As of 2026, approximately 43,500 McDonald's restaurants operate across more than 100 countries worldwide. The United States remains the largest market with over 14,000 locations, followed by Japan and China.
McDonald's Restaurants by the Numbers (2026)
McDonald's is the world's largest fast-food chain by revenue. Here are the headline figures for 2026:
- Total restaurants: ~43,500 (estimated based on company reports and franchise growth trends)
- Franchised locations: ~93% (about 40,500)
- Company-operated: ~3,000
- Countries present: Over 100
- Annual systemwide sales: Over $130 billion (estimated)
These figures are estimates compiled from McDonald's annual reports, SEC filings, and industry analyses. Exact counts change weekly due to new openings and closures.
Year-by-Year Trend: McDonald's Global Store Count (2019–2026)
| Year | Estimated Total Restaurants | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 38,695 | — |
| 2020 | 39,198 | +1.3% |
| 2021 | 40,031 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | 40,275 | +0.6% |
| 2023 | 41,000 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | 41,800 | +2.0% |
| 2025 | 42,700 | +2.2% |
| 2026 | 43,500 | +1.9% |
Note: Figures for 2020–2022 are based on McDonald's official annual 10-K filings. 2023–2026 are estimates extrapolated from reported growth rates and store opening plans.
McDonald's Restaurants by Country (Top 10, 2026 Estimated)
| Country | Estimated Number of Restaurants | Share of Global Total |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 14,200 | 32.6% |
| Japan | 3,000 | 6.9% |
| China | 2,800 | 6.4% |
| Germany | 1,500 | 3.4% |
| United Kingdom | 1,400 | 3.2% |
| France | 1,400 | 3.2% |
| Canada | 1,400 | 3.2% |
| Australia | 1,050 | 2.4% |
| Russia | 0 | 0% |
| Brazil | 1,000 | 2.3% |
Note: Russia had ~850 restaurants prior to 2022 but McDonald's exited the market following the Ukraine invasion. The figures for other countries are estimates based on the latest available data from McDonald's and franchise reports.
Historical Growth
McDonald's has grown steadily over the past decades, from about 7,000 restaurants in 1980 to over 43,500 in 2026. The 2010s saw aggressive expansion in Asia, particularly China and India. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed growth in 2020, but the company rebounded quickly with a focus on drive-thru and delivery. The exit from Russia in 2022 removed about 850 locations, but growth in other markets compensated.
In recent years, McDonald's has emphasized 're-franchising' (selling company-owned stores to franchisees) and modernizing existing locations rather than rapid net new openings. Still, the store count has increased by about 4,800 since 2019.
What Is Driving the Change
Several factors are influencing McDonald's restaurant count:
- International expansion: China and India remain key growth markets, with hundreds of new stores planned annually.
- Franchise model: Over 90% of restaurants are franchised, allowing rapid expansion with lower capital investment.
- Digital and delivery: Investments in mobile ordering and delivery partnerships have boosted sales, encouraging store openings in dense urban areas.
- Market exits and closures: Geopolitical events (e.g., Russia) and underperforming locations occasionally reduce count.
- Store modernization: Many older stores are being rebuilt or relocated, which can temporarily affect net counts.
Methodology
The figures in this report are based on McDonald's annual 10-K filings (official figures through 2022), supplemented by company press releases, franchise reports, and industry analyses from sources like QSR Magazine and Statista. For 2023–2026, estimates are derived from announced growth plans and historical growth rates. Exact store counts change frequently; these numbers should be considered approximate and re-verified before citation.
Last updated: July 2026. Statistics change and must be verified.
Key takeaways
- McDonald's operates approximately 43,500 restaurants worldwide as of 2026.
- The United States has the most locations (14,200), followed by Japan (3,000) and China (2,800).
- The global store count has grown by about 4,800 since 2019, despite the exit from Russia.
- Over 93% of McDonald's restaurants are franchised.
- China and India are the primary growth markets for new openings.
Frequently asked questions
How many McDonald's restaurants are there in the world in 2026?
As of 2026, there are approximately 43,500 McDonald's restaurants globally.
Which country has the most McDonald's restaurants?
The United States has the most, with about 14,200 locations.
How many McDonald's restaurants are in China?
China has an estimated 2,800 McDonald's restaurants as of 2026.
Are McDonald's restaurants increasing or decreasing?
Overall, the number is increasing, with a growth rate of about 1-2% per year, though some markets have closed (e.g., Russia).
How many McDonald's are franchised?
About 93% of McDonald's restaurants are franchised, meaning they are owned and operated by independent franchisees.
