Something remarkable is happening across eleven American cities right now. The FIFA World Cup — the single most-watched sporting event on the planet — is being played in the United States for the first time since 1994. And this time, it is bigger than anything the world has ever seen.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19, hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Forty-eight nations. One hundred and four matches. Three countries. And a U.S. men's national team that just delivered what many are calling the greatest performance in American soccer history.

Whether you are a lifelong soccer fan or someone who only tunes in once every four years, this is the summer to pay attention. Here is everything you need to know.

What makes this World Cup different from every other

The 2026 tournament is not just the largest World Cup in history. It is the largest international sporting event ever staged, by almost any measure.

The United States alone is hosting 78 of the 104 matches, including every knockout game from the quarterfinals onward. The final, both semifinals, and most of the quarterfinals are all being played on American soil.

The USMNT just put the country on notice

For Americans who have been waiting for a reason to believe in their national soccer team, June 12, 2026 provided it.

In the first World Cup match played on American soil in 32 years, the U.S. men's national team defeated Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — a result that broke every expectation and shattered the team's own record for goals scored in a single World Cup game.

"We have to believe," Balogun said after the match. "You can't do anything if you don't believe in yourself."

Why this tournament matters beyond the football

The 2026 World Cup is arriving at a meaningful moment for the United States — the country is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. President Trump has called the tournament "a unique opportunity to showcase American dynamism, world-class hospitality, and sporting excellence."

How to watch

All World Cup matches are available in the United States through Fox Sports and Telemundo, with streaming options on the Fox Sports app and Peacock. The tournament runs across multiple time zones and kickoff times, so check local listings for each match. Most group-stage games involving the U.S. kick off in the afternoon or early evening on the West Coast.

The world's biggest sporting event is right outside your door this summer. There has never been a better time to get into it.