The FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest football event in history, marking a new era for the world’s most popular sport. This edition will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first-ever World Cup held across three nations. The competition will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, spanning 39 days and featuring a record-breaking 48 national teams from every continent.
The expanded format means more matches, more goals, and more drama, as the tournament introduces a Round of 32 stage for the first time in history. Let’s explore the full schedule, match breakdown, venues, and all key details that make the 2026 World Cup one of the most anticipated global sporting spectacles.
Overview of the FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup will be historic in every sense. With 48 teams competing in 104 matches, the scale of the event dwarfs all previous editions. It’s not only a celebration of football but also a showcase of North America’s sporting infrastructure.
The tournament will be hosted across 16 cities:
- 11 in the USA
- 3 in Mexico
- 2 in Canada
The opening ceremony will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a venue rich with history, having hosted legendary World Cup moments in 1970 and 1986. The final match will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, bringing the competition to a thrilling close near New York City.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule & Fixtures
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule & Fixtures bring together the most ambitious football calendar ever seen in the tournament’s history. For the first time, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host this global spectacle, welcoming 48 national teams to compete across 16 world-class stadiums.
Beginning on June 11, 2026, and culminating with the grand final on July 19, 2026, the fixtures span 39 unforgettable days of football drama. From the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to the final showdown at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, every game promises to showcase top-level competition, passionate fans, and a celebration of global unity through the world’s most loved sport.
| Stage | Dates | Highlights | Key Venues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Ceremony & Match | June 11, 2026 | Estadio Azteca hosts Mexico’s first match | Mexico City |
| Group Stage | June 11–27, 2026 | 72 matches | Across 16 cities |
| Round of 32 | June 28–July 3, 2026 | Knockout stage begins | Multiple venues |
| Round of 16 | July 4–7, 2026 | 16 teams battle for quarterfinal spots | 8 host cities |
| Quarterfinals | July 9–11, 2026 | Top 8 nations compete | Foxborough, Miami, Inglewood, Kansas City |
| Semifinals | July 14–15, 2026 | 4 teams | Dallas, Atlanta |
| Third Place | July 18, 2026 | Losers of semifinals | Miami |
| Final | July 19, 2026 | World Champion crowned | MetLife Stadium |
Group Stage Schedule (June 11–27, 2026)
The group stage will feature 12 groups (A–L), each containing four teams. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place teams advance to the Round of 32. This phase alone includes 72 matches played across 16 stadiums in three countries.
Below is a detailed snapshot of key group-stage fixtures:
| Date | Group | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11 | A | Mexico vs TBD | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City |
| June 11 | A | TBD vs TBD | Estadio Akron | Zapopan |
| June 12 | B | Canada vs TBD | BMO Field | Toronto |
| June 12 | D | USA vs TBD | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood |
| June 13 | C | TBD vs TBD | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough |
| June 13 | C | TBD vs TBD | MetLife Stadium | New Jersey |
| June 14 | F | TBD vs TBD | AT&T Stadium | Dallas |
| June 14 | F | TBD vs TBD | Estadio BBVA | Monterrey |
| June 15 | G | TBD vs TBD | Lumen Field | Seattle |
| June 15 | H | TBD vs TBD | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami |
| June 17 | K | TBD vs TBD | NRG Stadium | Houston |
| June 18 | A | Mexico vs TBD | Estadio Akron | Zapopan |
| June 19 | D | USA vs TBD | Lumen Field | Seattle |
| June 20 | F | TBD vs TBD | Estadio BBVA | Monterrey |
| June 22 | J | TBD vs TBD | AT&T Stadium | Dallas |
| June 24 | D | TBD vs USA | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood |
| June 26 | G | TBD vs TBD | BC Place | Vancouver |
| June 27 | L | TBD vs TBD | MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford |
The group phase will decide which teams move forward into the expanded knockout stages.
Round of 32 Schedule (June 28–July 3, 2026)
The Round of 32 is a brand-new addition for 2026. For the first time in World Cup history, 32 teams will compete in this initial knockout phase. It bridges the gap between the traditional group stage and the Round of 16, ensuring more nations experience knockout football.
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 28 | Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group B | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood |
| June 29 | Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group C | Estadio BBVA | Guadalupe |
| June 30 | Winner Group A vs 3rd Group C/E/F/H/I | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City |
| July 1 | Winner Group G vs 3rd Group A/E/H/I/J | Lumen Field | Seattle |
| July 2 | Winner Group H vs Runner-up Group J | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood |
| July 3 | Winner Group J vs Runner-up Group H | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami |
From this stage on, each match is do-or-die, and extra time or penalties will decide who moves forward.
Round of 16 Schedule (July 4–7, 2026)
The Round of 16 narrows the competition down to the final eight contenders. Expect high-stakes clashes between powerhouses and potential upsets by emerging nations.
| Date | Matchup | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 4 | Winner Match 74 vs Winner Match 77 | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia |
| July 4 | Winner Match 73 vs Winner Match 75 | NRG Stadium | Houston |
| July 5 | Winner Match 79 vs Winner Match 80 | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City |
| July 6 | Winner Match 81 vs Winner Match 82 | Lumen Field | Seattle |
| July 7 | Winner Match 85 vs Winner Match 87 | BC Place | Vancouver |
At this point, 16 teams remain, each carrying their nation’s hope of lifting the World Cup trophy.
