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 | Time (EST) | Match | Group | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11 | 15:00 | Mexico vs South Africa | A | Mexico City |
| June 11 | 22:00 | South Korea vs UEFA Playoff D | A | Guadalajara |
| June 12 | 15:00 | Canada vs UEFA Playoff A | B | Toronto |
| June 12 | 21:00 | USA vs Paraguay | D | Los Angeles |
| June 13 | 18:00 | Brazil vs Morocco | C | Boston / New York-New Jersey |
| June 13 | 00:00 | Australia vs UEFA Playoff C | D | Vancouver |
| June 13 | 21:00 | Haiti vs Scotland | C | Boston / New York-New Jersey |
| June 13 | 15:00 | Qatar vs Switzerland | B | San Francisco Bay Area |
| June 14 | 13:00 | Germany vs Curaçao | E | Philadelphia / Houston |
| June 14 | 19:00 | Ivory Coast vs Ecuador | E | Philadelphia / Houston |
| June 14 | 16:00 | Netherlands vs Japan | F | Dallas / Monterrey |
| June 14 | 22:00 | UEFA Playoff B vs Tunisia | F | Dallas / Monterrey |
| June 15 | 12:00 | Spain vs Cape Verde | H | Miami / Atlanta |
| June 15 | 18:00 | Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | H | Miami / Atlanta |
| June 15 | 21:00 | Belgium vs Egypt | G | Los Angeles / Seattle |
| June 15 | 15:00 | Iran vs New Zealand | G | Los Angeles / Seattle |
| June 16 | 15:00 | France vs Senegal | I | New York-New Jersey / Boston |
| June 16 | 18:00 | FIFA Playoff 2 vs Norway | I | New York-New Jersey / Boston |
| June 16 | 21:00 | Argentina vs Algeria | J | Kansas City / San Francisco Bay Area |
| June 16 | 00:00 | Austria vs Jordan | J | Kansas City / San Francisco Bay Area |
| June 17 | 19:00 | England vs Croatia | L | Toronto / Dallas |
| June 17 | 16:00 | Ghana vs Panama | L | Toronto / Dallas |
| June 17 | 13:00 | Portugal vs FIFA Playoff 1 | K | Houston / Mexico City |
| June 17 | 22:00 | Uzbekistan vs Colombia | K | Houston / Mexico City |
| June 18 | 12:00 | UEFA Playoff D vs South Africa | A | Atlanta |
| June 18 | 15:00 | Switzerland vs UEFA Playoff A | A | Los Angeles |
| June 18 | 18:00 | Canada vs Qatar | B | Vancouver |
| June 18 | 21:00 | Mexico vs South Korea | A | Guadalajara |
| June 19 | 21:00 | Brazil vs Haiti | C | Philadelphia / New York-New Jersey |
| June 19 | 18:00 | Scotland vs Morocco | C | Philadelphia / New York-New Jersey |
| June 19 | 00:00 | UEFA Playoff C vs Paraguay | D | San Francisco Bay Area |
| June 19 | 15:00 | USA vs Australia | D | Seattle |
| June 20 | 16:00 | Germany vs Ivory Coast | E | Toronto / Kansas City |
| June 20 | 20:00 | Ecuador vs Curaçao | E | Toronto / Kansas City |
| June 20 | 13:00 | Netherlands vs UEFA Playoff B | F | Houston / Monterrey |
| June 20 | 00:00 | Tunisia vs Japan | F | Houston / Monterrey |
| June 21 | 12:00 | Spain vs Saudi Arabia | H | Miami / Atlanta |
| June 21 | 18:00 | Uruguay vs Cape Verde | H | Miami / Atlanta |
| June 21 | 15:00 | Belgium vs Iran | G | Los Angeles / Vancouver |
| June 21 | 21:00 | New Zealand vs Egypt | G | Los Angeles / Vancouver |
| June 22 | 17:00 | France vs FIFA Playoff 2 | I | New York-New Jersey / Philadelphia |
| June 22 | 20:00 | Norway vs Senegal | I | New York-New Jersey / Philadelphia |
| June 22 | 13:00 | Argentina vs Austria | J | Dallas / San Francisco Bay Area |
| June 22 | 23:00 | Jordan vs Algeria | J | Dallas / San Francisco Bay Area |
| June 23 | 16:00 | England vs Ghana | L | Boston / Toronto |
| June 23 | 19:00 | Panama vs Croatia | L | Boston / Toronto |
| June 23 | 13:00 | Portugal vs Uzbekistan | K | Houston / Guadalajara |
| June 23 | 22:00 | Colombia vs FIFA Playoff 1 | K | Houston / Guadalajara |
| June 24 | 18:00 | Scotland vs Brazil | C | Miami / Atlanta |
| June 24 | 18:00 | Morocco vs Haiti | C | Miami / Atlanta |
| June 24 | 15:00 | Canada vs Switzerland | B | Vancouver |
| June 24 | 15:00 | UEFA Playoff A vs Qatar | B | Seattle |
| June 24 | 21:00 | Mexico vs UEFA Playoff D | A | Mexico City |
| June 24 | 21:00 | South Korea vs South Africa | A | Monterrey |
| June 25 | 16:00 | Ecuador vs Germany | E | Philadelphia / New York-New Jersey |
| June 25 | 16:00 | Curaçao vs Ivory Coast | E | Philadelphia / New York-New Jersey |
| June 25 | 19:00 | Tunisia vs Netherlands | F | Dallas / Kansas City |
| June 25 | 19:00 | Japan vs UEFA Playoff B | F | Dallas / Kansas City |
| June 25 | 22:00 | USA vs UEFA Playoff C | D | Los Angeles |
| June 25 | 22:00 | Paraguay vs Australia | D | San Francisco Bay Area |
| June 26 | 15:00 | Norway vs France | I | Boston / Toronto |
| June 26 | 15:00 | Senegal vs FIFA Playoff 2 | I | Boston / Toronto |
| June 26 | 23:00 | New Zealand vs Belgium | G | Seattle / Vancouver |
| June 26 | 23:00 | Egypt vs Iran | G | Seattle / Vancouver |
| June 26 | 20:00 | Uruguay vs Spain | H | Houston / Guadalajara |
| June 26 | 20:00 | Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia | H | Houston / Guadalajara |
| June 27 | 17:00 | Panama vs England | L | New York-New Jersey / Philadelphia |
| June 27 | 17:00 | Croatia vs Ghana | L | New York-New Jersey / Philadelphia |
| June 27 | 22:00 | Jordan vs Argentina | J | Kansas City / Dallas |
| June 27 | 22:00 | Algeria vs Austria | J | Kansas City / Dallas |
| June 27 | 19:30 | Colombia vs Portugal | K | Miami / Atlanta |
| June 27 | 19:30 | FIFA Playoff 1 vs Uzbekistan | K | Miami / Atlanta |
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.
