Only two weeks to go: the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on 11 June with the opening match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It is the biggest tournament in the history of football. Here are all the important facts at a glance.
The numbers
- 48 teams, more than ever before
- 104 matches instead of the previous 64
- 16 venues in three countries: eleven in the USA, three in Mexico, two in Canada
- 39 tournament days from 11 June to 19 July
The new format
The 48 teams will play in twelve groups of four. The group winners and runners-up, as well as the eight best third-placed teams, reach a new knockout round of the last 32. After that, it continues as usual through the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals to the final. Anyone wanting to become world champion will therefore have to play eight matches, one more than before.
Switzerland's group
The national team plays in Group B:
- Saturday 13 June: Qatar v Switzerland in Santa Clara near San Francisco
- Thursday 18 June: Switzerland v Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Wednesday 24 June: Switzerland v Canada in Vancouver
Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified through the play-offs, defeating Italy in the final in a penalty shootout. The Italians have now missed their third consecutive World Cup. For Switzerland, this means an opponent heading into the tournament with a great deal of euphoria.
The favourites
Among the top favourites are European champions Spain, defending champions Argentina, France, England, and Brazil. Portugal and Germany also have high ambitions. It will be interesting to see whether one of the host nations, above all the USA, can benefit from home advantage.
The semi-finals and final
The semi-finals will take place on 14 July in Arlington near Dallas and on 15 July in Atlanta. The final will be held on 19 July at MetLife Stadium near New York.
The ball
The tournament will be played with the Adidas Trionda. The ball consists of only four panels and features symbols of the three host countries. A sensor inside provides precise data to the video assistant referee.
What the national team can achieve
Switzerland go into the tournament unbeaten in qualifying. The group is manageable, and thanks to the new format, the chances of reaching the knockout stage are good. The big dream is the first World Cup quarter-final since 1954. In recent years, the national team has failed several times in the round of 16 at World Cups. Overcoming this hurdle would be historic.
Tips for fans in Switzerland
- Due to the time difference, many matches will take place late in the evening or at night.
- Many cities and clubs are organising big-screen screenings.
- For children, it is worth choosing matches at the weekend or at earlier kick-off times.
Getting in World Cup shape yourself
A World Cup is the best motivation to get back to the ball yourself. Whether you play for a club or just have a kickabout in the park with friends: a few minutes of targeted technique training will make you better. With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, you can practise volleys and first-time finishes without a partner, and at the next World Cup party, you can liven things up with a little volley challenge.
A tournament of superlatives
Never before has a World Cup been so geographically extensive. Thousands of kilometres lie between Vancouver in the north-west and Mexico City in the south. The teams must prepare for long journeys, different time zones, and sometimes extreme heat. Whoever manages this best will have an advantage. The fact that the national team is playing its group matches on the West Coast is a plus: the distances between the venues are comparatively short.
The countdown is on. Hopp Schwiiz!
