National football youth training centre

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom: FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said on Tuesday that preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain on track, while also expressing optimism about the tournament's expansion to 48 teams.

The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to kick off on June 11 and will be the first edition featuring 48 teams instead of 32. "The preparations are going very well. We're very excited. Only a few days left for the tournament to start," Grafstrom said during his visit to China.

"The first World Cup with 48 teams, I think, will be a great success. 16 more teams will have the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup experience," he added.