The FIFA World Cup 2026™ co-hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States, are “working tirelessly” to ensure “everyone has an unforgettable experience,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said with less than a month to go until the tournament. Details of the world-renowned artists performing at the opening ceremonies in each of the three host countries were revealed earlier this month and new grass pitches in the various FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums are also currently being installed. The Host Cities and Team Base Camps dotted across the three host countries are also putting the finishing touches to their plans as the countdown continues to the most inclusive FIFA World Cup™ ever.

“Preparations are going actually extremely well. The excitement is really building. We have been waiting for this and for the kick-off very soon for some years, so it's time that it starts,” said Mr Infantino with the first match kicking off in Mexico City on 11 June when Mexico host South Africa. “We get the three host countries engaged with this great, unique sporting event, the biggest sporting event in the history of our world. All 16 Host Cities are working tirelessly to make sure that, for the fans, everything is in place. There are FIFA Fan Festivals and public viewings all over the three countries. Every mayor, every governor, every leader in these countries is engaged, and engaging to make sure that everyone has an unforgettable experience.” Over six million fans are expected to attend the tournament with six billion around the world engaging across its 104 matches.

“We are ready to open the doors to the world, to welcome the world to Canada, Mexico and the United States,” said the FIFA President, who highlighted FIFA’s partnership with global sports platform Fanatics that will bring the tournament closer to supporters than ever ahead of the final in New York New Jersey on 19 July. “We are working as well with Fanatics, and from 16 to 19 July, we will be present at the Javits Center, for the Fanatics (Fest). And actually, something very new, the FIFA pre-match, pre-final press conference will take place at this (event), another incredible experience.” In a tournament of many historic firsts, the final will also be unique with a first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, produced in collaboration with Global Citizen. It will showcase the work of the organisation and heighten awareness of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise USD 100 million to expand access to quality education and sports for children worldwide.

“We are teaming up also with Global Citizen to produce the very first FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show,” explained Mr Infantino. “A Halftime Show with incredible artists, which will be announced very shortly as well. Incredible artists and incredible performers, and Global Citizen doing everything around that, with Chris Martin from Coldplay curating the whole show. “Global Citizen is, as well, our partner, at Times Square for the finals. We'll take over Times Square,” the FIFA President stated with live music and watch parties planned for the bronze medal match and final at the iconic venue in downtown New York. “We'll make sure that it'll be an unforgettable experience for everyone who will be there on the weekend of the FIFA World Cup final.”