In four days, on June 11, 2026, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off. For the first time in history, the competition will be jointly organized by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 48 teams and 104 matches, this World Cup is the biggest of all time.
An Unprecedented Edition
The 48-team format, introduced for this edition, reshuffles the global football landscape. Twelve groups of four teams will compete in the group stages, with the top two and the eight best third-placed teams qualifying for the round of 16. The tournament will run until July 19, 2026, for the grand final.
Host cities in the United States include New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Atlanta. In Canada: Toronto and Vancouver. In Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
The French Team: Schedule and Ambitions
The French team, two-time world champions (1998, 2018) and finalists in 2006 and 2022, is one of the most anticipated selections. Their group stage schedule:
- June 16, 2026, 9 PM — France / Senegal — MetLife Stadium, New York
- June 22, 2026, 11 PM — France / Iraq — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- June 26, 2026, 9 PM — Norway / France — Gillette Stadium, Boston
Les Bleus will approach this World Cup as one of the favorites, notably driven by a golden generation at the peak of their form. The match against Senegal on June 16 will be particularly scrutinized: a sporting rematch anticipated since the 2022 round of 16.
Nations to Watch
Besides France, England, Spain (defending champions), Brazil, Argentina, and Germany are among the serious contenders. The unprecedented presence of numerous African and Asian nations will broaden the scope for potential surprises.
How to Follow the 2026 World Cup in France?
TF1 and M6 hold the broadcasting rights in France. Some matches will also be available on partner streaming platforms. Digital rights are still being finalized for several European markets.
Key Takeaways
- June 11 – July 19, 2026: first World Cup in 3 countries and with 48 teams.
- 104 matches in total, across 16 host cities.
- France matches: Senegal (16/6), Iraq (22/6), Norway (26/6).
- Free-to-air broadcast on TF1 and M6.
