🌍 The biggest World Cup in history. 48 teams, 3 host countries, 16 cities, 104 matches. From 11 June to 19 July 2026. IASHARK's match-by-match analyses will arrive as the tournament unfolds, once the fixture schedule has been set.
Key Information
| DETAIL | INFORMATION |
|---|
| Dates | 11 June – 19 July 2026 |
| Host countries | 🇺🇸 USA · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇲🇽 Mexico |
| Teams | 48 (all-time record) |
| Matches | 104 matches |
| Final | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (USA) |
| Format | 12 groups of 4 → Knockout stage with 32 teams |
Historic and Sporting Favourites
This section is an editorial analysis (honours, generation of players, context) — not an output of the IASHARK prediction engine. The IASHARK engine only calculates probabilities match by match, using real odds and form data available before each fixture: it does not issue any probability for the overall winner of a tournament at this stage. Match-by-match analyses of the 2026 World Cup will be available here as the tournament progresses.
🇫🇷 France
HISTORIC FAVOURITE
The most tactically complete side. An exceptional generation built around Mbappé. Winners in 2018, finalists in 2022.
2018 WINNERS2022 FINALISTS
🇧🇷 Brazil
HISTORIC FAVOURITE
Back at the top with a golden generation. Rodrygo, Endrick, Vinicius Jr — a terrifying attack. 5 world titles and maximum motivation after the disappointment of 2022.
5 TITLES
🏴 England
SERIOUS CONTENDER
The generation of Bellingham, Saka and Foden has come of age. A first title after a 60-year wait is possible. Euro 2024 finalists.
EURO 2024 FINALISTS
🇦🇷 Argentina
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS
Defending champions. Messi could be playing in his last World Cup. An ultra-close-knit squad with irreplaceable experience — although defending the title has historically proved difficult.
DEFENDING CHAMPIONSMESSI
The Dark Horses — Ones to Watch
A few teams whose current generation deserves attention, beyond the usual favourites:
- 🇵🇹 Portugal — A very solid new post-Ronaldo generation.
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands — A rising generation (Xavi Simons, Gakpo).
- 🇺🇸 USA — Host nation with home advantage. A booming generation drawn from MLS and Europe.
- 🇲🇦 Morocco — 2022 semi-finalists, the first African team to reach that stage.
The 16 Host Cities
🇺🇸 USA (11 cities)
New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium — Final), Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia.
🇨🇦 Canada (2 cities)
Toronto (BMO Field), Vancouver (BC Place).
🇲🇽 Mexico (3 cities)
Mexico City (Estadio Azteca — opening match), Guadalajara, Monterrey.
Format and Schedule
Group stage (11 June – 2 July): 12 groups of 4 teams. The top 2 plus the 8 best third-placed teams qualify → 32 teams in the round of 16.
Knockout stage (3–19 July): round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place play-off and the Final on 19 July at MetLife Stadium.
IASHARK method for the 2026 World Cup: Long-term odds shift with injuries, form and the draw. The IASHARK engine does not publish any probability for the overall winner: it analyses fixtures match by match, based on the data available before each kick-off.
WORLD CUP 20262026 WORLD CUPMUNDIAL 2026
WORLD CUP 2026 FAVOURITESWORLD CUP 2026 PREDICTIONFIFA WORLD CUP 2026
WORLD CUP 2026 USAWORLD CUP 2026 ODDSWHO WILL WIN WORLD CUP 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the 2026 World Cup take place?
The 2026 World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. There are 16 host cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Toronto.
How many teams are taking part in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams are taking part for the first time in history — compared with 32 at previous editions. They are split into 12 groups of 4, with 104 matches in total.
Does IASHARK predict the winner of the 2026 World Cup?
No. The IASHARK engine calculates probabilities match by match, based on real data available before each fixture — it does not issue a probability for the overall winner of a tournament. Match-by-match analyses of the 2026 World Cup will be available as the tournament progresses, once the fixture schedule has been set.
Where will the 2026 World Cup final be played?
The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (on the outskirts of New York) on 19 July 2026. It is the largest stadium used for the competition, with a capacity of 82,500.
Can you bet on the winner of the 2026 World Cup?
Bets on the overall winner are offered by bookmakers, but IASHARK does not recommend any bet on this market: our engine only analyses individual matches, never the outcome of an entire tournament.
Have France qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, France have qualified and are among the historic favourites for the tournament. The French side are aiming to triumph on the American continent after their 2018 title in Russia.
🦈 Live AI Analyses
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