FIFA experts and representatives of the 2026 FIFA World Cup United Bid have commenced operational tours to deliberate on leading key operational issues from transport and stadium operations to hospitality and pitch management.
The experts have converged in Miami to kick off a series of visits to each of the 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. According to FIFA, these visits are part of the ongoing course of business in the planning and preparation of the biggest sporting event in history, which will see 48 teams compete across three countries for the biggest prize in world football.
The operational tour will be split into two parts and span several weeks, concluding in Vancouver in early November.
“We’re very happy to be starting this tour with the Miami hosting committee – the city that has warmly welcomed the FIFA26 headquarters in the USA. Our focus is to collectively assess the existing tournament infrastructure and refine our operational plans for the city and stadium as we gear up to host thousands of fans here in Miami and millions across Canada, Mexico, and the USA in 2026,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA Chief Operating Officer – World Cup.
In 2026, three host countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches will deliver the most inclusive and diverse sporting event ever, uniting the entire world on a huge stage and engaging millions of fans across 16 stadiums and billions worldwide. The much-loved four-team group stage is retained and leads into an expanded knockout phase that will see the world’s 32 best national teams fight it out for the game’s ultimate prize.
