Every four years, the world pauses for a celebration of sport, unity, and national pride. The FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule is more than a list of games—it’s a global blueprint for unforgettable moments. But with 48 teams, 16 cities, and hundreds of matches across North America, navigating this mega-event can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re a student planning your summer, a business eyeing advertising opportunities, or a traveler charting stadium stops, this article has you covered. You’ll get all the key dates, times, venues, and insider insights to experience the 2026 FIFA World Cup like a pro—whether you’re watching from home or the stands.
Let’s dive in and decode the schedule that will shape football history.
FIFA World Cup 26 Match Schedule Overview
| Stage | Dates | Number of Matches | Notable Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Match | June 11, 2026 | 1 | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Group Stage | June 11 – June 27, 2026 | 104 | 16 host cities across USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Round of 32 | June 29 – July 2, 2026 | 16 | Rotating venues |
| Round of 16 | July 4 – July 7, 2026 | 8 | TBD |
| Quarterfinals | July 10 – July 11, 2026 | 4 | Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, Boston |
| Semifinals | July 14 – July 15, 2026 | 2 | Atlanta & Dallas |
| Third-Place Match | July 18, 2026 | 1 | TBD |
| Final | July 19, 2026 | 1 | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey |
What Is the FIFA World Cup 26 Match Format?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce a new format featuring 48 teams split into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will move on to the round of 32. This expansion increases the total number of matches to 104, up from the previous 64. The tournament will run for 39 days, concluding with the final on July 19.
Here’s a detailed overview:
- Group Stage: 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four.
- Round of 32: The best two teams from each group plus eight top third-place teams advance.
- Knockout Rounds: After the round of 32, the tournament continues with the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.
- Matches: A total of 104 games will be played, with the champions playing up to eight matches.
- Duration: The event spans 39 days, ending with the final match on July 19.
Where Will the Matches Be Played?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across 16 host cities in three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Each location has been selected for its world-class stadiums, strong infrastructure, and passionate fan base.
United States (11 Host Cities)
The U.S. will host the majority of matches, with venues spread across major regions:
- East Coast: New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Boston (Gillette Stadium), Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta
- Central: Dallas, Kansas City, Houston
- West Coast: Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area
Canada (2 Host Cities)
Canada brings its own flavor to the tournament with:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
Mexico (3 Host Cities)
As a legacy host nation, Mexico offers iconic venues:
- Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
- Guadalajara
- Monterrey
Each of these cities will host various matches, from group stage games to potential knockout rounds. The diversity of venues ensures a wide cultural and geographic experience for fans and teams alike.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Fixtures: Group Stage to Final
The FIFA World Cup 26 Match Schedule will start from June 11 and ending with the final on July 19. Here’s a simplified, day-by-day breakdown of the matches, from the group stage to the final showdown.
Group Stage (June 11–27, 2026)
June 11 (Thursday)
- Match 1: Group A – Mexico #1 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Match 2: Group A – Estadio Guadalajara
June 12 (Friday)
- Match 3: Group B – Canada #1 at Toronto
- Match 4: Group D – USA #1 at Los Angeles
June 13 (Saturday)
- Group C: Boston, New York/New Jersey
- Group D: Vancouver
- Group B: San Francisco Bay Area
June 14 (Sunday)
- Group E: Philadelphia, Houston
- Group F: Dallas, Monterrey
June 15 (Monday)
- Group H: Miami, Atlanta
- Group G: Los Angeles, Seattle
June 16 (Tuesday)
- Group I: New York/New Jersey, Boston
- Group J: Kansas City, San Francisco Bay Area
June 17 (Wednesday)
- Group L: Toronto, Dallas
- Group K: Houston, Mexico City
June 18 (Thursday)
- Group A: Atlanta, Guadalajara (Mexico #2)
- Group B: Los Angeles, Vancouver (Canada #2)
June 19 (Friday)
- Group C: Philadelphia, Boston
- Group D: Seattle (USA #2), San Francisco Bay Area
June 20 (Saturday)
- Group E: Toronto, Kansas City
- Group F: Houston, Monterrey
June 21 (Sunday)
- Group H: Miami, Atlanta
- Group G: Los Angeles, Vancouver
June 22 (Monday)
- Group I: New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia
- Group J: Dallas, San Francisco Bay Area
June 23 (Tuesday)
- Group L: Boston, Toronto
- Group K: Houston, Guadalajara
June 24 (Wednesday)
- Group C: Miami, Atlanta
- Group B: Vancouver (Canada #3), Seattle
- Group A: Mexico City (Mexico #3), Monterrey
June 25 (Thursday)
- Group E: Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey
- Group F: Dallas, Kansas City
- Group D: Los Angeles (USA #3), San Francisco Bay Area
June 26 (Friday)
- Group I: Boston, Toronto
- Group G: Seattle, Vancouver
- Group H: Houston, Guadalajara
June 27 (Saturday)
- Group L: New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia
- Group J: Kansas City, Dallas
- Group K: Miami, Atlanta
Round of 32 (June 28 – July 3, 2026)
June 28 (Sunday)
- Match 73: Group A runner-up vs Group B runner-up – Los Angeles
June 29 (Monday)
- Match 74: Group E winner vs Top third-place team – Boston
- Match 75: Group F winner vs Group C runner-up – Monterrey
- Match 76: Group C winner vs Group F runner-up – Houston
June 30 (Tuesday)
- Match 77: Group I winner vs Top third-place team – New York/New Jersey
- Match 78: Group E runner-up vs Group I runner-up – Dallas
