The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 12 to July 20, 2026. Matches will be held across 16 host markets in the three countries with the opening game on June 11 featuring Mexico against South Africa in Mexico City at 3 p.m. ET [1, 2].
This edition expands the tournament to 48 teams playing a total of 104 matches, up from 32 teams and 64 matches previously [1, 2]. The group stage will feature 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams will advance to a knockout round of 32 squads [2].
New rules introduced include time controls and substitution limits designed to speed up play. Substituted players must exit within 10 seconds or their team plays a man down for 1 minute. Throw-ins and goal kicks have 5-second limits, and players treated on the field must leave for 1 minute. Video assistant referee (VAR) use is expanded and only team captains can challenge officials [2].
On the betting front, Taiwan Sports Lottery has opened early wagers on the World Cup winner. Spain leads at 4.00 odds, followed by France (4.30), England (5.00), Argentina and Brazil (both 6.25) [3]. Asian teams Japan and Morocco hold 34.00 odds each, with South Korea at 315.00. Host nations have longer odds: USA at 43.00, Mexico 53.00, and Canada 102.00 [3].
A Taiwan Sports Lottery spokesman said the platform "now offers bets on the 2026 World Cup champion" and will provide additional betting options as the tournament approaches. Consumers can visit local outlets or sign up online to place bets [3].
The tournament runs from June 12 through July 20, 2026, with matches across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico scheduled throughout that period [2].
