FIFA World Cup 2026: Team previews, squads, schedules, and statistics

The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on the night of June 11 and will be played across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This year, 48 teams will take part, expanded from the 32 nations of previous editions.

The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four each. While the winners and runners-up of all 12 groups will advance to the knockout rounds, eight of the 12 best third-placed teams will also go through.

Here, The Hindu gives you a preview of all 12 groups, with full squads and the schedules, in addition to how and where to watch the matches in India.