FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule
Complete Match Fixtures, Dates & Times for All 104 Games
🇺🇸 United States • 🇨🇦 Canada • 🇲🇽 Mexico
June 11 - July 19, 2026
Tournament Overview
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the most expansive tournament in history, featuring 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 39 days. For the first time ever, three nations will co-host: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Understanding the tournament format and rules is crucial for fans planning to attend matches or follow the action. If you're looking to enhance your experience, check out our fantasy betting platform for the ultimate World Cup experience.
Key Dates
Opening Match: Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Group Stage: June 11-27, 2026 (72 matches)
Knockout Stage: June 28 - July 19, 2026 (32 matches)
Final: Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
Tournament Format
The expanded format brings exciting new dynamics to World Cup betting and viewing. For comprehensive betting strategies tailored to this tournament, explore our parlay betting strategies that can help you make informed decisions throughout the competition.
- Group Stage: 12 groups of 4 teams (Groups A-L)
- Advancement: Top 2 teams from each group + 8 best third-place teams advance
- Round of 32: First knockout round (NEW for 2026)
- Round of 16: Traditional knockout continues
- Quarter-finals: 4 matches determining semi-finalists
- Semi-finals: 2 matches for final berths
- Bronze Final: Third-place playoff
- Final: Championship match at MetLife Stadium
Tournament Timeline
Stay up-to-date with every moment by visiting our dedicated World Cup 2026 countdown page, where you can track the days until kickoff.
Group Stage
72 matches across all 16 stadiums. Teams compete in 12 groups (A-L) with 4 teams each. Top 2 from each group plus 8 best third-place teams advance to the Round of 32. For details on match locations, see our comprehensive stadium guide.
Round of 32
16 matches - NEW knockout round for 2026! The 32 qualified teams battle for spots in the Round of 16. Single elimination begins. Test your knowledge with our World Cup trivia quiz to see if you can predict the winners.
Round of 16
8 matches determining the quarter-finalists. The intensity increases as only 16 teams remain in contention.
Quarter-finals
4 matches at Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Kansas City. The final 8 teams compete for semi-final berths. Check our FIFA world rankings to see which teams are favored.
Semi-finals
2 matches at Dallas (AT&T Stadium) and Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium). Winners advance to the final, losers compete for bronze.
Bronze Final
1 match at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Third-place playoff between semi-final losers.
FINAL
THE BIG ONE! MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey. Capacity 82,500. The world watches as a new champion is crowned. First-ever World Cup final half-time show featuring Coldplay! Use our tournament simulator to predict potential matchups.
Planning Your World Cup Experience
Attending the World Cup 2026 requires careful planning. From securing tickets to booking accommodations, we've got you covered. Our ticket purchasing guide walks you through the official process and helps you avoid scams.
Travel Resources
Whether you're flying to multiple host cities or staying in one location, budgeting is essential. Use our interactive travel budget calculator to estimate your total costs, including flights, hotels, meals, and match tickets. For detailed city-by-city breakdowns, consult our host city travel guide.
Premium Accommodations
If you're looking for luxury stays near the stadiums, our curated list of best luxury hotels features the finest 5-star properties within walking distance or short drives from each venue.
Looking Ahead
While the 2026 tournament promises to be historic, FIFA is already planning for the future. Learn about the ambitious plans for the 2030 World Cup, which will mark the centenary celebration of the tournament with matches across multiple continents.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 World Cup start and end?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on Thursday, June 11, 2026 with the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and concludes on Sunday, July 19, 2026 with the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. The tournament spans 39 days with 104 total matches.
Where will the World Cup 2026 final be played?
The 2026 World Cup Final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York/New Jersey area) on July 19, 2026. This will be the first World Cup final to feature a half-time show, with Coldplay involved in the production.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, an increase from the traditional 32 teams. This is the first expanded World Cup, with teams divided into 12 groups of 4. The top 2 teams from each group plus the 8 best third-place teams (32 teams total) will advance to the knockout stage.
What is the new tournament format for 2026?
The 2026 format includes
12 groups of 4 teams (Groups A through L). After the group stage, 32 teams advance to a new
Round of 32 knockout stage. This is followed by the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Bronze Final (third-place match), and the Final. In total, there will be 104 matches compared to 64 in previous tournaments. For more details, check our
comprehensive format guide.
Which stadium will host the opening match?
Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host the opening match on June 11, 2026. This makes Estadio Azteca the first stadium to host World Cup matches in three different tournaments (1970, 1986, and 2026). With a capacity of 87,523, it's also the largest stadium in the tournament.
How many matches will be played in each country?
The 104 matches will be distributed across three countries: United States will host the majority with approximately 78 matches (including the final), Canada will host around 13 matches, and Mexico will host approximately 13 matches (including the opening match). The exact distribution ensures all three host nations get significant participation.
What time will matches kick off?
Match kick-off times have not been officially announced yet. They will be determined after the draw on December 5, 2025. Times will be scheduled to accommodate global audiences across different time zones, with consideration for local attendance in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Expect a mix of afternoon, evening, and potentially morning matches.
When is the World Cup 2026 draw?
The official draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place on December 5, 2025 in Washington, D.C. This is when the 48 qualified teams will be placed into their groups (A through L) and the complete match schedule with specific team matchups will be revealed.
Which stadiums will host the most matches?
AT&T Stadium in Dallas will host the most matches with 9 games, including a semi-final.
MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey),
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), and
SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) will each host 8 matches, including knockout rounds. For complete stadium information, visit our
2026 stadiums page.
How do I get tickets for World Cup 2026 matches?
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup will be sold through FIFA's official ticketing platform. Sales typically occur in phases: first for residents of host countries, then international fans. Registration usually opens about a year before the tournament. Visit
FIFA.com for official ticket information and to register for ticket alerts. For a detailed breakdown, read our
ticket buying guide.
Will there be a third-place match?
Yes! The Bronze Final (third-place playoff) will be held on July 18, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. This match features the two losing semi-finalists competing for third place, one day before the championship final.
What happens if matches are tied in the knockout stage?
In knockout stage matches (Round of 32 onwards), if the score is tied after 90 minutes, the match goes to extra time (two 15-minute periods). If still tied after extra time, the match is decided by a penalty shootout. Group stage matches can end in draws.
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