Group A
Mexico route
- Mexico
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Czechia
Groups, host cities, key dates, knockout format, and match research for the first 48-team FIFA World Cup across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
48
Teams
Expanded finals field
104
Matches
From groups to final
16
Host cities
Across three countries
39 days
Tournament window
11 Jun to 19 Jul
The tournament begins in Mexico City.
Twelve groups of four create 72 group-stage matches.
Top two in each group plus the eight best third-place teams advance.
The champion is decided at MetLife Stadium in New York / New Jersey.
The 48-team field is arranged into 12 groups. The top two from every group advance, joined by the eight best third-place teams.
Mexico route
Canada route
East Coast route
USA route
Central and East route
Central route
Pacific route
South and Mexico route
Northeast route
Central route
Americas route
Atlantic route
The tournament travels through Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Route planning matters more than usual: teams will face distance, altitude, surface changes, and different summer conditions.
Research note
When match odds open, compare travel days, heat exposure, and rotation windows before trusting headline ranking gaps.
LiveFootballNow will use this page as the tournament hub, then connect match previews, daily tips, and news as the opener gets closer.
The 2026 map stretches from Mexico altitude to summer heat in the southern United States and cooler northern routes.
With eight third-place teams advancing, late group matches can reward teams chasing goal difference rather than only wins.
The expanded field creates more short-rest spots. Watch team news carefully once squads begin managing minutes.
The path after the group stage matters. Group winners and runners-up can land in very different knockout corridors.
Sources and update note
Tournament facts are based on FIFA tournament material and the confirmed group listings available on 27 May 2026. Match-specific previews will be added as squads, injuries, lineups, and odds become available.