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The iconic Empire State Building glowed in the colours of Mexico, Canada, and the United States on Tuesday night to celebrate the 100-day countdown to the 2026 World Cup.
The three host nation mascots—Maple the moose, Zayu the jaguar, and Clutch the eagle—joined organisers at the Manhattan landmark for a ceremony marking the approach of the world’s most massive sporting event.
This tournament will be a historic first, featuring a record 48 teams and three co-host countries.
Organisers in the New York-New Jersey region are shifting into high gear as preparations intensify.
Alex Lasry, CEO of the local host committee, noted that the reality of the tournament is finally setting in as the June 11 start date nears.
Despite global concerns regarding geopolitical stability, Lasry emphasised that the committee is focused on ensuring a safe, secure, and unifying experience for the millions of fans expected to travel to the region.
The tournament is set to be a global spectacle of unprecedented scale, spanning 104 matches across 16 venues and four time zones.
While Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca will host the opening game, the United States will serve as the primary stage for 78 of the scheduled matches.
The nearly six-week marathon will culminate on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the new world champion will be crowned in front of over 80,000 spectators.
