The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off Thursday, marking the first time the United States has hosted the tournament since 1994. With 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 venues in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, this year's edition is the largest in history. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.

Team USA, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, will rely on stars like Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Weston McKennie to break a two-decade drought without a knockout-stage win. Their first test comes Friday against Paraguay.

Read also
International
U.S. Must Rebuild Trust with Allies to Counter Iran, Not Seek It with Tehran
Former diplomat Wendy Sherman says negotiations with Iran don't require trust—but allies do. Without strong relationships, U.S. pressure on Iran may falter.

Team USA's Group-Stage Schedule

The United States plays three group-stage matches on the West Coast:

  • June 12: United States vs. Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, 8:00 p.m. ET
  • June 19: United States vs. Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle, 2:00 p.m. ET
  • June 25: Turkey vs. United States at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, 9:00 p.m. ET

How to Watch Every Match

Fox and FS1 will carry all matches in English, while Telemundo and Universo provide Spanish-language coverage. Streaming options include Fox One, Peacock, DirecTV, and Fubo.

Tournament Format

FIFA has divided the 48 teams into 12 groups of four, labeled A through L. Each team plays the others in its group once, earning three points for a win and one for a draw. The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-place finishers, advance to a 32-team knockout stage. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Ticket Sales and Controversy

Despite high anticipation, thousands of tickets remain unsold on FIFA's website and resale markets, according to NPR. Attorneys general in New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into FIFA's ticketing practices, calling prices "far exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament." President Trump weighed in last month, telling the New York Post he "wouldn't pay it either."

In a related development, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is probing FIFA over allegedly misleading ticket sales practices. Meanwhile, 13 of the 16 World Cup venues have earned LEED green building certification, highlighting sustainability efforts tied to the event.

As the tournament begins, all eyes are on whether Team USA can advance past the group stage and secure its first knockout victory since 2002.