The FIFA World Cup will return to North America in 2026, 32 years after the United States first hosted the tournament in 1994. But much has changed since then, from the number of teams and matches to ticket prices, stadium requirements and even the way games are managed on the field.The 2026 edition, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will be the biggest World Cup in history. The tournament will feature 48 teams, up from 24 in 1994 and 32 in recent editions.One of the biggest changes is the cost of attending matches. In 1994, first-round tickets ranged from USD 25 to USD 75, while tickets for the final cost between USD 180 and USD 475. For the 2026 World Cup, ticket prices initially ranged from USD 140 to USD 2,735 for first-round games and from USD 4,185 to USD 8,680 for the final. FIFA later increased the highest-priced final ticket to USD 10,990. The 2026 tournament is also the first World Cup to use dynamic pricing, where ticket prices change based on demand.The tournament itself has grown significantly. The 1994 World Cup was the last edition with 24 teams before FIFA expanded the field to 32 in 1998. In 2026, the competition will feature 48 teams and include a new round of 32. Teams reaching the final will now play eight matches instead of seven.There have also been changes to playing conditions. In 1994, FIFA allowed some stadiums to use narrower pitches than the standard dimensions. For the 2026 tournament, stadiums have been modified to meet FIFA’s field-size requirements.Attendance is also expected to increase sharply. The 1994 World Cup drew a record crowd of 3.59 million spectators across 52 matches, averaging 68,991 fans per game. With nearly double the number of matches in 2026, total attendance is expected to reach between six and seven million.The tournament’s footprint has expanded as well. The 1994 edition was played in nine stadiums across the United States, with the opening match held at Soldier Field in Chicago. The 2026 World Cup will use 16 venues — 11 in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada. All matches from the quarterfinal stage onward will be played in the United States. Chicago will not host any matches after declining to participate due to concerns over financial arrangements with FIFA.Stadium infrastructure has also changed. While the 1994 World Cup used several NFL venues, some of which no longer exist, all 11 US venues in 2026 are modern NFL stadiums with luxury suites and premium seating areas.Player welfare measures have evolved too. Teams played through hot and humid conditions in 1994 without scheduled breaks. In 2026, matches played in similar weather conditions will include three-minute water breaks in each half, which coaches may also use to pass on instructions.Substitution rules have expanded significantly. Teams could make only two substitutions during the 1994 World Cup, with a third allowed only in specific situations involving goalkeepers. In 2026, teams can use five substitutes during normal time, with an additional substitute available in extra time and another allowed to replace a player suffering a concussion.Several presentation aspects have also changed. Player names first appeared on jerseys at the 1994 World Cup and have since become a standard feature of the game.The way the tournament is organised has changed as well. The 1994 World Cup was largely run by a local organising committee led by Alan Rothenberg, then head of the US Soccer Federation. For the 2026 tournament, FIFA is directly overseeing operations, with president Gianni Infantino playing a prominent role in preparations.
