The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and soccer fever is sweeping the country. For the first time, the tournament is being co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 16 host cities spread across North America. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a reason to get your friends together, this is one you won’t want to miss.

The Basics of the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It opens with Mexico facing South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — the first stadium to host games at three different men’s World Cups. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

This year’s tournament is also the first to feature 48 teams, up from the previous 32, with 104 matches in total across the group and knockout stages. That’s a lot of soccer — and a lot of reasons to gather.

How the 2026 World Cup Works

New to the World Cup? Here’s the quick version. The 48 teams are split into 12 groups of four. Each team plays three group-stage matches, and the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds, along with the eight best third-place finishers. From there, it’s single-elimination until one team lifts the trophy.

Group play runs through June 27, then the knockout rounds begin, and the stakes get higher with every match.

Soccer Lingo You Should Know

If you’re newer to the sport, the terminology can feel like its own language. Here’s a quick cheat sheet so you can follow along (and sound like you know what you’re talking about):

• Match, not game: Soccer purists call it a match. Small detail, big credibility.
• Pitch, not field: The playing surface is called a pitch.
• Kit, not uniform: A team’s jersey and shorts are their kit.
• Nil, not zero: Scores are read aloud with “nil” for zero — so a 1–0 lead is “one-nil.”
• Fixture: Just another word for a scheduled match. You’ll see it everywhere on the official schedule.
• Stoppage time (or injury time): Because the clock never stops in soccer, the referee adds extra minutes at the end of each half to make up for delays. This is when things get chaotic — and loud.
• Clean sheet: When a goalkeeper (or goalie) doesn’t let in a single goal, they’ve kept a clean sheet.
• Hat trick: Three goals scored by one player in a single match. Rare and always worth celebrating.
• Offside: One of the most debated calls in the sport. Simply put: an attacking player can’t be closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them. When in doubt, just groan along with everyone else.
• VAR: Video Assistant Referee — essentially instant replay used to review goals, penalties, and red card decisions. It causes a lot of pausing and a lot of opinions.

Where to Watch the 2026 World Cup

All 104 matches are airing live on FOX and FS1, with every game available to stream on the FOX Sports app. So whether you’ve got a cable subscription or you’re streaming from your living room, you’re covered.

How to Host a 2026 World Cup Watch Party in Your Apartment

You don’t need a big house or a sprawling patio to throw a great watch party for the 2026 World Cup. A well-set-up apartment living room is honestly one of the best spots to watch the game — close quarters, big energy. Here’s how to make it work:

Set the scene: Push furniture back to maximize seating. Floor cushions, extra chairs from the dining table, and a few throw blankets go a long way. If you have a projector, now’s the time to use it.

Keep the food simple: Think easy handheld snacks — sliders, chips and dip, mini tacos, wings. You want food people can grab during the game without missing a second of the action. Set it up buffet-style on the counter or kitchen island so traffic flows away from the TV.

Designate a drinks station: Free up your fridge and clear some counter space for a cooler or drink station.

Be mindful of your neighbors: Apartment walls are thin, and watch parties can get loud — especially during stoppage time goals. Give your neighbors a heads-up beforehand, or even invite them. Most people appreciate the gesture, and it keeps things friendly.

Check out your building’s amenities: Don’t overlook your community spaces. Many Foshee Residential communities have clubhouses, lounges, or outdoor areas that are perfect for a group. You can even reach out to your leasing team to reserve a space, as select communities have spaces available to rent.

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The 2026 World Cup is more than a sporting event — it’s 39 days of shared moments, last-minute goals, and the kind of energy that brings people together. Whether you’re watching every match or just tuning in for the final, there’s no better excuse to bring your community together.