As soccer enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that he is “counting the days” until the FIFA World Cup 2026, now exactly two years away.
Speaking on the milestone, Infantino promised that the 23rd edition of the World Cup, set to kick off on June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, will be “the biggest event, the greatest show, the largest tournament” the world has ever witnessed. This tournament will also be the most inclusive in FIFA history, featuring a record 48 teams competing in 16 cities across three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“I’m counting the days, just like everyone else. Two years might seem like a long time, but we know it will come around quickly,” Infantino stated, standing beside the coveted World Cup trophy, which will be awarded to the champions at the final in the New York New Jersey stadium on July 19, 2026.
“In two years, the world will pause to focus on North America. The trophy is already here, and we’re taking good care of it. Preparations are in full swing, and we’re ensuring everything is set for the competition,” Infantino added.
The Estadio Azteca, one of Mexico’s three host venues alongside Monterrey and Guadalajara, is set to make history. It will become the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches, following those of 1970 and 1986.
“No other venue has hosted three opening matches before,” Infantino confirmed. “Experiencing this historic moment at such a legendary stadium like the Azteca will be monumental. It has witnessed iconic World Cup moments and legendary players like Pelé and Diego Maradona.”
Qualifying matches for FIFA World Cup 2026
As the two-year countdown begins, qualifying matches have already taken place across the globe. In Asia, 18 matches were held as part of the AFC’s second round, deciding the 18 teams advancing to the next stage. North, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) have also seen action with their second round of qualifiers starting on June 5, and qualifiers in Africa (CAF) are well underway. South American (CONMEBOL) qualifications have been ongoing since September 2023.
Read Also: FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers Results – 05.06.2024
Infantino noted that preparations in the host countries are progressing smoothly. “In the host cities, we are working closely with authorities, stadium owners, operators, and local communities,” he said, referring to the sites in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. “The spirit of collaboration is fantastic everywhere. We expect millions of fans from around the world, and the stadiums are stunning.”
“Events are being planned daily with authorities, our partners, sponsors, and broadcasters,” he added.
Upcoming milestones on the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 include the qualification draws for Asia and Oceania. The AFC will continue its preliminaries in September 2024, with 18 nations vying for eight direct spots. Meanwhile, Oceania’s qualification will kick off with 11 teams competing for one direct ticket. European teams will battle for 16 spots from March 2025 to March 2026.
