2026 World Cup: The ball is round

We were all pessimistic about the World Cup being held in three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Especially in the USA, the policy regarding supporters from participating countries was not very positive. Certain countries simply did not get the chance to travel within the USA because visas were not issued. Or supporters had to pay a high deposit (e.g., $15.000 for Cape Verdeans) to obtain a visa. Other countries were also denied entry to the USA due to terrorism, for example: the Democratic Republic of Congo (Ebola), Iran (war). In total, there are 19 countries subject to restrictions, even for countries participating in the World Cup.

2026 FIFA World Cup (general features)

• Three organizing countries (Canada, Mexico, and USA)
• Four time zones (western, central, and eastern regions)
• Period June 11 to July 19, 2026 (= 39 days of football)
• 16 stadiums / host cities (Canada (2), Mexico (3), USA (11))
• Three opening ceremonies (Canada (Alanis Morissette), Mexico (Shakira) and USA (Katy Perry))
• 104 matches
• 208 national anthems
• 48 countries
• Hydration break (= three-minute commercial break).
• 52 chief referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 VAR assistants (video referees)
• Modified rules to prevent time-wasting

Hydration break (= three-minute commercial break).

In issue 24 of the VARAgids, which included a World Cup Football special in its TV/Radio guide, there was an interview with Xander van der Wulp (Editor-in-Chief of NOS Sport). The 3-minute hydration breaks mandated by FIFA due to the heat in the stadiums offer opportunities for participating broadcasters. The breaks are held around minutes 22 and 67. Broadcasters can 'sell' these 3 minutes as advertising time. Rates are highest during the most interesting matches, for example those of the Dutch national team. In consultation with STER and the NPO, the NOS decided to broadcast 1,5 minutes of advertising. In this way, the high prices of broadcasting rights paid to FIFA are partially compensated by the business community. UEFA has already stated that it will not adopt this drinking break from FIFA. UEFA sees no merit in dividing the match into 'four quarters'.

The new drinking breaks at the World Cup have a striking side effect: while the players reach for their water bottles, many Dutch fans head to the toilet at home. As a result, water consumption in North Holland suddenly peaks. So much so, in fact, that the pumps can barely handle it. According to a spokesperson for PWN.

Few 2026 World Cup stamps?

So far, few 2026 World Cup stamps have been released. Even by the organizing countries. Canada has issued nothing, and the USA has issued a stamp, but without any reference to the 2026 World Cup, the FIFA World Cup 2026, or the World Cup logo. Mexico, however, has issued many stamps (see previous blog) and just Google it.

Response from a USA collector: The use of names, images, likenesses, trademarks, and related intellectual property rights has changed drastically over the past thirty years or so. It is not surprising that FIFA requires a license and royalty payment for the use of its name and trademark in connection with the World Cup. The same would be expected of any other organization (or any individual, or the estate of an individual…). To honor or promote football in North America, the USPS designed a stamp without elements for which royalties should have been paid.

Mascots

The official mascots of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are Maple, Zayu, and Clutch. The three mascots were presented on September 25, 2025, and represent the three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

• Maple is an anthropomorphic moose and symbolizes Canada. The mascot wears a red outfit and is inspired by the maple leaf, an important national symbol of the country.

• Zayu is an anthropomorphic jaguar and represents Mexico. The mascot wears green and refers to the cultural and historical significance of the jaguar in Mesoamerican civilizations.

• Clutch is an anthropomorphic American bald eagle and represents the United States. The mascot wears a blue uniform and symbolizes, among other things, courage, leadership, and national pride.

Together, the three mascots form a symbolic trio intended to emphasize the cooperation between the three organizing countries and the diversity of the tournament.

View football stamps in the Freestamp catalogue here