A beginner's guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Know nothing about the FIFA World Cup? Here is the basics that you need to know since the tournament is about to begin
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
Rebecca Powell
6/10/20262 min read
It is that time again, the FIFA World Cup has finally returned and here at BOASTI we have you covered on everything you need to know about the tournament before it begins.
If you fancy joining FIFA World Cup Fantasy here is our league link https://play.fifa.com/fantasy/join-league/X75YCEZ2
FIFA World Cup Overview
The FIFA World Cup is back, football's largest tournament with the most prestigious prize.
The tournament is 96 years old, making its debut tournament in Uruguay in July 1930. It is held every four years with only two across its history being cancelled (1942 and 1946) due to World War II with play not resuming until the 1950 World Cup in Brazil.
This year will be the first time in its history that it will be hosted across three nations (Canada, Mexico and the USA) and will have a new format since the increase from 32 participating teams to 48.
The opening match will take place in Mexico City on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium, with the final in New Jersey in the USA at the MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Format
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup has increased its participating nations from 32 to 48, it has changed the format of the tournament and introduced a new round of 32 within the knockout stage.
This is the new format:
The FIFA World Cup is back, football's largest tournament with the most prestigious prize.
The tournament is 96 years old, making its debut tournament in Uruguay in July 1930. It is held every four years with only two across its history being cancelled (1942 and 1946) due to World War II with play not resuming until the 1950 World Cup in Brazil.
This year will be the first time in its history that it will be hosted across three nations (Canada, Mexico and the USA) and will have a new format since the increase from 32 participating teams to 48.
The opening match will take place in Mexico City on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium, with the final in New Jersey in the USA at the MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Fixtures
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup has increased its participating nations from 32 to 48, it has changed the format of the tournament and introduced a new round of 32 within the knockout stage.
This is the new format:
Teams and Groups
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup has increased its participating nations from 32 to 48, it has changed the format of the tournament and introduced a new round of 32 within the knockout stage.
This is the new format:
Group Stage
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup has increased its participating nations from 32 to 48, it has changed the format of the tournament and introduced a new round of 32 within the knockout stage.
This is the new format:
Knockout Stages
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup has increased its participating nations from 32 to 48, it has changed the format of the tournament and introduced a new round of 32 within the knockout stage.
This is the new format:
Who are the favourites?
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup has increased its participating nations from 32 to 48, it has changed the format of the tournament and introduced a new round of 32 within the knockout stage.
This is the new format: