The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the biggest tournament in football history, featuring more teams, more matches, and three host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the match schedule now outlined and host-team group placements confirmed, excitement is growing as fans prepare for a historic summer of football.
Here is the complete and latest overview of the World Cup 2026 schedule, groups, format, host cities, and important match details.
FIFA World Cup Tournament Dates and Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament Start | June 11, 2026 |
| Opening Match | Mexico vs South Africa |
| Venue | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Final Match | July 19, 2026 |
| Final Venue | MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey |
| Total Teams | 48 |
| Total Matches | 104 |
| Host Countries | USA, Canada, Mexico |
The tournament will run for 39 days, making it the longest and largest World Cup ever.
New Format: 48 Teams and Expanded Knockouts
The 2026 edition introduces a new structure to include more nations.
Tournament Format
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 11 – June 27 |
| Round of 32 | June 28 – July 3 |
| Round of 16 | July 4 – July 7 |
| Quarterfinals | July 9 – July 11 |
| Semifinals | July 14 – July 15 |
| Third-Place Match | July 18 |
| Final | July 19 |
Group Structure
- 12 groups (Group A to Group L)
- 4 teams in each group
- Top 2 teams from each group qualify
- 8 best third-placed teams also advance
- Total 32 teams enter the knockout stage
Read more: FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Prices
Opening Week Schedule: Key Group Matches
The opening days will feature several high-profile matches across North America.
June 11
| Match | Venue |
|---|---|
| Mexico vs South Africa | Mexico City |
| South Korea vs TBD | Guadalajara |
June 12
| Match | Venue |
|---|---|
| Canada vs TBD | Toronto |
| USA vs Paraguay | Los Angeles |
June 13
| Match | Venue |
|---|---|
| Brazil vs Morocco | New York/New Jersey |
| Haiti vs Scotland | Boston |
| Australia vs TBD | Vancouver |
| Qatar vs Switzerland | San Francisco |
June 14
| Match | Venue |
|---|---|
| Germany vs Curacao | Houston |
| Japan vs Netherlands | Dallas |
| Ecuador vs Ivory Coast | Philadelphia |
| Tunisia vs TBD | Monterrey |
June 15
| Match | Venue |
|---|---|
| Spain vs Cape Verde | Atlanta |
| Belgium vs Egypt | Seattle |
| Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia | Miami |
| New Zealand vs Iran | Los Angeles |
June 16
| Match | Venue |
|---|---|
| France vs Senegal | New York/New Jersey |
| Norway vs TBD | Boston |
| Argentina vs Algeria | Kansas City |
| Austria vs Jordan | San Francisco |
June 17
| Match | Venue |
|---|---|
| Portugal vs TBD | Houston |
| England vs Croatia | Dallas |
| Ghana vs Panama | Toronto |
| Colombia vs TBD | Mexico City |
Host Cities and Venues
The matches will be played across 16 world-class stadiums.
1. United States (11 Cities)
Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle
2. Mexico (3 Cities)
Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
3. Canada (2 Cities)
Toronto, Vancouver
The United States will host the majority of matches, including the final.
Groups and Host Nations Placement
- Group A: Mexico (host)
- Group B: Canada (host)
- Group D: United States (host)
Full group matchups were confirmed after the official draw, allowing fans to plan travel and match schedules.
Teams to Watch in 2026
Several global stars are expected to headline the tournament:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
- Kylian Mbappé (France)
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
- Christian Pulisic (USA)
- Rising star Lamine Yamal (Spain)
With expanded slots, more emerging nations will also get a chance to shine.
Qualified Teams Status
As of the latest update:
- 42 teams have already qualified
- 6 spots remain
- 4 via European playoffs
- 2 via intercontinental playoffs
Why the 2026 World Cup Is Historic
- First 48-team World Cup
- First tournament hosted by three countries
- 104 matches (previously 64)
- More opportunities for smaller nations
- More games for fans across North America
This expansion is expected to bring new rivalries, surprise results, and wider global representation.
Fan Experience and Match Planning
With matches spread across multiple cities:
- Travel planning is important
- Group-stage matches run almost daily
- Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City are expected to host high-demand games
- Fan festivals and public viewing zones will be available in host cities
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest and most inclusive tournament ever held. With a packed schedule, expanded groups, and matches across North America, fans can expect nonstop football action for more than a month. From the opening match in Mexico City to the final in New Jersey, the stage is set for a historic World Cup.
FAQs
When does the World Cup 2026 start?
June 11, 2026.
Where is the final?
MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
How many teams will play?
48 teams.
How many matches will be played?
104 matches.
Which countries are hosting?
United States, Canada, and Mexico.
