2026 World Cup FAQ: 48-Team Format, Dates, Three Hosts, How to Watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be the biggest edition in the tournament’s history, with a record number of teams and, for the first time ever, three host nations sharing the stage. Whether you are a lifelong supporter or tuning in for the first time, this FAQ breaks down the essentials: the format, the timing, where it is played, and how to watch.
What is the new 48-team format?
For the first time, 48 national teams will take part in the World Cup, up from the 32 that featured in previous editions. The expanded field redistributes qualifying places across the confederations, giving more nations from Asia, Africa, and beyond a genuine shot at reaching the global stage.
A larger field also means a longer tournament. After the group stage, teams progress into an expanded knockout bracket, and the total number of matches rises sharply compared with past tournaments. For fans, that translates into more games, more nations to follow, and more room for an underdog story to unfold.
When does the 2026 World Cup take place?
The World Cup is traditionally held around the middle of the year, and the 2026 edition again falls during the Northern Hemisphere summer, running across several weeks. From the opening match to the final, the competition stretches over roughly a month of near-daily action.
Because of the expansion and the three-country setup, exact kickoff and final dates are confirmed by FIFA through official channels. Fans outside North America should keep an eye on the published schedule and factor in the time difference between their region and the host cities.
Why are there three host countries?
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the first time three nations have jointly staged the event. Matches are spread across cities in all three countries, with the United States hosting the majority and Canada and Mexico each contributing host cities of their own.
Sharing hosting duties spreads the enormous demands of stadiums, travel, and logistics, while bringing the tournament to a wider North American audience. For Mexico, it also marks another chapter in a long and proud World Cup hosting tradition.
Which teams are worth watching?
The World Cup has always been a showcase for the game’s traditional powers. Brazil has lifted the trophy more times than any other nation, while Germany and Italy are multiple-time champions, and Argentina and France remain perennial contenders. Among the hosts, Mexico is a familiar face at the finals, with the United States and Canada eager to make the most of home advantage.
Beyond the usual names, the expanded format opens the door for more teams to appear. Sides from Asia and Africa have steadily closed the gap, giving fans across Malaysia and the wider region plenty of reasons to follow along.
How can fans in Malaysia and worldwide watch?
The World Cup is one of the most widely broadcast sporting events on the planet. In Malaysia and around the world, you can typically watch through official broadcast partners on television and streaming platforms, some offering free coverage and others requiring a subscription.
It is worth confirming the official broadcaster in your country or region ahead of time and checking whether a subscription is needed. With the action taking place in North America, viewers in Asia should plan around the time difference so they do not miss the opening match, the knockout rounds, or the final.
More in the Worldcup column; see the full fixtures and live action at the Live Scores Centre.