Quarterfinals (July 9–11, 2026)
The quarterfinals stage features 8 teams fighting for a spot in the semifinals. Matches will be hosted in iconic stadiums that have long been centers of American sporting culture.
| Date | Matchup | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 9 | Winner Match 89 vs Winner Match 90 | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough |
| July 10 | Winner Match 93 vs Winner Match 94 | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood |
| July 11 | Winner Match 91 vs Winner Match 92 | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami |
| July 11 | Winner Match 95 vs Winner Match 96 | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City |
By July 11, we’ll know the four semifinalists.
Semifinals and Third-Place Match
The semifinals will showcase the world’s best teams at two massive venues:
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 14 | Winner Match 97 vs Winner Match 98 | AT&T Stadium | Arlington (Dallas) |
| July 15 | Winner Match 99 vs Winner Match 100 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta |
The Third-Place Match will take place on July 18, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, giving two semifinal losers one last chance to end their campaigns on a high.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final (July 19, 2026)
The grand finale will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, one of the largest venues in North America. With over 82,000 seats, it will host millions of fans in person and hundreds of millions via broadcast.
| Date | Fixture | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 19 | Winner Match 101 vs Winner Match 102 | MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford |
This event will decide the new World Champion, closing one of the most ambitious tournaments ever staged.
Host Cities and Stadiums
The 16 stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are spread across three nations. Below is a summary table of all confirmed venues:
| Country | City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | New York/New Jersey | MetLife Stadium | 82,500 |
| USA | Dallas | AT&T Stadium | 80,000 |
| USA | Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | 70,000 |
| USA | Miami | Hard Rock Stadium | 65,000 |
| USA | Atlanta | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 71,000 |
| USA | Kansas City | Arrowhead Stadium | 76,000 |
| USA | Houston | NRG Stadium | 72,000 |
| USA | Philadelphia | Lincoln Financial Field | 69,000 |
| USA | Boston | Gillette Stadium | 65,000 |
| USA | Seattle | Lumen Field | 68,000 |
| USA | San Francisco Bay Area | Levi’s Stadium | 68,500 |
| Mexico | Mexico City | Estadio Azteca | 87,000 |
| Mexico | Guadalajara | Estadio Akron | 48,000 |
| Mexico | Monterrey | Estadio BBVA | 53,000 |
| Canada | Toronto | BMO Field | 45,000 (expanded) |
| Canada | Vancouver | BC Place | 54,000 |
These venues combine modern architecture, world-class facilities, and rich footballing heritage, making them ideal for hosting a tournament of this magnitude.
Key Facts About FIFA World Cup 2026
- Host Nations: United States, Canada, Mexico
- Duration: June 11 – July 19, 2026
- Teams: 48 (up from 32)
- Matches: 104 total
- Format: 12 groups of 4
- Venues: 16
- Final Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- Opening Match: Mexico at Estadio Azteca
- Trophy Tour: Will visit all 211 FIFA member nations before kickoff
Ticketing and Fan Information
Ticket Sales Timeline
| Phase | Start Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | September 10, 2025 | Lottery-style selection for early group matches |
| Phase 2 | December 2025 | Tickets available post-draw |
| Final Phase | May–July 2026 | Last-minute sales before and during tournament |
Tickets will be available through FIFA’s official ticketing portal, requiring fans to create an account. Prices vary depending on the stage and seating category. Hospitality packages for premium experiences are already open through FIFA’s partners.
Travel and Accommodation
With matches across North America, fans can expect seamless transport links between host cities:
- Amtrak and domestic flights in the U.S.
- Cross-border trains from Canada to the U.S.
- Budget flights between Mexico and the U.S.
Many cities—like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York—offer world-class hospitality, making travel planning easier for international fans.
New Format and Innovations in FIFA World Cup 2026
1. Expanded 48-Team Format
The 2026 edition introduces 12 groups of 4 teams—the largest in history. This ensures greater diversity, allowing more nations from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF to participate.
2. Round of 32 Addition
A new knockout round means 16 extra matches, ensuring even third-placed teams have a second chance. It increases competitiveness and fan engagement throughout.
3. Technological Enhancements
FIFA plans to integrate:
- Enhanced VAR systems for faster decision-making.
- AI-based offside detection.
- Real-time player tracking for performance metrics.
4. Sustainability Focus
All host cities are working on eco-friendly initiatives:
- Use of renewable energy in stadiums.
- Reusable fan materials and carbon-neutral transport options.
- Recycling and waste management partnerships.
5. Match Timing Adjustments
To cater to global audiences, many matches will have staggered kickoff times (local morning, afternoon, evening).
FIFA will ensure prime-time coverage across major regions like Europe, South America, and Asia.
Tournament Milestones and Legacy
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is more than just a tournament; it’s a statement of unity and inclusion across North America. With record-breaking participation, technological integration, and global reach, this World Cup will leave behind a lasting legacy for the sport.
- Economic Impact: Expected to generate over $14 billion across three countries.
- Infrastructure Development: Major upgrades to transportation, stadiums, and digital connectivity.
- Youth Programs: FIFA and host nations have pledged millions for grassroots football growth.
Conclusion
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule represents a revolution in world football—not just for its size, but for its vision. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, fans will witness unforgettable moments across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, culminating in the grand finale at MetLife Stadium.
With 104 matches, 48 teams, 16 stadiums, and millions of fans, this edition will celebrate the spirit of global unity that football inspires. Whether you’re traveling to the games or watching from home, one thing is certain — the FIFA World Cup 2026 will redefine how the world experiences the beautiful game.