Doha, Qatar: Like football fans all around the world, FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he is “counting down the days” with exactly two years to go until the FIFA World Cup 26 kicks off. The FIFA President said that the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, which starts on June 11, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City, would be the "the greatest event, the greatest show, the greatest tournament" that the world has ever seen. It will also be the most inclusive FIFA World Cup ever, featuring a record 48 teams and hosted by 16 cities across three countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States.
"I am counting down the days, definitely. Like everyone else. Two years seems far away, but we know it is very, very close,” said Infantino, standing alongside the FIFA World Cup trophy he will present to the winning team after the final in New York New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
“In two years from now, the world will stand still and watch what is happening in North America. The trophy is already here, ready – we take care of it – and we are all getting ready, gearing up for the competition, preparing everything." The Estadio Azteca Mexico City – one of three venues in Mexico along with Estadio Monterrey and Estadio Guadalajara – will make history at the tournament, having also hosted the opening matches of the FIFA World Cup in 1970 and 1986.
"It will be the first stadium to host three inaugural (FIFA) World Cup football matches,” said the FIFA President. “We.
