What is the FIFA World Cup 2026™?

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is the biggest edition of the world’s premier international football tournament ever staged. For the first time, North American nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — will co-host the competition, which features an expanded field of 48 national teams from around the world playing 104 matches over 39 days across 16 host cities. It is the first men’s World Cup held in the United States since 1994 and the first to be co-hosted by three countries since Japan and South Korea in 2002.

How is Alexandria, Virginia involved?

Alexandria has been selected as the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Team Base Camp for Croatia’s national football team, known as the Vatreni. The team will stay and train in Alexandria throughout their time in the tournament, using Episcopal High School as their training facility. Alexandria’s central East Coast location places the team conveniently between their matches in Dallas, Toronto and Philadelphia, with excellent transportation access to all three cities.

This follows Alexandria’s successful hosting of Al Ain FC from the UAE as a Team Base Camp during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, further establishing the city on the international sports tourism map.

Who is participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026™?

A total of 48 nations are competing, up from 32 in previous tournaments. Teams are drawn into 12 groups of four. The top two in each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to a round of 32 knockout stage.

When will it start?

The tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11, 2026, when Mexico faces South Africa in Mexico City.

What is Team Croatia’s match schedule?

Croatia has been drawn into Group L alongside England, Ghana and Panama. Their group stage schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — Croatia vs. England, 4:00 p.m. EDT, AT&T Stadium, Dallas
• Tuesday, June 23, 2026 — Croatia vs. Panama, 7:00 p.m. EDT, BMO Field, Toronto
• Saturday, June 27, 2026 — Croatia vs. Ghana, 5:00 p.m. EDT, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

When is the final?

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ champion will be crowned at MetLife Stadium (rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament) in East Rutherford, NJ, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Which cities will host matches throughout the tournament?

Sixteen cities across three countries will host matches. In the United States: Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Boston (Gillette Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium), Kansas City (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium) and Seattle (Lumen Field). In Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey. In Canada: Toronto and Vancouver.

How can I get tickets?

Fans can secure their seats for FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches at FIFA.com/tickets.

How can I watch the tournament?

In the United States, Fox will carry English-language coverage while Telemundo and Peacock will handle Spanish-language broadcasts. Several streaming services, including YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV and DIRECTV will air the matches. Fans can also watch live matches and other coverage via FIFA+, the World Cup’s free, official digital platform and streaming service.

Why should soccer fans stay in Alexandria?

Located on the Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C., Alexandria offers fans the unique chance to stay in the same city where Team Croatia trains. Alexandria’s transportation infrastructure makes reaching World Cup matches straightforward by train or plane.

Named a Top 5 Best U.S. City by Travel + Leisure and a Top 3 Best U.S. Small City by Condé Nast Traveler in 2025, Alexandria is a walkable, welcoming destination with hundreds of independent restaurants and boutiques, a vibrant arts and culture scene, historic sites and a beautiful waterfront. It’s the perfect relaxed home base while remaining close to the action. Fans can easily connect to Washington, D.C. and beyond via Reagan National Airport, Amtrak, Metro, rideshare, bikeshare and more.

Official trophy and match ball photography and tournament information courtesy of FIFA.