- All 16 host stadiums across the United States, Mexico and Canada have passed FIFA's final infrastructure inspections.
- The opening match between Mexico and Morocco kicks off at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11.
- Total ticket sales have crossed 5.4 million, the highest pre-tournament figure in World Cup history.
- FIFA has confirmed the upgraded semi-automated offside system will be active from the opening fixture.
- Security planning is now in the operational phase across all three host countries.
Stadiums Cleared, Pitches Approved
FIFA's chief tournament operations officer confirmed at a Zurich briefing on Sunday that all 16 host stadiums for the 2026 World Cup had passed their final infrastructure inspections. The list spans 11 venues in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
The pitch quality concerns that dogged the recent Club World Cup have been addressed. Every venue has been required to install hybrid grass surfaces meeting FIFA's revised specification, and four of the five enclosed stadiums have replaced their existing pitches in the past three weeks.
Tickets, Broadcast and Security
Total ticket sales have now crossed 5.4 million, comfortably the highest pre-tournament figure in World Cup history. The opening match, the two semi-finals and the final have been sold out since March.
Broadcast coverage has been confirmed in 192 territories, and FIFA's own streaming platform will offer free coverage of all 104 matches in regions where no broadcaster has acquired rights.
Security planning is now in the operational phase across all three host countries. FIFA has activated its central command room in Zurich ahead of Monday's general rehearsal.
The Opening Match
Mexico will open the tournament against Morocco at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, with kick-off at 11:00 local time. The ceremony will run for 40 minutes before kick-off.
Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui has confirmed his full 26-man squad is available. The 2022 semi-finalists arrive in Mexico City having spent the past ten days acclimatising in nearby Puebla.
Frequently asked
Q01When does the 2026 World Cup start?
Thursday, June 11, 2026, with the opening match between Mexico and Morocco at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Kick-off is at 11:00 local time.
Q02How many stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup?
16 stadiums across three host countries: 11 in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
Q03Where is the 2026 World Cup final?
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
