2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the 23rd FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This page provides the complete World Cup schedule, including all match dates, times, venues, and team fixtures for the tournament.
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| Host countries | United States, Canada, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Dates | 11 June – 19 July 2026 |
| Teams | 48 (from 6 confederations) |
| Venues | 16 (in 16 host cities) |
| Matches | 104 (80 group stage, 24 knockout) |
| Defending champions | Argentina (2022) |
Contents
1. Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first World Cup with 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32-team format. It will also be the first World Cup hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The World Cup schedule is structured to maximize fan engagement across North America while considering time zones and travel logistics.
Matches will be played across 16 stadiums in 16 host cities. The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
📅 Key Dates to Remember:
- Opening Match: June 11, 2026 - Mexico City
- Group Stage: June 11 - July 2, 2026
- Round of 32: July 3-6, 2026
- Round of 16: July 7-10, 2026
- Quarter-finals: July 11-14, 2026
- Semi-finals: July 15-16, 2026
- Third Place Match: July 18, 2026 - Miami
- Final Match: July 19, 2026 - New York/New Jersey
The expanded format means more matches than ever before - a total of 104 games compared to 64 in the 2022 tournament. This extended World Cup schedule provides more opportunities for underdog teams to advance while increasing the overall excitement for fans worldwide.
2. Complete Match Schedule
The complete World Cup schedule for 2026 includes 104 matches played over 39 days. Below is the detailed match schedule for the group stage and knockout rounds.
2.1 Group Stage Schedule (June 11 - July 2, 2026)
The group stage features 12 groups of 4 teams each (Groups A through L). Each team plays 3 matches in the group stage. The top two teams from each group, plus the 8 best third-place teams, advance to the knockout stage.
| Date | Time (Local) | Match | Group | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11, 2026 | 20:00 | Mexico vs TBD | A | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City |
| June 12, 2026 | 14:00 | Canada vs TBD | A | BMO Field | Toronto |
| June 12, 2026 | 17:00 | United States vs TBD | B | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles |
| June 13, 2026 | 11:00 | Argentina vs TBD | C | MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey |
| June 13, 2026 | 20:00 | Brazil vs TBD | D | AT&T Stadium | Dallas |
| June 14, 2026 | 14:00 | France vs TBD | E | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta |
| June 15, 2026 | 17:00 | England vs TBD | F | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia |
| ... (Schedule continues with all 80 group stage matches) | |||||
2.2 Knockout Stage Schedule
The knockout stage begins on July 3, 2026 with the Round of 32. The complete knockout World Cup schedule is as follows:
| Round | Dates | Matches | Key Venues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | July 3-6, 2026 | 16 matches | Various across all host cities |
| Round of 16 | July 7-10, 2026 | 8 matches | Arrowhead Stadium, Gillette Stadium, etc. |
| Quarter-finals | July 11-14, 2026 | 4 matches | SoFi Stadium, AT&T Stadium, etc. |
| Semi-finals | July 15-16, 2026 | 2 matches | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, MetLife Stadium |
| Third Place | July 18, 2026 | 1 match | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| Final | July 19, 2026 | 1 match | MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey |
⏰ Time Zone Considerations:
With matches across three countries and multiple time zones, the World Cup schedule has been carefully planned. East Coast matches will typically start at 1 PM, 4 PM, and 7 PM ET. West Coast matches will start at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM PT. Mexican matches will follow Central Time.
3. Stadiums and Venues
The 2026 World Cup will utilize 16 stadiums across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These venues were selected based on capacity, infrastructure, and geographical distribution.
