The FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule is set, and the excitement is already building as the biggest tournament in football returns to North America. This edition will be the first World Cup jointly hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it a historic tournament with 48 teams competing instead of 32. A total of 104 matches will be played across stadiums in 16 host cities, starting from June 11, 2026, and ending on July 19, 2026 with the grand final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Fans around the world can expect packed stadiums, iconic venues, and a global celebration of football. The opening match will take place at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the beginning of a month filled with thrilling group battles and knockout drama.
Whether you’re planning to visit the host cities or watch from home, this guide covers every fixture, date, stadium, and key stage of the tournament.
2026 World Cup Schedule at a Glance
For quick reference, here are the key phases of the 39-day football marathon:
| Stage | Dates | Key Details |
| Opening Match | Thursday, June 11, 2026 | Mexico vs. South Africa at Estadio Azteca |
| Group Stage | June 11 – June 27 | 72 matches in 17 days, 12 groups of four teams |
| Round of 32 | June 28 – July 3 | The new stage where the knockout rounds begin |
| Round of 16 | July 4 – July 7 | Eight matches to decide the Quarterfinalists |
| Quarterfinals | July 9 – July 11 | Four matches across four cities (Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Kansas City) |
| Semifinals | July 14 – July 15 | Held in Dallas (AT&T Stadium) and Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) |
| Third-Place Playoff | Saturday, July 18 | At Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| World Cup Final | Sunday, July 19, 2026 | At MetLife Stadium, New Jersey |
World Cup 2026 Match Schedule: Group Stage to Final
The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will start on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and end on Saturday, June 27, 2026. During this stage, 72 matches will be played to decide the 32 teams moving on to the Round of 32.
The tournament will begin with an opening ceremony, followed by the first match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico.
Knockout Stage Fixtures: The Path to the Final
The tournament moves into a sudden-death bracket beginning with the Round of 32.
Round of 32 (June 28 – July 3)
The first-ever Round of 32 features sixteen matches over six days, played across nearly all of the 16 host cities. This expansion ensures a spectacular array of knockout football right from the start.
Round of 16 (July 4 – July 7)
Eight matches will narrow the field down to the final eight teams. Key venues for this stage include Philadelphia, Houston, New York/New Jersey, Mexico City, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, and Vancouver.
Quarterfinals (July 9 – July 11)
The fight for the Semifinal spots will be intense, with four huge clashes:
- Match 97 – Thursday, July 9: Gillette Stadium, Boston
- Match 98 – Friday, July 10: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- Match 99 – Saturday, July 11: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- Match 100 – Saturday, July 11: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Semifinals (July 14 – July 15)
The two biggest games on the calendar take place in two of the largest venues in the United States:
- Tuesday, July 14: AT&T Stadium, Dallas
- Wednesday, July 15: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Third-Place Playoff & The Final
- Third-Place Playoff: Saturday, July 18, at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- World Cup Final 2026: Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
This schedule, packed with matches across three nations, promises a memorable summer of football where one nation will lift the most coveted trophy in the sport.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will the FIFA World Cup 2026 start and end?
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, with the opening match in Mexico City, and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026, in New Jersey.
2. Which countries are hosting the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first World Cup hosted by three nations.
3. How many teams are playing in World Cup 2026, and what is the new format?
A total of 48 national teams will participate. The new format consists of 12 groups of four teams. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, will advance to a Round of 32.
4. Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final be played?
The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, on July 19, 2026.
5. How many matches will be played in total?
The tournament will feature 104 matches, including group stage and knockout rounds.
6. How does the new 48-team format work?
Teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with top two teams + best third-place teams advancing to the Round of 32.
7. Can I watch the World Cup 2026 live online?
Yes. Matches will be streamed worldwide on various platforms like Fox Sports, ITV, BBC, Telemundo, TSN, and online broadcasters depending on region.
8. When is the World Cup 2026 knockout stage starting?
Knockout fixtures begin with Round of 32 on June 28, 2026, after the group stage ends.