| Match | Date | Time (EST) | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | City |
|---|
| 73 | 28-Jun-26 | 15:00 | Group A Runners Up | Group B Runners Up | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles |
| 74 | 29-Jun-26 | 16:30 | Group E Winners | Group A/B/C/D/F 3rd Place | Gillette Stadium | Boston |
| 75 | 29-Jun-26 | 21:00 | Group F Winners | Group C Runners Up | Estadio BBVA | Monterrey |
| 76 | 29-Jun-26 | 13:00 | Group C Winners | Group F Runners Up | NRG Stadium | Houston |
| 77 | 30-Jun-26 | 17:00 | Group I Winners | Group C/D/F/G/H 3rd Place | MetLife Stadium | New York / New Jersey |
| 78 | 30-Jun-26 | 13:00 | Group E Runners Up | Group I Runners Up | AT&T Stadium | Dallas |
| 79 | 30-Jun-26 | 21:00 | Group A Winners | Group C/E/F/H/I 3rd Place | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City |
| 80 | 01-Jul-26 | 12:00 | Group L Winners | Group E/H/I/J/K 3rd Place | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta |
| 81 | 01-Jul-26 | 20:00 | Group D Winners | Group B/E/F/I/J 3rd Place | Levi’s Stadium | San Francisco Bay Area |
| 82 | 01-Jul-26 | 16:00 | Group G Winners | Group A/E/H/I/J 3rd Place | Lumen Field | Seattle |
| 83 | 02-Jul-26 | 19:00 | Group K Runners Up | Group L Runners Up | BMO Field | Toronto |
| 84 | 02-Jul-26 | 15:00 | Group H Winners | Group J Runners Up | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles |
| 85 | 02-Jul-26 | 23:00 | Group B Winners | Group E/F/G/I/J 3rd Place | BC Place | Vancouver |
| 86 | 03-Jul-26 | 18:00 | Group J Winners | Group H Runners Up | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami |
| 87 | 03-Jul-26 | 21:30 | Group K Winners | Group D/E/I/J/L 3rd Place | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City |
| 88 | 03-Jul-26 | 14:00 | Group D Runners Up | Group G Runners Up | AT&T Stadium | Dallas |
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.
| Match | Date | Time (EST) | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | City |
|---|
| 89 | 04-Jul-26 | 17:00 | Match 74 Winner | Match 77 Winner | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia |
| 90 | 04-Jul-26 | 13:00 | Match 73 Winner | Match 75 Winner | NRG Stadium | Houston |
| 91 | 05-Jul-26 | 16:00 | Match 76 Winner | Match 78 Winner | MetLife Stadium | New York / New Jersey |
| 92 | 05-Jul-26 | 20:00 | Match 79 Winner | Match 80 Winner | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City |
| 93 | 06-Jul-26 | 15:00 | Match 83 Winner | Match 84 Winner | AT&T Stadium | Dallas |
| 94 | 06-Jul-26 | 20:00 | Match 81 Winner | Match 82 Winner | Lumen Field | Seattle |
| 95 | 07-Jul-26 | 12:00 | Match 86 Winner | Match 88 Winner | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta |
| 96 | 07-Jul-26 | 16:00 | Match 85 Winner | Match 87 Winner | 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.
| Match | Date | Time (EST) | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97 | 09-Jul-26 | 16:00 | Match 89 Winner | Match 90 Winner | Gillette Stadium | Boston |
| 98 | 10-Jul-26 | 18:00 | Match 93 Winner | Match 94 Winner | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles |
| 99 | 11-Jul-26 | 17:00 | Match 91 Winner | Match 92 Winner | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami |
| 100 | 11-Jul-26 | 22:00 | Match 95 Winner | Match 96 Winner | 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:
Semifinals
| Match | Date | Time (EST) | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 14-Jul-26 | 15:00 | Match 97 Winner | Match 98 Winner | AT&T Stadium | Dallas |
| 102 | 15-Jul-26 | 15:00 | Match 99 Winner | Match 100 Winner | 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.
Third-Place Match
| Match | Date | Time (EST) | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103 | 18-Jul-26 | 17:00 | Match 101 Loser | Match 102 Loser | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami |
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.
| Match | Date | Time (EST) | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 104 | 19-Jul-26 | 15:00 | Match 101 Winner | Match 102 Winner | MetLife Stadium | New York / New Jersey |
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.