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500 Days To Go: Next big milestone as excitement builds for FIFA World Cup 2026
Monday, 27 January 2025 marks 500 days until the newly expanded FIFA World Cup 26™ kicks off at the Estadio Azteca Mexico City on 11 June 2026
Canada, Mexico and the United States set to co-host the 48-team competition – the first edition of the FIFA World Cup™ to be played in three countries
Sixteen Host Cities gearing up to welcome over five million fans from around the world for the most prestigious football tournament on the planet
The countdown is on! Today, 27 January 2025, marks 500 days until the groundbreaking FIFA World Cup 26™ gets under way at the Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
More than five million fans are expected to attend the tournament’s 104 matches in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with six billion more engaging with the newly expanded 48-team competition worldwide.
With the clock ticking down to the 39-day global spectacle, the build-up will be taken up a notch in 2025 as FIFA continues to work closely with the tournament co-hosts and 16 Host Cities, official partners and sponsors, media partners and other key stakeholders, while celebrating a series of significant milestones along the way.
Qualifying will take shape across Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), Europe (UEFA), North, Central America and Caribbean (Concacaf), Oceania (OFC) and South America (CONMEBOL), with the first nations to join Canada, Mexico and the USA in the 48-team field to be revealed in just a matter of months. Off the pitch, the unveiling of the popular Host City posters, the launching of ticket and hospitality sales, the final draw for the tournament and several other events and announcements will captivate football fans the world over.
Although most of the preparations being carried out by FIFA and the 16 Host Cities will only truly be felt when supporters flock to North America in June and July 2026, one prominent example of the ongoing collaboration is the Host City filming project.
From April to August 2024, FIFA engaged world-leading aerial film experts to capture the iconic locations and aspects of everyday life in each Host City. FIFA filmed over 60 days of content and has since finalised a series of unique images to highlight the 16 diverse cities to global audiences. The content has been shared with FIFA’s official media partners and will feature in tournament-related broadcasts and promotions before and during the event.
For the billions of fans who will enjoy the competition from 11 June to 19 July 2026, that means not only witnessing the best football on the planet but also getting to know the people, cultures, landmarks, natural wonders and structural marvels of Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver.
Join us as we continue to tick off the months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds to the FIFA World Cup 26, which is sure to be the finest showcase of the beautiful game yet! Fans can register for ticket information or purchase fully refundable hospitality deposit vouchers at FIFA.com/tickets, while more tournament information is available at FIFA.com.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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