Soccer fans around the world woke up on Wednesday to a milestone moment: the one-year countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest tournament ever with a record 48 teams vying for glory across three North American nations.
Bigger and Bolder: A New Era
Set to kick off across three countries and 16 vibrant host cities, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, a jump from 32, making it the most inclusive edition yet.
- 48 national teams
- 16 host cities
- Estimated 6.5 million spectators
A Continental Celebration
From Vancouver to Guadalajara to Atlanta, stadiums are gearing up for a fan wave expected to unite Canada, Mexico, and the US in a shared passion for football.
Legacy in the Making
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is banking on this expansion to spark long-term growth. "The impact of this tournament will be profound and long-lasting. A FIFA World Cup always inspires young people, but in 2026, we're going even further by creating real pathways for the next generation," he said.
Investments in grassroots programs and infrastructure aim to turn casual viewers into future stars. "When a child in Vancouver, or Guadalajara, or Atlanta chooses to kick a ball because of what they saw in 2026, that's the true legacy," added Infantino.
As cities across three countries finalize stadium upgrades and fan zones, the countdown accelerates. In just 12 months, the world's biggest stage will set a new standard for scale, unity, and inspiration.
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Infantino looks toward 2026 FIFA World Cup on one-year countdown
cgtn.com
