⚽ Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA World Cup is Thursday, June 11, 2026
When Is FIFA World Cup 2026?
FIFA World Cup 2026 is on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious international soccer (football) tournament, held every four years. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first time it will be held across three nations.
FIFA World Cup Dates for the Next 10 Years
| Year | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Thursday |
| 2030 | Jun 13, 2030 | Thursday |
| 2034 | Jun 15, 2034 | Thursday |
About FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious international soccer (football) tournament, held every four years. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first time it will be held across three nations.
History & Origins of FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world, first held in 1930 in Uruguay with 13 nations. It is held every four years and has grown to include 32 teams (expanding to 48 in 2026). The tournament was the brainchild of FIFA president Jules Rimet and has been held continuously except during World War II (1942 and 1946). Brazil is the most successful nation with five titles. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was the first held in the Middle East and the first during November-December. The tournament regularly draws cumulative television audiences exceeding 3 billion viewers.
Traditions & How to Celebrate FIFA World Cup
- National team supporters painting faces and wearing team colors
- Gathering at public viewing areas and fan zones to watch matches
- Singing national anthems before kickoff
- Collecting and trading Panini sticker albums for each World Cup
- Following group stage standings and knockout round brackets
- Street celebrations and car honking after victories
- Debating the greatest players and greatest World Cup moments
- Watching the final draw ceremony to learn group assignments
Fun Facts About FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup Final is the most watched sporting event on Earth, with over 1.5 billion viewers.
Brazil is the only country to have played in every World Cup tournament since 1930.
The original World Cup trophy, the Jules Rimet Trophy, was stolen twice — and permanently lost after the second theft in 1983.
The fastest goal in World Cup history was scored by Hakan Şükür of Turkey in just 11 seconds (2002).
Only eight nations have ever won the World Cup: Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Uruguay, England, and Spain.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams and will be hosted across three countries: USA, Mexico, and Canada.