Everything you need to know about this summer’s global soccer event

Some of the biggest names in the world of soccer are gearing up for the most-anticipated competition in the sport, and you’re going to need to know what’s happening, where, when — and who to back.

This summer’s international soccer event is going to be a battle of the most athletic sportsmen from across the globe, and considering this only happens once every four years, it’s a big deal. It’s even more significant because for the first time in the tournament’s history, three nations will unite to host the games, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico set to welcome 48 teams across 16 cities.

Millions are predicted to be heading to the US, with the number estimated to be between five to seven million travelers, as per the State Department, with the others forecasting that 6.4 million of those people will attend the 104 matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The United States itself will host 78 of those matches.

This summer will host the biggest soccer tournament of the season (Getty Stock Images)

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says that from October last year through to April this year it has received more than six million Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), with guests coming from the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan. The influx of interest isn’t just happening in person, as Foothold America predicts 1.6 billion people will tune in to watch their favorite team compete for the cup.

With that, soccer fans are going to need to know how to watch, what dates are confirmed, and even how to gamble on the outcomes in a safe and responsible way this year.

If you want to know the answer to those burning questions, here’s what to expect:

When is the tournament happening?

The opening matches, which kick off the tournament, begin on June 11 and will continue on set dates until July 19. The qualifying matches have ended, having taken place throughout March, solidifying which players will make up the national teams. Once the official games begin, they will take place over the course of 39 days, with 104 games — up from the previous 64 matches held in 2022.

Are you ready to watch? (Getty Stock Images)

What’s different about this global soccer tournament?

2026 is a little different from previous games, where the 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four. Then, the top two teams from each group will join the eight best third-place finishers to create a Round of 32 (June 28 to July 3) in a knockout match.

How do you bet safely on the 2026 soccer games?

We all know how important a soccer watch party is, and with Casino.org, it has become all the easier to bet on the predicted outcome. With the best casino bonuses and promotions in 2026, the online casino brand has reviewed all of the most notable gambling sites available to place soccer bets on the tournament, and has ranked the sites with the best returns and perks. The best part? Casino.org is strict on gambling safety and responsible practices, so you know the website won’t contain nefarious intentions or scam links.

Operating since 1995, according to their website, they’ve reviewed 400 plus casinos, with 150 plus casinos covered worldwide, so all bases are covered.

Please gamble responsibly. For help, support and advice about problem gambling, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline on 1-800-GAMBLER, 24/7.

Have you secured your ticket? (Getty Stock Images)

What teams are playing?

Alongside all of the qualifying teams, all three CONCACAF host nations have been granted an automatic qualification, meaning Canada, Mexico, and the US will join the likes of Japan, Iran, South Korea, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Australia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Africa. Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Africa, South America, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, and, of course, Argentina, Croatia, England, France, Norway, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Curaçao, Haiti, Panama, and New Zealand.

How much are tickets?

Just this year, Casino.org revealed that ticket prices across North America are among the highest spending intentions. With fans willing to pay an average of $1,739 USD to attend, it’s a costly endeavor to undertake if you want to be there in person. Americans are currently part of the group most willing to spend more on attending ($2,116 USD), and at this stage, resale tickets come in at a whopping cost of around $9,000 to see the finals in New York.