 32.
- Defending champions Argentina take on Algeria in their opening match on June 16.
- Brazil have won the most FIFA World Cup titles, having triumphed in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The largest tournament in football history will have 48 teams playing 104 matches.
This World Cup is the first to have 48 teams, an expansion from 32. The tournament previously had eight groups of four teams. Each would play the other teams in their group once, the best two in each group progressing to the round of 32.
Now, with the addition of 16 more teams the 2026 tournament will have 12 groups of four. Each team plays the other in their group once. The best two and the eight best-ranked third-placed sides from the 12 groups progress to the last 32, meaning there is an extra knock-out round.
Co-hosts Mexico clash against South Africa in the tournament opener on June 12 (12.30am IST), while defending champions Argentina take on Algeria in their opening match on June 17 (6.30am IST).
Check out the complete schedule in Indian Standard Time below:
Where To Watch: The FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live on television by Zee Entertainment through their newly launched Unite8 Sports network, while live streaming will be available on Zee 5 app.
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FIFA World Cup 2026
Source: Rediff.com
