The year 2026 already has an owner and a stage. It will be the year of the World Cup organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada, the first with three hosts and also the largest number of teams.
From June 11 to July 19, the three countries will host 48 teams and 104 matches. The inauguration will be held at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The World Cup will mark 2026
During the draw, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the tournament will be “the greatest event in the history of humanity” and called FIFA “the official provider of happiness for humanity.
Beyond the phrases, the World Cup will mark the pulse of the sport throughout the continent.
Calendars, leagues and hearings will revolve around six weeks that will focus global attention.
The size of the tournament will consolidate a model of larger events, with multiple venues and an unprecedented logistical burden for international soccer.
South America adjusts its timing
In South America, the Copa Libertadores will begin on February 3 with the preliminary phase, will be in recess from May 28 to August 11 and will close with a single final on November 28 in Montevideo (Uruguay).
The Copa Sudamericana will begin on March 3 and end on November 21 in Barranquilla (Colombia), within a calendar conditioned by the World Cup.
The major leagues, in parallel
In North America, Major League Baseball will adjust its timing so as not to be left out of the spotlight.
The NFL will have its crowning moment with Super Bowl LX on February 8 in Santa Clara.
The NBA will hold its All-Star Game on February 15 and will play its Finals from June 4, coinciding directly with the start of the World Cup.
Major League Baseball, MLB, will kick off on March 26, will have its All-Star Game on July 14 in Philadelphia and will return to Mexico with the Mexico City Series in April.
Engine, speed and spectacle
Motorsports will add noise and speed with six Formula 1 Grand Prix in America, in addition to the Daytona 500 on February 15 and the Indianapolis 500 on May 24.
Between January and November, the continent will experience an almost uninterrupted sequence of major events.
In 2026, America will not only host competitions: it will be the largest sports venue in the world.
Filed under: World Cup will mark 2026
With information from EFE
