📊 WC 2026 Records & Stats
The biggest World Cup in history · 48 teams · 104 matches · 3 host nations
🌍 Tournament Facts
🏳️
48
Total Teams
⚽
104
Total Matches
🌎
3
Host Nations
🏟️
16
Venues
👤
763
Total Players
📅
39 days
Duration
🥅
12
Groups
🎯
72
Group Matches
🎂 Oldest Players at WC 2026
⚡ Youngest Players at WC 2026
⭐ Teams with Most Star Players
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are in WC 2026?
48 national teams — up from 32 in 2022. The biggest World Cup ever.
How many matches at WC 2026?
104 total matches: 72 group stage + 32 knockout rounds.
Where is WC 2026 hosted?
USA (11 venues), Canada (2) and Mexico (3) — the first 3-nation host in history.
What is the WC 2026 format?
12 groups of 4 teams. Top 2 + 8 best 3rd-placed teams advance to a 32-team knockout.
When does WC 2026 start?
June 11, 2026. The Final is July 19 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Who is the defending champion?
Argentina, who beat France in the 2022 final in Qatar on penalties.
Who holds the all-time WC goals record?
Miroslav Klose (Germany) with 16 goals across 4 tournaments. Mbappé (12) could break it in 2026.