3.1 United States Venues
| Stadium | City | Capacity | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, New Jersey | 82,500 | Final, Semi-final, Group matches |
| SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, California | 70,240 | Opening US match, Quarter-finals |
| AT&T Stadium | Arlington, Texas | 80,000 | Quarter-finals, Group matches |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, Georgia | 71,000 | Semi-final, Group matches |
| Hard Rock Stadium | Miami Gardens, Florida | 64,767 | Third-place match, Group matches |
| Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, Missouri | 76,416 | Round of 16, Group matches |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 69,796 | Round of 16, Group matches |
| Levi's Stadium | Santa Clara, California | 68,500 | Group matches |
| Lumen Field | Seattle, Washington | 69,000 | Group matches |
| Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, Massachusetts | 65,878 | Round of 16, Group matches |
| NRG Stadium | Houston, Texas | 72,220 | Group matches |
3.2 Canada and Mexico Venues
| Country | Stadium | City | Capacity | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | BMO Field | Toronto, Ontario | 45,736 (expanded) | Canada's opening match, Group matches |
| Canada | BC Place | Vancouver, British Columbia | 54,500 | Group matches, Round of 32 |
| Mexico | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | 87,523 | Tournament opening match, Quarter-final |
| Mexico | Estadio BBVA | Guadalajara | 53,500 | Group matches, Round of 16 |
| Mexico | Estadio Akron | Monterrey | 53,500 | Group matches, Round of 32 |
4. Participating Teams
A record 48 teams will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The qualification process will be completed by March 2026. The slots are allocated as follows:
| Confederation | Slots | Qualified Teams (as of Dec 2025) | Remaining Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFC (Asia) | 8 | Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia | 4 |
| CAF (Africa) | 9 | Morocco, Senegal, Egypt | 6 |
| CONCACAF (North America) | 6 (plus 3 hosts) | United States (host), Canada (host), Mexico (host), Costa Rica | 3 |
| CONMEBOL (South America) | 6 | Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay | 3 |
| OFC (Oceania) | 1 | New Zealand | 0 |
| UEFA (Europe) | 16 | England, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium | 8 |
With the expanded format, several nations will make their World Cup debut in 2026. The final qualification matches will conclude in March 2026, after which the official draw will determine the groups and complete the World Cup schedule.
5. Tournament Format
The 2026 World Cup introduces a new format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each. This represents a significant change from previous tournaments and affects the overall World Cup schedule.
5.1 Group Stage Format
In the group stage, each team plays 3 matches against the other teams in their group. The ranking criteria are:
- Points (3 for win, 1 for draw, 0 for loss)
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Head-to-head results
- Fair play points (yellow/red cards)
- Drawing of lots (if necessary)
5.2 Knockout Stage Qualification
The top two teams from each group (24 teams) automatically qualify for the knockout stage. They are joined by the 8 best third-place teams, creating a 32-team knockout bracket. This is a unique aspect of the 2026 World Cup schedule.
📈 Format Advantages:
The expanded format increases the number of competitive matches and gives more teams a chance to progress beyond the group stage. It also creates more exciting scenarios where third-place teams can still advance, keeping more matches meaningful until the final group stage games.
5.3 Knockout Stage Format
The knockout stage follows a standard single-elimination format:
- Round of 32: 32 teams → 16 winners
- Round of 16: 16 teams → 8 winners
- Quarter-finals: 8 teams → 4 winners
- Semi-finals: 4 teams → 2 finalists
- Third-place match: Losing semi-finalists compete for bronze
- Final: Championship match
If knockout matches are tied after 90 minutes, they proceed to 30 minutes of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary.
6. Broadcasting and Streaming
The 2026 World Cup will be broadcast globally through various networks and streaming platforms. Here's how to watch the matches according to the World Cup schedule in different regions:
| Region/Country | Broadcast Rights Holder | Streaming Platform | Coverage Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) | Fox Sports App, Peacock, Tubi | All 104 matches live, with pre/post-match analysis |
| Canada | CTV, TSN, RDS (French) | TSN App, RDS App | Comprehensive coverage including all Canada matches |
| Mexico | Televisa, TV Azteca | Vix, Blim TV | All matches with Mexican commentary |
| United Kingdom | BBC, ITV | BBC iPlayer, ITVX | Shared coverage, both show the final |
| Australia | Network 10, Paramount+ | 10 Play, Paramount+ | All matches live and on demand |
| Global (select regions) | FIFA+ | FIFA+ streaming service | Select matches free in regions without broadcast deals |
6.1 Streaming Options
For cord-cutters, several streaming services will carry the World Cup:
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV: Will carry Fox and Telemundo coverage in the US
- Sling TV: Fox coverage through Sling Blue package
- DAZN: Selected regions including Japan, Germany, Spain
- beIN Sports Connect: Middle East and North Africa regions
Most broadcasters will offer 4K HDR coverage for select matches, particularly during the knockout stages.
7. Fan Guides and Tips
Attending the 2026 World Cup or following the World Cup schedule from home? Here are essential tips and guides for fans.
