- Gianni Infantino says the world “will stand still and watch” the FIFA World Cup 26™
- The tournament will kick off in Mexico City on 11 June 2026
- Qualifying already underway in Africa, Asia, North, Central America & Caribbean, and South America
- Multimedia content available to download for editorial purposes
Like football fans all around the world, FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he is “counting down the days” with exactly two years to go until the FIFA World Cup 26™ kicks off.
The FIFA President said that the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup™, which starts on 11 June 2026 at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City, would be the “the greatest event, the greatest show, the greatest tournament” that the world has ever seen. It will also be the most inclusive FIFA World Cup ever, featuring a record 48 teams and hosted by 16 cities across three countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“I am counting down the days, definitely. Like everyone else. Two years seems far away, but we know it is very, very close,” said Mr Infantino, standing alongside the FIFA World Cup trophy he will present to the winning team after the final in New York New Jersey on 19 July 2026.
“In two years from now, the world will stand still and watch what is happening in North America. The trophy is already here, ready – we take care of it – and we are all getting ready, gearing up for the competition, preparing everything.”