The biggest football extravaganza returns with 48 teams embarking on a thrilling journey to secure the FIFA World Cup 2026. The mega competition will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico from June 11. Mexico, placed in Group A, will clash against South Africa in the curtain raiser. With more teams in the fray, fans can expect more enthralling action across almost two months. The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is scheduled for July 20.
Argentina are heading into the event as the defending champions, with Lionel Messi once again leading the team. The 2018 World Cup champions, France, who became the runners-up in the 2022 Qatar after a narrow defeat in the final, will look to reclaim the title. They have a star-studded side, with Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe in charge.
Spain, Portugal, England and Brazil are also top contenders for the World Cup this year. Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up for his sixth campaign, sharing the record with Messi and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. The Portuguese football legend, fresh off a league triumph with Al Nassr, aims to end his long wait for the first-ever World Cup title.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Matches, Dates, Venues, And All You Need To Know
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Edition | 23rd FIFA World Cup |
| Dates | 11 June – 19 July 2026 |
| Host Countries | United States, Canada, Mexico |
| Number of Teams | 48 |
| Total Matches | 104 |
| Tournament Format | 12 groups of 4 teams each |
| Knockout Qualification | Top 2 teams from each group + 8 best third-placed teams |
| Round of 32 | Introduced for the first time |
| Opening Match | Mexico vs South Africa |
| Opening Venue | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Final Date | 19 July 2026 |
| Final Venue | New York New Jersey Stadium |
| Number of Host Cities | 16 |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Streaming in India
Where can I watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming in India?
The official live streaming platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India is Zee5.
Will FIFA World Cup 2026 matches be available online in India?
Yes, FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be streamed online on the Zee5 app and website on a subscription basis.
Has FIFA announced the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcaster for India?
Yes, Zee has the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasting rights in India. The matches will be telecast across Unite8 Sports channels.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Streaming in the UK
Where can I watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming in the UK?
FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available through BBC and ITV platforms in the United Kingdom.
Can I stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches online in the UK?
Yes, fans can watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming through BBC iPlayer and ITV’s digital platforms.
Which TV channels will broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 in the UK?
BBC, ITV and STV (in Scotland) hold the broadcasting rights for the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Streaming in the USA
Where can I watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming in the USA?
FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming in the USA will be available through Fox Sports platforms for English-language coverage and Telemundo for Spanish-language coverage.
How can I stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches online in the USA?
Fans can access FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming through the digital services associated with Fox Sports and Telemundo.
Which broadcasters have FIFA World Cup 2026 rights in the USA?
Fox Sports holds the English-language rights, while Telemundo owns the Spanish-language rights for the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Broadcast in 120+ Countries
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| India | Zee5, Unite8 Sports Channels |
| United Kingdom | BBC, ITV, STV (Scotland) |
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) |
| Bangladesh | TBA |
| Australia | SBS |
| Canada | Bell Media |
| France | M6, beIN Sports |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN |
| Nepal | Himalaya Sports, Dgo |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Tapmad |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports/CHZZK |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Sri Lanka | TBA |
| MENA Region | beIN Sports |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Afghanistan | ATN |