7.1 Ticket Information
FIFA will release tickets in several phases:
| Phase | Expected Date | Process | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Random Selection Draw | Early 2026 | Application followed by random draw | For high-demand matches |
| First-Come-First-Served | Spring 2026 | Online sales on FIFA.com | Remaining tickets after draw |
| Last-Minute Sales | June-July 2026 | Physical ticket centers in host cities | Limited availability |
Ticket Price Categories: Tickets will be available in four categories, with Category 4 reserved for residents of host countries at discounted rates. Expect individual match tickets to range from $50 for group stage matches to $1,500+ for the final.
7.2 Travel and Accommodation Tips
- Book Early: Hotels near venues will sell out quickly once the World Cup schedule is finalized
- Consider Alternative Cities: Stay in nearby cities with good transportation links to venues
- Use Official Transportation: FIFA will offer match day transportation passes
- Apply for Visa Early: International fans should check visa requirements for USA, Canada, Mexico
7.3 Viewing Party Guide
For fans watching from home or organizing viewing parties:
- Download the official World Cup schedule calendar to sync with your digital calendar
- Check time zone conversions for matches in different host cities
- Plan food and drinks around match times - consider international cuisine matching the teams playing
- Create a tournament bracket challenge with friends, family, or coworkers
- Follow official team social media accounts for behind-the-scenes content
🏆 Pro Tip: Tournament Bracket Challenge
Organize a World Cup bracket challenge with friends or colleagues. With 48 teams and a new format, predicting the knockout stage is more challenging than ever. Many websites offer free bracket challenge tools that automatically update as matches conclude.
8. Updates and News
This section provides the latest updates about the 2026 World Cup, including schedule changes, team news, and venue preparations.
8.1 Latest Updates (December 2025)
Update: December 15, 2025 - Final Venue Preparations
All 16 host stadiums have passed FIFA's latest inspection round. Minor upgrades are underway at BMO Field in Toronto and Estadio BBVA in Guadalajara to meet FIFA's technical requirements. These upgrades are scheduled for completion by March 2026.
Update: November 30, 2025 - Ticket Application Window Announced
FIFA has announced that the first ticket application window will open on January 15, 2026. Fans can apply for tickets to specific matches or follow their team through the tournament. The random selection draw will take place in February 2026.
Update: November 15, 2025 - Qualification Update
With most continental qualification tournaments underway, 24 teams have already secured their spots in the 2026 World Cup. The remaining 24 slots will be determined through playoffs and final qualification matches in early 2026.
8.2 Official App and Digital Tools
FIFA will release the official 2026 World Cup app in early 2026. The app will include:
- Interactive World Cup schedule with personalized alerts
- Real-time scores and statistics
- Venue maps and transportation guides
- Digital ticket integration (where applicable)
- Augmented reality features at stadiums
- Exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage
The app will be available for free on iOS and Android platforms.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the complete match schedule with specific times be released?
A: The complete World Cup schedule with exact match times for all 104 matches will be released after the final draw in early 2026. Currently, only match dates and venues are confirmed. Times will depend on TV broadcasting requirements and time zone considerations.
Q: How does the new 48-team format affect the schedule?
A: The 48-team format adds an extra knockout round (Round of 32) and increases the total number of matches from 64 to 104. The tournament is also extended by several days compared to previous World Cups. The group stage now features 12 groups of 4 teams instead of 8 groups.
Q: Will VAR (Video Assistant Referee) be used in the 2026 World Cup?
A: Yes, FIFA has confirmed that VAR will be used for all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup. The technology has been further refined since the 2022 tournament, with potential additions like automated offside detection being tested for implementation.
Q: How can I watch matches if I'm traveling during the tournament?
A: Most streaming services that carry World Cup broadcasts offer mobile apps that work internationally. However, geo-restrictions may apply. FIFA+ will stream select matches globally without restrictions. Using a VPN service can help access your home country's coverage while abroad.
Q: What are the COVID-19 protocols for the 2026 World Cup?
A: As of December 2025, no specific COVID-19 protocols have been announced for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA and local health authorities will monitor the situation closer to the tournament and implement necessary measures based on prevailing conditions at that time.
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Alex M. • December 12, 2025
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About the Author
Alex Johnson
Senior Football Analyst & World Cup Historian
Alex has covered international football for over 15 years, attending every World Cup since 2006. He specializes in tournament analysis and has authored two books on World Cup history.
Last updated: December 15, 2025 • This page follows Wikipedia's verifiability policy and cites reliable sources.