Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WHO IS ORGANIZING THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
The 2026 World Cup will be unlike any other: for the first time in history, three countries will share the hosting duties. Mexico, the United States, and Canada will share the enormous task of coordinating FIFA's most ambitious tournament to date. From infrastructure to broadcasting rights, we'll tell you who's behind it all, how decisions are made, and what we can expect from this North American trio.
A Historic and Shared Host
For the first time in World Cup history, three countries will officially share the hosting duties: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This decision, announced in 2018, was historic and set a precedent for future tournaments. It broke with the tradition of a single host country or, at most, two (as happened in Korea-Japan 2002).
How will the festivities be divided?
Of the 104 matches to be played, the vast majority (around 80%) will be in the United States, while Mexico and Canada will each host 10 matches. However, the symbolic aspect is well distributed: Mexico will open the tournament at the Azteca Stadium, which will make history as the only stadium to host three World Cups (1970, 1986, and now 2026).
Venues in Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey
Venues in Canada: Toronto and Vancouver
Venues in the USA: 11 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami
Opening Match: Azteca Stadium
World Cup Final: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Fun Fact: The United States has already been Host in 1994, Mexico twice, but for Canada this will be its first Men's World Cup, although it already organized the Women's World Cup in 2015 with great success.
FIFA and the Organizing Committee
The organization of the World Cup doesn't fall solely on the governments or host cities. FIFA is the highest authority responsible for overseeing all aspects of the tournament: from the schedule to the official match balls, including security, broadcasting rights, and global logistics.
Who's in charge of what?
For 2026, FIFA has worked together with a joint Organizing Committee called “United 2026,” which represents the three host countries. This committee has national subdivisions that handle logistics, infrastructure, mobility, volunteering, support for national teams, and security.
FIFA: global planning, regulations, draws, VAR, and marketing
United 2026 Committee: coordination among the three countries
National subcommittees: local implementation in each host city
Municipalities: construction, transportation, and fan zones
Private companies: security, telecommunications, and food
In addition, the selected cities had to undergo rigorous evaluation processes to be approved as host cities, including audits of stadiums, social legacy proposals, and hotel capacity. FIFA demands extremely high standards, and each host country must meet them.
Fun fact: The total estimated budget for organizing the 2026 World Cup is around 11 billion dollars, with expected revenues of close to 14 billion according to FIFA projections.
Regional Impact and What's at Stake for Each Country
Beyond the ball and the goals, hosting a World Cup is a high-level strategic move. For Mexico, the United States, and Canada, this event represents a unique opportunity to project an image, attract investment, and position themselves as leaders in the global sports industry.
Three Countries, Three Different Bets
Mexico: Seeks to consolidate its role as a football powerhouse in Latin America and revive the legacy of its past World Cups. It also seeks to boost its tourism and modernize urban infrastructure.
United States: It aims to strengthen its emerging soccer industry, bolster MLS, and attract new audiences. Furthermore, it is the country that expects to generate the most revenue.
Canada: It is committed to further popularizing soccer, which has grown following its recent successes in the women's category and the historic qualification of its men's national team for Qatar 2022.
Each venue has its own challenges: from security issues to ensuring transportation and accommodation connectivity. But they also expect benefits: more tourism, temporary employment, urban development, and international exposure. Fun fact: The 1994 World Cup in the USA still holds the record for total attendance, with more than 3.5 million spectators. In 2026, that mark is expected to be far surpassed thanks to the new 48-team format.
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