The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest edition of the tournament, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The competition opened on June 11, coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations, and a White House task force was created to coordinate federal support for the event.
President Donald Trump described the tournament as an opportunity to showcase the nation’s capabilities while emphasizing robust security for players and fans.
Over five weeks, several million visitors have traveled across the three host countries, turning the World Cup into both a sporting spectacle and a massive logistical undertaking.
In the opening group match, the United States defeated Paraguay 4‑1, with forward Folarin Balogun scoring twice in the first half.
Two days later, the Netherlands and Japan played to a 2‑2 draw in Arlington, Texas, and Japanese supporters remained after the final whistle to clean the stadium.
Spain, a pre‑tournament favorite, were held to a goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde, whose 40‑year‑old goalkeeper saved 27 shots.
Cape Verde advanced past Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to reach the Round of 32 before being eliminated by defending champion Argentina.
The United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, securing a place in the Round of 16 for the first time since 2014.
The U.S. campaign ended with a loss to Belgium on July 6, a match that sparked controversy over a red card shown to Balogun.
Balogun’s dismissal triggered an automatic one‑match suspension, which would have barred him from the Belgium game.
Following a phone call from the president, FIFA’s disciplinary committee placed the suspension on probation, allowing Balogun to remain eligible.
All three co‑host nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—were eliminated by the end of the Round of 16, leaving eight teams in the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinal lineup includes Morocco, France, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Switzerland, and Argentina, with matches scheduled for July 9‑11.
The final is set for July 19 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in the Meadowlands.
Security for the tournament has been overseen by the Department of Homeland Security, which coordinated enhanced screening, counter‑drone measures, and facial‑recognition technology across 11 U.S. host cities.
Immigration enforcement has been a point of tension, with estimates of roughly 167,000 arrests made by ICE in and around host cities during the lead‑up to the event.
Mexico increased security and limited crowd sizes at the Angel of Independence monument after four fans died during celebrations following a victory over Ecuador.
Iran’s team trained in Mexico after relocating from Arizona and was allowed brief entry into the United States solely for match days.
Fan festivals have appeared in 13 host cities, supported by local volunteers who assist visitors with navigation and information.
Spectators have reported a lively atmosphere, though traffic congestion and high ticket and concession prices have drawn criticism.
Overall, the tournament has demonstrated the host nations’ ability to manage a complex, multinational sporting event while highlighting both successes and challenges.
