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FIFA World Cup 2026 Finals Date, Time, Venue, and Match Rules

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final marks the grand conclusion of the 23rd edition of FIFA’s premier men’s football tournament. As anticipation builds worldwide, fans are already preparing to witness the most important match of the championship — the day when a new world champion will be crowned. This page details the final match date, time, venue, and official match rules as confirmed by FIFA.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Date and Time

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be played on July 19, 2026. This highly awaited event concludes a tournament that spans several host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final is expected to take place in the evening local time, ensuring maximum global viewership as billions tune in from around the world.

The final will decide the next world champion after a month-long competition filled with unforgettable matches, spectacular goals, and emotional victories.

Event	Details
Tournament	FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Edition	23rd
Final Date	July 19, 2026
Host Nation for Final	United States
City	East Rutherford, New Jersey
Venue	MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium for FIFA branding)

FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Venue – MetLife Stadium

The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. Situated about 10 miles (16 km) from New York City, this iconic venue is part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex. It is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL and has a seating capacity of 82,500, making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States.

FIFA will refer to the stadium as the “New York New Jersey Stadium” during the tournament, following their sponsorship guidelines. This venue has a rich history of hosting major global events, including:

Super Bowl XLVIII (2014)
Copa América Centenario Final (2016)
FIFA Club World Cup Final (2025)

Its state-of-the-art design, crowd capacity, and accessibility make it the perfect location for the World Cup 2026 Final.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Match Rules

The match regulations for the final are set according to FIFA’s official competition framework. Below are the confirmed match rules and procedures that will govern the final:

Match Duration: 90 minutes (two halves of 45 minutes each)
Extra Time: 30 minutes will be played if scores are level after regulation time.
Penalty Shoot-out: If the score remains tied after extra time, the winner will be decided by penalties.
Substitutes:
- A team may name 12 substitutes on the bench.
- A maximum of five substitutions can be made during normal time.
- A sixth substitution is allowed in extra time.
- Teams are permitted three substitution windows, with a fourth during extra time.
- An additional concussion substitution is allowed, granting the opponent an extra substitution as well.

These rules ensure fair play, player safety, and a structured flow throughout the decisive encounter.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Path to Glory

Before the final takes place, 48 national teams will compete across 16 host cities in North America. Fans can explore complete tournament details, including team schedules, venues, and group stage fixtures at the official guides such as FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule and FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Channels.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, promises to be a historic sporting spectacle. With world-class facilities, clear regulations, and global anticipation, this final will celebrate not only football excellence but also unity among nations. Fans around the world are set to witness one of the grandest sporting moments ever staged in the United States.

Levi’s Stadium 2026 World Cup Schedule, Capacity & Matches

Levi’s Stadium, located in Santa Clara, California, is one of the most modern and technologically advanced venues in the world. As a host stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, it will welcome football fans from around the globe to experience world-class matches in a state-of-the-art environment.

In this comprehensive Levi’s Stadium World Cup guide, we explore its capacity, location, history, transportation options, scheduled matches, fan facilities, and seating experience to help spectators plan their visit with ease.

Levi's Stadium Guide for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Capacity, Matches & Schedule

📍 Stadium Overview

Levi’s Stadium is the home of the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and is known for its sustainability, cutting-edge design, and excellent sightlines. Opened in 2014, it has already hosted major events such as Super Bowl 50, the Copa América Centenario, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and numerous international soccer friendlies.

Key Facts

Attribute	Details
Location	Santa Clara, California, USA
Seating Capacity	68,500 (expandable to 75,000+)
Opened	2014
Owner	City of Santa Clara
Operator	San Francisco 49ers
Surface	Bermuda Grass
Notable Events	Super Bowl 50, Copa América 2016
Accessibility	Excellent public transit & parking
Official Website	levisstadium.com

🌎 Why Levi’s Stadium is a Perfect World Cup Venue

Levi’s Stadium combines innovation, sustainability, and fan comfort, making it ideal for global tournaments.

Unique features:

High-speed Wi-Fi and digital screens
LEED Gold-certified eco-friendly design
Wide concourses and modern hospitality suites
Premium seating options and VIP lounges
Multiple food and beverage zones with local cuisine

🚌 Transportation & Accessibility

Getting to Levi’s Stadium is convenient thanks to its strategic location in Silicon Valley.

Transportation Options

VTA Light Rail: Direct access to the stadium
Caltrain + Shuttle: From San Francisco and Peninsula cities
Highways I-880 & US-101: Easy car access
Rideshare Zones & Shuttles
On-site Parking: Large capacity but pre-booking recommended

⚽ 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches at Levi’s Stadium

FIFA has confirmed that Levi’s Stadium will host group stage and knockout stage matches. Final schedule announcements indicate that it will play a key role on the West Coast.

