May 13: FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom has confirmed that preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are progressing smoothly, with organisers expressing confidence ahead of the tournament’s historic expansion to 48 teams.
The event, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin on June 11 and will be the first World Cup to feature an expanded lineup, increasing global participation in football’s biggest tournament.
Grafstrom said preparations are “on track” and highlighted that the new format will give more nations, particularly from Asia, Africa, and North America, the opportunity to compete on the world stage.
While the expansion has raised some discussions around scheduling and player workload, FIFA believes the change will strengthen long-term football development and broaden the tournament’s global impact.