Why in the news
The biggest ever World Cup got under way on 11 June 2026, shared by three North American countries and with a much larger field than before.
Key facts
| Feature | 2026 edition |
|---|
| Edition | 23rd FIFA World Cup |
| Start date | 11 June 2026 |
| Teams | 48 (earlier 32) |
| Matches | 104 (earlier 64) |
| Length | 39 days |
| Hosts | USA, Mexico, Canada |
| Host cities | 16 (US 11, Mexico 3, Canada 2) |
| Defending champion | Argentina (third title, 2022) |
Hosting milestones
- Mexico is the first nation to stage the tournament, alone or jointly, a third time (1970, 1986, 2026).
- United States hosted earlier in 1994.
- Canada is a host for the first time.
Debut nations
- Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
All-time champions
| Country | Titles | Years |
|---|
| Brazil | 5 | 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002 |
| Germany | 4 | 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014 |
| Italy | 4 | 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006 |
| Argentina | 3 | 1978, 1986, 2022 |
| Uruguay | 2 | 1930, 1950 |
| France | 2 | 1998, 2018 |
| England | 1 | 1966 |
| Spain | 1 | 2010 |
About FIFA
- FIFA stands for Fédération Internationale de Football Association; it was founded on 21 May 1904 in Paris, headquarters in Zurich.
- President: Gianni Infantino (since 2016).
- 211 member associations, more than the UN; six confederations: AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, UEFA.
India’s position
- India belongs to the AFC and has never qualified for a World Cup.
- It was offered a place in the 1950 edition in Brazil but withdrew.
- Football growth is linked to the AIFF and the Indian Super League.
Exam angle
- Latest winners: 2022 Argentina, 2018 France, 2014 Germany, 2010 Spain, 2006 Italy, 2002 Brazil.
- Most titles: Brazil (5).
- Host trio: USA, Mexico, Canada.