- Match 79: Group A winner vs Top third-place team – Mexico City
July 1 (Wednesday)
- Match 80: Group L winner vs Top third-place team – Atlanta
- Match 81: Group D winner vs Top third-place team – San Francisco Bay Area
- Match 82: Group G winner vs Top third-place team – Seattle
July 2 (Thursday)
- Match 83: Group K runner-up vs Group L runner-up – Toronto
- Match 84: Group H winner vs Group J runner-up – Los Angeles
- Match 85: Group B winner vs Top third-place team – Vancouver
July 3 (Friday)
- Match 86: Group J winner vs Group H runner-up – Miami
- Match 87: Group K winner vs Top third-place team – Kansas City
- Match 88: Group D runner-up vs Group G runner-up – Dallas
Round of 16 (July 4–7, 2026)
July 4 (Saturday)
- Match 89: Winner Match 74 vs Winner Match 77 – Philadelphia
- Match 90: Winner Match 73 vs Winner Match 75 – Houston
July 5 (Sunday)
- Match 91: Winner Match 76 vs Winner Match 78 – New York/New Jersey
- Match 92: Winner Match 79 vs Winner Match 80 – Mexico City
July 6 (Monday)
- Match 93: Winner Match 83 vs Winner Match 84 – Dallas
- Match 94: Winner Match 81 vs Winner Match 82 – Seattle
July 7 (Tuesday)
- Match 95: Winner Match 86 vs Winner Match 88 – Atlanta
- Match 96: Winner Match 85 vs Winner Match 87 – Vancouver
Quarterfinals (July 9–11, 2026)
July 9 (Thursday)
- Match 97: Winner Match 89 vs Winner Match 90 – Boston
July 10 (Friday)
- Match 98: Winner Match 93 vs Winner Match 94 – Los Angeles
July 11 (Saturday)
- Match 99: Winner Match 91 vs Winner Match 92 – Miami
- Match 100: Winner Match 95 vs Winner Match 96 – Kansas City
Semifinals
July 14 (Tuesday)
- Match 101: Winner Match 97 vs Winner Match 98 – Dallas
July 15 (Wednesday)
- Match 102: Winner Match 99 vs Winner Match 100 – Atlanta
Third-Place Match (Bronze Final)
July 18 (Saturday)
- Match 103: Loser Match 101 vs Loser Match 102 – Miami
FIFA World Cup 26 Final
July 19 (Sunday)
- Match 104: Winner Match 101 vs Winner Match 102 – New York/New Jersey
How to Plan Around the FIFA World Cup 26 Schedule
To make the most of the FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule, fans should prepare early. From tickets to travel, smart planning can help you avoid stress and maximize your experience. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and early preparation is key.
1. Register for Tickets and Hospitality
- Create a FIFA ID:
Sign up at FIFA.com to get your FIFA ID, which is required to access ticket sales and official offers. - Phased Ticket Sales:
Tickets will be released in stages, starting with a draw-based application expected in September 2025. - Hospitality Packages:
Premium match experiences, including VIP seats and exclusive services, are open for pre-registration now. - Stick to Official Channels:
Buy only through FIFA’s official sites like fifa.com/tickets or fifa.com/hospitality to avoid scams or invalid tickets.
2. Understand the Tournament Format
- Bigger Format, More Matches:
The 2026 edition expands to 48 teams and 104 matches, with a round of 32 introduced in the knockout stage. - Group Stage Structure:
There will be 12 groups of 4 teams. The top two teams and eight best third-placed teams will move forward to the next round. - Final Draw in December 2025:
The official match schedule will be finalized during the Final Draw, expected in December 2025.
3. Plan Your Travel Smartly
- Book Early:
Secure flights, hotels, and rental cars well in advance for the best prices and availability. - Know Your Routes:
Research how to travel between host cities—options include domestic flights, trains (like Amtrak), and local transit systems. - Explore Top Host Cities:
Spend extra time in cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, known for their vibrant culture and strong public transport. - Don’t Forget Travel Essentials:
Check your visa requirements and buy travel insurance to cover your trip.
4. Stay Updated with Reliable Sources
- Official FIFA Updates:
Visit FIFA.com regularly for changes in match schedules, ticket releases, and event news. - Use Travel Guides:
Use some travel guides for helpful tips on navigating host cities, finding accommodations, and planning your itinerary.
Where to Access Live FIFA World Cup 26 Match Schedules and Updates?
To stay updated with the FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule, live scores, and real-time changes, it’s essential to follow official and trusted sources. With 104 matches spread across multiple time zones and venues, having accurate information at your fingertips ensures you never miss a game.
To follow the most accurate and up-to-date match schedule, refer to:
- Official FIFA Website (fifa.com/worldcup)
- FIFA World Cup App (for real-time notifications)
- Google Calendar Integration (via FIFA widgets)
- TV Broadcast Partners (Fox Sports, TelevisaUnivision, TSN, BBC, etc.)
FAQs: FIFA World Cup 26 Match Schedule
When does the FIFA World Cup 26 start and end?
June 11 – July 19, 2026. The opening match is in Mexico City and the final will be in New Jersey.
How many matches are in FIFA World Cup 2026?
There will be 104 matches, due to the expanded 48-team format.
Which stadium will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?
The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the final match on July 19, 2026.
How are matches scheduled across time zones?
Matches will occur in local times of host cities, generally spanning morning to evening. Official apps will auto-adjust to your local time.
Will the full schedule change?
While core dates are fixed, match pairings and times will evolve as qualifiers are finalized and teams advance.
Final Thought
The FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule is more than logistics—it’s the timeline of an epic celebration. Whether you’re watching every match, attending in person, or building campaigns around it, knowing the schedule inside out gives you the edge.
Key Takeaways:
- Tournament runs June 11 – July 19, 2026
- 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 cities
- Group stage ends June 27, final on July 19
- Best planning tools: FIFA app, website, broadcasters
- Hosting countries: USA, Mexico, Canada
Plan smart. Travel strategically. Cheer loudly.
