The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off six months from Thursday. Here's a deep dive into how the tournament could shape up and the top teams to watch.

FIFA released the World Cup schedule on Saturday that will feature 104 matches spread across 11 cities in the United States, with three in Mexico and two in Canada.

U.S. Soccer announced its last remaining pre-World Cup opponent on Thursday, with the United States set to play Senegal in a friendly at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on May 31.

Egypt and Iran, two Middle East nations that target gays and lesbians, have complained to FIFA over a World Cup soccer match in Seattle that is planned to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. Leaders in the nation's soccer federations publicly rebuked the idea of playing the match June 26 at Seattle Stadium,

From l-r., FIFA President Gianni Infantino takes a selfie with President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Follow the World Cup draw with live updates and find out who the USMNT and soccer's best will be facing during the 2026 tournament. The expanded 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history featuring 48 countries – up from 32 – battling for soccer's ultimate prize in North America.

Mauricio Pochettino has fallen in love with the story of the gold medal-winning 1980 Olympic hockey team, and believes the USA is capable of its own "Miracle" in 2026.

AT&T Stadium is getting ready for the 2026 World Cup. How will the Dallas Cowboys’ home be adjusted for soccer?