It has been confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will see 104 games played, up from the original 80, as 12 groups of four teams in each will be the format.

[ WATCH: USA v Mexico live en Espanol ]

Following the FIFA Council meeting ahead of the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, it was agreed that the number of games for the 2026 World Cup would increase and the format would change from the previous format of 16 groups of three teams.

[ MORE: Live USMNT, USWNT games en Espanol en Peacock ]

The top two teams from each group will go through, with the eight best third-place teams also advancing to the Round of 32.

Below is everything you need to know for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Latest 2026 World Cup news

2026 World Cup venues selected: Which cities will host in USA, Canada, Mexico? FIFA may reverse World Cup change for 2026 tournament How will 2026 World Cup actually work?

Where will the 2026 World Cup take place?

The 2026 World Cup will take place in three North American countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This will be the first time that the tournament is hosted by three different nations and it will be the very first time that the event will be contested in Canada. There will be a total of 16 venues used as host cities for the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. will have 11, Canada will have 2, and Mexico will have 3.

Additionally, the 2026 World Cup will debut an expanded format featuring 48 teams-as opposed to 32-split into 12 groups of 4.

RELATED: 2026 World Cup venues selected: Which cities will host in USA, Canada, Mexico?

2026 World Cup host cities

USA (11)

Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Boston – Gillette Stadium Dallas – AT&T Stadium Houston – NRG Stadium Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium Miami – Hard Rock Stadium New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field San Francisco – Levi’s Stadium Seattle – Lumen Field

Canada (2)

Toronto – BMO Field Vancouver – BC Place

Mexico (3)

Guadalajara – Estadio Akron Mexico City – Estadio Azteca Monterrey – Estadio BBVA

When is the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 8 through July 3.

RELATED: World Cup 2022 results, analysis, highlights

How to watch the 2026 World Cup:

*All times are listed as ET

• When: June 8 through July 3, 2026

• Location: USA, Canada, Mexico

• TV channel in English: Fox

• TV channels en Español: Telemundo, Universo, Peacock

Follow along with ProSoccerTalk for the latest news, storylines, and updates surrounding the 2026 World Cup!

When and where is the 2026 World Cup? What is the format? originally appeared on NBCSports.com