The countdown is on. The 2026 FIFA World Cup โ the first to feature 48 teams and the first jointly hosted by three nations โ is approaching fast, and the commercial scale of what is about to unfold is almost incomprehensible.
FIFA is projecting cumulative television viewership of 5.6 billion. The economic impact on US host cities is estimated at $5.2 billion. Sixteen American cities are hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas. Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca will host a group stage match in one of football's most storied venues.
In the United States, Fox and NBCUniversal's Telemundo have the broadcast rights. This is the first World Cup where streaming will play a genuinely co-equal role alongside traditional broadcast, with both networks streaming every match simultaneously.
This World Cup will generate more revenue, reach more people, and create more cultural moments than any sporting event in history. Full stop. โ FIFA President Gianni Infantino
For the first time, 48 teams compete โ up from 32. This adds 16 new nations to football's grandest stage, with significant representation from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF.