FIFA has officially announced the host locations and group configurations for the eagerly awaited FIFA Series 2026™, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s expansion for both men’s and women’s national teams. This year, the number of participating teams will increase from 32 to 48, organized into 12 groups of four teams each. The international match window will take place in March and April, with nearly 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations participating, highlighting a remarkable rise in global engagement with football.
The tournament will be hosted by eleven FIFA Member Associations, with Rwanda taking on the responsibility of hosting two groups. Among the nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, representation will span all six FIFA confederations, reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of the competition.
Men’s matches will be held in countries such as Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand will host the women’s matches. Exciting matchups to look forward to include New Zealand squaring off against Chile and Finland, while the Solomon Islands will face Bulgaria and host nation Indonesia.
FIFA will broadcast all matches of the FIFA Series 2026 globally, ensuring extensive exposure for national teams and enhancing access for fans across different regions. This effort not only highlights competitive football but also demonstrates FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity by featuring a broad range of teams, from established squads like Australia to developing ones such as the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Five men’s national teams including Australia, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, New Zealand, and Uzbekistan are confirmed to participate in FIFA World Cup 2026™, emphasizing the importance of this initiative within the broader competitive landscape.
Beyond the matches themselves, the FIFA Series 2026 aims to promote football development off the pitch. Hosting and participating Member Associations will gain valuable experience in event execution and competition organization, boosting their operational capabilities.
In line with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game from 2023 to 2027, this series provides national teams with exceptional opportunities for cross-confederation competition while fostering technical advancement and organizational growth without adding more fixtures to the international match calendar.
As the match schedules for the events will be unveiled soon, the excitement surrounding FIFA Series 2026 is palpable. This initiative promises to elevate the sport on a global scale, showcasing emerging talent and competitive spirit across nations. The enthusiasm surrounding the tournament celebrates football’s role as a unifying force, bridging nations and cultures through the love of the game.