✅ Expected Match Schedule (Tentative)

Date	Stage	Match
June 14, 2026	Group Stage	TBD vs TBD
June 18, 2026	Group Stage	TBD vs TBD
June 22, 2026	Group Stage	TBD vs TBD
June 27, 2026	Round of 32	TBD vs TBD
July 2, 2026	Round of 16	TBD vs TBD

Note: Official fixtures will be confirmed by FIFA closer to the event.

🏟 Seating Experience & Fan Atmosphere

Levi’s Stadium offers excellent visibility from every angle, comfortable seating, and some of the best hospitality options among all 2026 host venues.

Seating Types

Lower Bowl (closest to the pitch)
Club Seats with lounge access
Suites and luxury boxes
Upper Deck with panoramic views
Accessible seating for disabled fans

🎉 What to Expect on Match Day

Fans can enjoy:

Live entertainment and fan zones
Official merchandise stores
Interactive digital experiences
Family-friendly facilities
Local California food and drinks

✅ Why Levi’s Stadium Stands Out

Levi’s Stadium is more than a sports venue—it is an icon of modern stadium design, delivering:

Sustainable operations
Immersive fan engagement
International event experience
Excellent connectivity for global media

As one of the key U.S. host stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Levi’s Stadium will deliver an unforgettable experience to players and fans. With its large capacity, advanced technology, convenient location, and exciting match schedule, it is set to be one of the most talked-about venues of the tournament.

When Is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw? Date, Time, Venue & How to Watch Live

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, at 12 PM ET, taking place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The draw will officially decide the group stage pairings for the expanded 48-team format. Each team will discover its fate as nations are placed into 12 groups of four, marking the first time in history the World Cup features this structure.

The host nations have already been assigned to specific groups:

🇲🇽 Mexico – Group A, and will kick off the tournament in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
🇨🇦 Canada – Group B, and will host the second match in Toronto.
🇺🇸 United States – Group D, scheduled for the third fixture.

📺 How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw Live

Fans worldwide can witness the draw live from Washington, D.C.

Event Details:

Detail	Information
Date	Friday, December 5, 2025
Time	12 PM ET
Venue	Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
Live Streaming	FIFA’s Official YouTube Channel

Football enthusiasts can stream the event globally and follow live reactions as groups and fixtures are unveiled.

🌍 Number of Teams and Format Explained

For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team structure.

Originally, FIFA planned to use 16 groups of three teams, but later reverted to a four-team group format to maintain competitive balance and excitement.

Total Groups: 12
Teams per Group: 4
Total Matches: Increased significantly due to the expanded format
Top Teams: The top two from each group and eight best third-placed teams will progress to the Round of 32

This means more matches, more drama, and greater opportunities for emerging nations to make history on the world stage.

For a full list of qualified teams, visit worldcupliveschedule.com/qualified-teams.
You can also explore the complete match schedule and fixture dates at worldcupliveschedule.com/schedule.

🏆 Why the Draw Matters

The World Cup draw is not just a formal procedure — it sets the tone for the tournament. The draw determines potential “Groups of Death,” exciting continental rivalries, and early clashes between football giants.

Fans, analysts, and teams will eagerly evaluate the outcomes, speculating on paths to the knockout stage and possible dream matchups.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw represents the beginning of a new chapter in football history. With the expanded format and three host nations, this tournament promises to be the most inclusive and spectacular World Cup ever staged.

As December 5 approaches, the anticipation continues to grow — setting the stage for an unforgettable summer of football in North America.

Australia Team Squad and Players List for FIFA World Cup 2026

Australia, known as the Socceroos, will once again compete on football’s biggest stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Having reached the Round of 16 in 2022, Australia enters this edition with more experience and a squad that blends youth with veteran leadership.

Australia’s Journey in the FIFA World Cup

In Qatar 2022, Australia impressed by defeating Denmark and Tunisia in the group stage, despite an opening loss to France. Their spirited performance against eventual champions Argentina in the Round of 16 highlighted the growth of the team, narrowly losing 2-1. That campaign has inspired a new generation of players who will now carry the country’s hopes in 2026.

Goalkeepers: Strong Defensive Foundation

The goalkeeper position remains a strength for the Socceroos:

Player	Club
Mathew Ryan	AS Roma
Joe Gauci	Aston Villa
Patrick Beach	Melbourne City
Tom Glover	Middlesbrough
Paul Izzo	Randers FC

Mathew Ryan brings unmatched World Cup experience, already representing Australia in three tournaments.
Joe Gauci, developing at Aston Villa, adds young energy and will be a solid backup.
Options like Tom Glover and Paul Izzo provide squad depth.

