It's time: Countdown clocks signal kickoff of men's FIFA World Cup 1 year away

The one-year countdown to the 2026 World Cup starts Wednesday, with clocks to be unveiled to mark the occasion in Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara Falls.

Toronto and Vancouver are World Cup host cities. Niagara Falls offers a world-class backdrop for a reminder that FIFA's expanded 48-team soccer showcase is just around the corner.

There are more milestones to come in Canada, with a call for some 7,000 volunteers to be issued in August, ticket sales starting in September and the tournament draw in December.

Adidas has yet to unveil the match ball. Tournament mascots will also be introduced. The tournament's official poster will join those of the 16 host cities.

And the World Cup trophy is scheduled to make an appearance in Ottawa on Canada Day.

The World Cup kicks off June 11, 2026, with games in Mexico City and Guadalajara. On June 12, the focus switches to matches in Toronto and Los Angeles.

The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

"It's nine years so far on this project," said Peter Montopoli, chief tournament officer for Canada. "This marathon is now at one year out, turned into a sprint. I think that's the part we really enjoy. For the people who love to run events, this is the part that really excites them. This is where all the magic happens in the last year.

"So it's exciting. It's an exciting time to be running the event, it's an exciting time for FIFA and it's an exciting time for our country."

WATCH: Jonathan David scores twice as Canada beats Ukraine:

Jonathan David scores twice, Canada downs Ukraine at Canadian Shield

In all, there will be 104 games, with 13 each in Canada and Mexico and the remaining 78 in the U.S. The last seven editions of the tournament featured 32 teams