FIFA World Cup 2026: What you need to know before kickoff
The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 48 teams. 104 matches. 39 days. It’s the first World Cup hosted by three nations simultaneously, and it’s the largest the tournament has ever been.
If you’re reading this as a fan trying to get there, a journalist planning coverage, or a production team managing shoots across multiple countries, this article is the practical side of it.
The tournament structure: What makes 2026 different
Every previous World Cup had a single host. This one has three, which changes everything from visa logistics to broadcast production.
The opening match is Mexico vs. South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. The USA and Canada both kick off on June 12 — the US at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Canada at BMO Field in Toronto. The final takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The US hosts 78 matches in total, including everything from the quarterfinal stage onward. Canada and Mexico each host 13.
Host cities at a glance:
- USA: New York/NJ, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Boston, San Francisco, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia
- Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
- Canada: Toronto and Vancouver
Filming permits rules by city
Permit requirements vary across all 16 host cities. Seattle has published the clearest public guidance:
No City of Seattle Master Film Permit is required for media filming within the event footprint, provided event organiser permission is in place. No permit is needed for filming on private property.
Hard restrictions apply on match days:
- High-impact filming — street closures, major pedestrian holds, or reserving ten or more parking spaces — is not permitted on match days in designated areas
- Drone pilots need a City of Seattle Master Film Permit for any operations involving city-owned property. FAA airspace restrictions may also apply on match days
Mexico, Canada, and each of the eleven US cities run their own permit processes on top of whatever FIFA accreditation you hold. If you’re producing across multiple locations, you’re managing multiple permit tracks simultaneously — and the rules differ every time.
Media accreditation for FIFA World Cup 2026
All media accreditation goes through FIFA directly. The local host cities don’t handle it. To apply, you need a FIFA Media Hub account and a control key. Without both, you can’t get to the form.
The application window for written press and photographers closed February 28, 2026. FIFA started sending confirmations shortly after. If that deadline passed you by, you’re now dependent on who you know or who you’re working with.If you missed that window, your realistic options become quite limited, and it’s important to approach the situation with clear expectations.
At this stage, access typically comes down to either establishing a direct relationship with FIFA itself or collaborating with a production partner that is already accredited and operating within their ecosystem. This is exactly where Storytailors USA can help you. We work closely with established partners, local videographers and production partners, which allows us to identify realistic pathways even in tightly restricted environments.
Conclusion
Three countries. Sixteen cities. Multiple permit systems. Accreditation that closed months ago. Crews who are already being locked in by teams who planned ahead. This is the production reality of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
For the World Cup 2026, we’re already set up across all three host countries. We can handle everything: research, location scouting, film permits, local access, crew placement, budget management, and on-the-ground logistics.
If you’re planning to film at the World Cup 2026, now is the time to talk. Crew slots are filling. Access windows are closing. The earlier we connect, the better your tournament looks.