Wondering which countries have hosted the FIFA World Cup? Here’s a list of all the FIFA World Cup host countries from 1930 to 2026, including how many times each country has hosted the event.
The FIFA World Cup is considered the most prestigious international football/soccer tournament, drawing millions of viewers every four years as the best players around the world compete for the coveted title of World Cup Champion. As part of the Federation Internationale de Football Association, teams from all six FIFA confederations battle for glory and the chance to be crowned champions.
FIFA World Cup’s first edition was held in the year 1930 and has been definitely held every four years since then, except for 1942 and 1946 due to World War II. This tournament has become an iconic event in the world of international football, bringing together the best teams from around the globe and uniting fans of the sport in a spirit of competition and camaraderie. Each championship brings its own unique memories and moments that have become part of the game’s rich history.
The host countries of the FIFA World Cup have several benefits, including the chance to earn a lot of money from hosting the event. There are also many intangible benefits, including the chance to make your country’s name known throughout the world. It’s also a great way to show off your country and culture to visitors. And, the host country usually gets a lot of media attention when they host the tournament, which can boost tourism in the area.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic tournament, as it will be jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States – making Mexico the first-ever three-time host. This unprecedented event will be an incredible opportunity to share the joy and excitement of the world’s greatest sport with all three countries. Join us in celebrating this monumental occasion!
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FIFA’s-member roster is larger than that of the UN and the International Olympic Committee combined. This is because FIFA’s definition of nationhood is slightly more flexible, allowing for more countries to join its ranks. With 193 countries and two observer states in the United Nations, and 206 countries in the International Olympic Committee, FIFA’s roster is far more inclusive than either of these organizations. By providing an opportunity for more countries to join, FIFA is encouraging greater participation in the international game and opening up the sport to a wider audience.
The first step in understanding how countries make money from FIFA is to understand the tournament itself. In order To gain a better understanding, it is important to research and understand the various aspects of the tournament, such as the teams and tournaments involved, the rules and regulations of the game, and the different sources of revenue that FIFA generates. Once you have a better understanding of FIFA and its tournaments, you can begin to explore how countries are able to make money from FIFA.
FIFA is a non-profit organization committed to developing the sport of soccer at international, national, and grassroots levels. All funds generated from the FIFA tournament – including marketing rights, television rights, ticket sales, and also licensing rights to the game – are reinvested back into the sport, ensuring its continued growth and success.
Year | Country |
1930 | Uruguay |
1934 | Italy |
1938 | France |
1950 | Brazil |
1954 | Switzerland |
1958 | Sweden |
1962 | Chile |
1966 | England |
1970 | Mexico |
1974 | Germany |
1978 | Argentina |
1982 | Spain |
1990 | Italy |
1994 | US |
1998 | France |
2002 | Japan & South Korea |
2006 | Germany |
2010 | South Africa |
2014 | Brazil |
2018 | Russia |
2022 | Qatar |
2026 | Canada Mexico US |
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men's soccer championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. The tournament will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The United States will host 60 matches, including every match from the quarterfinals onward, while neighboring Canada and Mexico will each host 10 matches. The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations.[1][2] Argentina are the defending champions.
Read More:Q: When is the FIFA World Cup 2026 scheduled to take place?
A: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be held from June to July. Specific dates will be announced closer to the tournament.
Q: Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 be hosted?
A: The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly by three North American nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Several cities across these countries will host matches.
Q: How many teams will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: The 2026 edition will feature an expanded format with 48 participating teams, compared to the previous 32 teams.
Q: Which teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: The qualification process is ongoing, and teams from around the world will compete in regional qualifiers to secure their place in the tournament. The final list of qualified teams will be determined before the World Cup begins.
Q: What stadiums will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches?
A: The tournament will take place across various stadiums in different cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The official list of host cities and stadiums will be released by FIFA.
Q: How can I purchase tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: Ticketing information will be made available on the official FIFA website closer to the tournament. Fans can register for ticket updates and stay informed about the ticket sales process.
Q: Who are the favorites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: It is challenging to predict the favorites at this stage, as the tournament is still a few years away, and team performances can vary. Traditional football powerhouses and strong teams from previous World Cups are likely to be among the favorites.
Q: Will Video Assistant Referee (VAR) be used in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: Yes, VAR will be implemented during the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches to assist referees in making crucial decisions on the field.
Q: How can I watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on TV or online?
A: Broadcast details and streaming information will be available closer to the tournament. Major television networks and online streaming platforms usually secure broadcasting rights for the World Cup.
Q: What legacy initiatives are planned for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: The World Cup organizers aim to leave a lasting legacy by investing in football development, infrastructure improvements, and promoting social and cultural exchange among participating nations.
Q: What will be the format of the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: The 2026 World Cup will feature a unique format with 48 teams divided into 16 groups of three teams each. Each group will play a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage, which will follow a traditional single-elimination format.
Q: How are the host cities selected for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: The host cities are selected through a competitive bidding process conducted by FIFA. Interested cities submit their proposals, detailing their infrastructure, accommodation, transportation, and commitment to hosting the tournament. FIFA evaluates these bids and selects the cities that best meet the tournament's requirements.
Q: What measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: Safety and security are top priorities for FIFA and the host nations. Extensive security measures, including cooperation with law enforcement agencies and implementing strict crowd control protocols, will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all spectators.
Q: Will there be any new stadiums constructed for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: The host countries may undertake stadium renovations or build new facilities to accommodate the tournament's requirements. Some existing stadiums may also be selected to host matches. The official list of host stadiums will be announced by FIFA closer to the event.
Q: Can I volunteer for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: Yes, FIFA often opens volunteer programs for the World Cup, where fans can apply to volunteer in various roles during the tournament. It provides an excellent opportunity for football enthusiasts to be part of the event and contribute to its success.
Q: What is the expected economic impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the host nations?
A: Hosting the World Cup can have significant economic benefits for the host nations, including increased tourism, job creation, and investments in infrastructure. However, the exact impact will depend on factors such as the scale of spending, ticket sales, and tourism uptake.
Q: Will the FIFA World Cup 2026 have a Women's World Cup alongside it?
A: As of my last update in September 2021, there has been no official announcement regarding a Women's World Cup being held alongside the 2026 edition. However, FIFA may consider such a possibility in the future to promote gender equality and women's football.