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2026 World Cup Kicks Off in US, Canada, Mexico

6/7/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens in the United States on June 11 and concludes on July 19, with Canada and Mexico as co-hosts.
The format features 48 teams, 12 groups of four, and a new Round of 32, with the top two and the eight best third-place teams advancing to the knockout round.
Betting odds favor Spain at +450, followed by France +480, England +650, Brazil +850, and Argentina +950.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the United States hosted the 15th FIFA World Cup, expanding the field to 24 teams and drawing a record 3,587,538 spectators from June 17 to July 17. The tournament proved North America could generate massive revenue and viewership, prompting FIFA to later adopt larger formats, culminating in the 48-team, multi-nation 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Story summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens in the United States on June 11 and concludes on July 19, with Canada and Mexico as co-hosts.
The format features 48 teams, 12 groups of four, and a new Round of 32, with the top two and the eight best third-place teams advancing to the knockout round.
Betting odds favor Spain at +450, followed by France +480, England +650, Brazil +850, and Argentina +950.

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