As the excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, teams across the globe are gearing up for the qualification phase. The 2026 World Cup promises to be a historic event, with many changes in its format and structure, and Portugal has its sights set on another chance to compete for the ultimate football title. Let’s break down the important details, from the tournament’s new structure to Portugal’s path to qualification.
Where Will the 2026 World Cup Be Held?
The 2026 World Cup will be a groundbreaking tournament, as it will be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This will be Mexico’s third time hosting, having previously hosted in 1970 and 1986. For the USA, this will be their second time hosting after the 1994 World Cup, while Canada will make its debut as a host nation for the men’s World Cup.
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 cities in these three countries. The competition will feature 48 teams, a significant increase from previous editions, and the teams will be divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will move on to the knockout round. The final match will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with an 87,000-seat capacity.
The 2026 World Cup Stadiums
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted in several iconic stadiums across the three countries. Some of the key venues include:
USA:
AT&T Stadium (Dallas) – 93,000 seats
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) – 75,000 seats
SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) – 70,000 seats
Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco) – 68,500 seats
Gillette Stadium (Boston) – 65,800 seats
Mexico:
Estadio BBVA (Monterrey) – 53,500 seats
Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) – 48,800 seats
Canada:
BC Place (Vancouver) – 54,500 seats
BMO Field (Toronto) – 45,700 seats
Portugal’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
Portugal’s journey to the 2026 World Cup begins with the European qualifiers. The qualification process for European teams has changed slightly for this edition. There will be 12 groups, each containing four or five teams. The winner of each group will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the second-place teams and the top four Nations League group winners will enter a playoff to fight for the remaining spots.
For Portugal, after a solid performance in the UEFA Nations League, the team has been placed in Group F alongside Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, and Armenia. This group presents a challenging yet exciting path for Portugal to secure their place in the 2026 tournament.
Groups for the 2026 World Cup Qualification
Here’s a look at all the European qualifying groups:
Group A: Germany, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg
Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo
Group C: Denmark, Greece, Scotland, Belarus
Group D: France, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan
Group E: Spain, Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria
Group F: Portugal, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia
Group G: Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta
Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San Marino
Group I: Italy, Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova
Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein
Group K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra
Group L: Croatia, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar
Portugal’s Chances and What Lies Ahead
The Portuguese national team has always been a strong contender, and with a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents, they will be aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and compete for the trophy. Their qualification campaign is crucial, and every match in Group F will be an opportunity to showcase their skill and determination.
As the tournament draws nearer, fans around the world will be eagerly watching Portugal’s journey, hoping to see their team shine on football’s biggest stage. The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has begun, and the stage is set for another exciting chapter in Portuguese football.
