FIFA released the complete schedule for the 2026 World Cup on September 1, 2026, with matches to be played across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. [Source: ESPN, January 19, 2026, updated September 2026] ## Historic Expanded Tournament The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, expanded from the traditional 32. [Source: FIFA announcement] The opening match will be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, while the final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. [Source: FIFA schedule release] The expanded format includes a new group stage structure with 12 groups of four teams each. [Source: FIFA format description] The top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place teams will advance to a 32-team knockout round. [Source: FIFA tournament format] Ticket demand has been described as unprecedented, with millions of applications received during the first sales window. [Inference based on reporting] FIFA expects total attendance across the tournament to exceed 5 million spectators. [NEEDS VERIFICATION: specific attendance projections] ## Host Cities The 16 host cities include major metropolitan areas across all three countries. [Source: FIFA host city announcement] US venues include MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and AT&T Stadium in Dallas. [Source: FIFA host city list] Mexican venues include Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, and Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. [Source: FIFA host city list] Canadian venues include BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place in Vancouver. [Source: FIFA host city list] Each host city will stage between five and seven matches during the group stage and knockout rounds. [Source: FIFA scheduling] The infrastructure preparations have required billions of dollars in stadium upgrades and transportation improvements. [Inference based on host city investments] ## Economic Impact The tournament is expected to generate approximately 5 billion dollars in economic activity across the three host countries. [NEEDS VERIFICATION: specific economic impact estimate] The event will create thousands of temporary jobs in hospitality, security, and event management. [Inference based on major sporting event economics] Hotel bookings in host cities have already surged, with many properties reporting sold-out status for tournament dates. [Inference based on tourism trends] Airlines have added additional flights to accommodate the expected influx of international visitors. [Inference] Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter. Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter. Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter. Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter. Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter.