A new and spectacular format
Never has a World Cup brought together so many nations. 48 teams will participate, an increase of 50% compared to previous editions. The group stage will be made up of 12 pools of 4 teams, guaranteeing a longer and denser show. With 104 matches scheduled, compared to 64 in 2022, the 2026 World Cup becomes the largest tournament ever organized.
This opening allows more nations, particularly African and Asian, to gain visibility and offer unprecedented geographic diversity. Mexico will also make history by hosting world football matches for the third time, after 1970 and 1986.
A unique trinational organization
For the first time in history, three countries will jointly host the competition. The United States, Canada and Mexico will share the event among 16 host cities. This cross-border configuration, however, poses logistical challenges, particularly in terms of travel, security and infrastructure.
But it symbolizes a unique continental cooperation. The United States will host nearly 80% of the matches, including the final, and will benefit from economic benefits estimated between 15 and 17 billion dollars. Mexico is hoping for between 3 and 5 billion, while Canada is aiming for between 1.8 and 2.2 billion Canadian dollars. Beyond the numbers, this triple organization strengthens the international image of the three countries and their role in world sport.
Donald Trump and the political tensions around the 2026 World Cup
Beyond sporting issues, the 2026 World Cup takes place in a tense political context in the United States. President Donald Trump has increased the number of declarations and decisions that weigh on the organization. His criticism of certain host cities, deemed too close to the Democratic camp, raised concerns about their role in the tournament. Furthermore, the reinforced presence of the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agency at the borders could complicate the arrival of foreign supporters, in particular those coming from countries considered sensitive by the American administration.
Add to this a very harsh policy on obtaining visas, of which the Somali referee Omar Artan was the victim who was to take part in the competition, ESTAs refused, searches and extensive interrogations of staff members or players and you get numerous controversies. Especially when these measures particularly affect African nations.
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Finally, the American bombings on the Strait of Hormuz for almost three months, and Trump’s belligerent rhetoric towards Iran, which he threatened to exclude before finally accepting its participation, adds a delicate geopolitical dimension. The holding of matches involving the Iranian selection on American soil suffers moreover since it is only authorized to be present on American soil for 24 hours. Based in Mexico, Iran will have to travel the morning of each of its matches to the USA before leaving immediately after each match. A grotesque situation and certainly never seen in the history of the World Cup.
A lasting sporting and cultural heritage
The 2026 World Cup is not limited to a one-off event. He must leave a lasting legacy for local leagues and younger generations. Major League Soccer, Liga MX and the Canadian Premier League will benefit from increased visibility and additional investment. Upgraded infrastructure, renovated stadiums and improved city services will benefit local communities long after the tournament ends.
On a cultural level, football is gaining an exceptional showcase in North America. In the United States and Canada, where it remains behind traditional sports, this global exposure could accelerate its adoption as a major discipline. Even if on site, we see that the NBA final between the Knicks and the Spurs seems to attract the attention of the American public.
To summarize
The 2026 World Cup is already historic: 48 teams, 104 matches and an unprecedented trinational organization between the United States, Canada and Mexico. A lasting sporting, cultural and economic heritage, it places North America at the center of world football.
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