Defenders: Reliable Backline

Australia’s defense is a mix of European-based professionals and A-League talents:

Player	Club
Alessandro Circati	Parma
Harry Souttar	Leicester City
Cameron Burgess	Swansea
Jordan Bos	Westerlo
Aziz Behich	Melbourne City
Kye Rowles	DC United
Milos Degenek	TSC
Lewis Miller	Hibernian FC
Kasey Bos	Mainz
Ryan Strain	Dundee United

Harry Souttar stands out as a towering presence, dangerous in both defense and attack.
Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess bring European tactical discipline.
Veterans like Aziz Behich add width and experience.

Midfielders: Balance of Creativity and Control

The midfield unit features both defensive anchors and attacking creators:

Player	Club
Ryan Teague	KV Mechelen
Riley McGree	Middlesbrough
Aiden O’Neill	NYC FC
Anthony Caceres	Macarthur FC
Patrick Yazbek	Nashville
Nestory Irankunda	Bayern Munich
Alex Robertson	Cardiff City

Ryan Teague and Aiden O’Neill will shield the backline and dictate tempo.
Riley McGree and Anthony Caceres add creativity going forward.
Rising star Nestory Irankunda of Bayern Munich represents the exciting future of Australian football.

Attackers: Firepower and Depth

Australia’s attack is built around proven scorers and emerging talents:

Player	Club
Martin Boyle	Hibernian FC
Connor Metcalfe	St. Pauli
Jamie Maclaren	ATK Mohun Bagan
Mitchell Duke	Machida Zelvia
Mohamed Toure	Randers FC
Daniel Arzani	Ferencvaros
Brandon Borrello	Western Sydney

Martin Boyle brings experience and leadership on the wing.
Mitchell Duke is a proven target man up front.
Jamie Maclaren and Mohamed Toure add finishing ability and pace.
Daniel Arzani, still only in his mid-20s, offers flair and creativity.

See the full list of qualified teams and their paths to the tournament

Conclusion

The Australia squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 showcases a well-rounded team with experienced leaders and promising youngsters. With Mathew Ryan in goal, Harry Souttar anchoring defense, Teague and O’Neill controlling midfield, and attackers like Boyle, Duke, and Arzani, the Socceroos look prepared to make their mark once again on football’s grandest stage.

Australia’s combination of discipline, teamwork, and fresh talent ensures that they remain a competitive force at the World Cup, aiming to carry forward the momentum from their impressive 2022 campaign.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated tournaments in football history. With the expanded format and more nations getting a chance to showcase their talent, the list of qualified teams already reflects global diversity. Below is the latest update on teams that have officially secured their place at the upcoming event.

AFC – Asia’s Representation

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed six teams for the World Cup. Traditional powerhouses like Japan, Iran, and South Korea continue their consistent presence. Australia also secured its place, further strengthening Asia’s competitive edge. Interestingly, two debutants—Jordan and Uzbekistan—have made history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the tournament.

CAF – Africa’s Rising Strength

From the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Morocco and Tunisia have earned qualification. Morocco’s remarkable performances in international tournaments have elevated their reputation, while Tunisia maintains its tradition of World Cup appearances. With more slots still available for African nations, the confirmed two teams set a strong foundation.

CONCACAF – Host Nations Lead the Way

The North and Central America & Caribbean (CONCACAF) region already has three confirmed teams. Being the co-hosts, Canada, Mexico, and the United States are automatically qualified. This trio ensures that North America will be well represented both on and off the pitch. Their inclusion guarantees a wide fan base and home support across multiple venues.

CONMEBOL – South American Giants

South America’s CONMEBOL is sending six strong teams. Traditional giants Brazil and Argentina headline the list, joined by Uruguay and Colombia, who bring extensive World Cup experience. Ecuador and Paraguay complete the qualified roster, ensuring that South America once again delivers flair, passion, and world-class talent.

OFC – Oceania’s Contender

From the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), New Zealand has booked its spot. As the dominant footballing nation in the region, New Zealand continues its streak of representing Oceania on the world stage.

Updated List of Qualified Teams

Here is the complete updated table of qualified teams as of today, sorted by confederation:

Confederation	Qualified Teams	Notes
AFC (Asia)	Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan	Jordan & Uzbekistan debut; strong Asian lineup
CAF (Africa)	Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia	Most diverse African qualification field
CONCACAF (North America)	Canada, Mexico, United States, Curaçao, Haiti, Panama	All co-hosts qualified automatically
CONMEBOL (South America)	Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay	Complete South American representation
OFC (Oceania)	New Zealand	Regional champion
UEFA (Europe)	Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland	Strong European presence

Follow worldcupliveschedule.com for World Cup Soccer 2026 streaming and schedule guide.

Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams already represent a wide global spectrum, with debutants and seasoned powerhouses alike. Each confederation has contributed unique footballing cultures to the lineup, ensuring that the tournament will be as competitive as ever. With more spots yet to be decided, fans can look forward to an even more diverse and thrilling final roster.