FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule

FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Full Fixtures List

FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially begun, and football fans across the globe are eagerly waiting for the biggest tournament in football history. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature an expanded format with 48 teams and a record-breaking 104 matches.

For fans planning their trips, booking flights, securing hotel accommodations, purchasing match tickets, or subscribing to streaming services, understanding the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule is essential.

This complete guide covers the tournament schedule, host cities, fixture format, key match dates, venues, broadcasting information, travel tips, and everything football supporters need to know before kickoff.


FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 marks a historic milestone in international football.

Key highlights include:

  • First World Cup hosted by three countries.
  • Expanded from 32 teams to 48 teams.
  • Total of 104 matches.
  • More than 6 million expected stadium attendees.
  • Billions of viewers worldwide.

The tournament will bring together football’s biggest stars and emerging talents in what promises to be the most competitive World Cup ever staged.

Quick Tournament Overview

CategoryDetails
TournamentFIFA World Cup 2026
Host CountriesUSA, Canada, Mexico
Teams48
Matches104
Tournament PeriodJune–July 2026
Final VenueNew York/New Jersey
Host Cities16

FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups ⚽

What are the groups and teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Total 12 Groups in FIFA World Cup 2026. Here all groups and teams data.

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic (South Korea), Czechia (Czech Republic)
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkiye
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama


FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule

The official FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule spans nearly six weeks, featuring group-stage action followed by knockout rounds.

Tournament Timeline

StageExpected Dates
Opening MatchJune 11, 2026
Group StageJune 11 – June 27
Round of 32June 28 – July 3
Round of 16July 4 – July 7
QuarterfinalsJuly 9 – July 11
SemifinalsJuly 14 – July 15
Third Place MatchJuly 18
FinalJuly 19, 2026

The expanded format means fans will enjoy more daily matches than any previous FIFA World Cup.


FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule

Timing Format : GMT

Group stage

Thursday, 11 June 2026

Mexico vs South Africa at 1pm CST (19:00 GMT) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

South Korea vs Czechia at 8pm CST (02:00 GMT on Friday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

Friday, June 12 2026

Canada vs Bosnia at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

USA vs Paraguay at 6pm PT (01:00 GMT on Saturday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Saturday, June 13 2026

Qatar vs Switzerland at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Brazil vs Morocco at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Haiti vs Scotland at 9pm ET (01:00 GMT on Sunday) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Australia vs Turkiye at 6pm PT (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Sunday, June 14 2026

Germany vs Curacao at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Netherlands vs Japan at 3pm CDT (20:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador at 7pm ET (23:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Sweden vs Tunisia at 8pm CST (02:00 GMT on Monday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

Monday, June 15 2026

Spain vs Cape Verde at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Belgium vs Egypt at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Iran vs New Zealand at 6pm PT (01:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Tuesday, June 16 2026

France vs Senegal at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Iraq vs Norway at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Argentina vs Algeria at 8pm CDT (01:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Austria vs Jordan at 9pm PT (04:00 GMT on Wednesday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Wednesday, June 17 2026

Portugal vs DRC at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

England vs Croatia at 3pm CDT (20:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Ghana vs Panama at 7pm ET (23:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Uzbekistan vs Colombia at 8pm CST (02:00 GMT on Thursday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

Thursday, June 18 2026

Czechia vs South Africa at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Switzerland vs Bosnia at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Canada vs Qatar at 3pm PT (22:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Mexico vs South Korea at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Friday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

Friday, June 19

Scotland vs Morocco at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

USA vs Australia at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Brazil vs Haiti at 8:30pm ET (00:30 GMT on Saturday) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Turkiye vs Paraguay at 9pm PT (03:00 GMT on Saturday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Saturday, June 20

Netherlands vs Sweden at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Germany vs Ivory Coast at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Ecuador vs Curacao at 7pm CDT (03:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Tunisia vs Japan at 10pm CST (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

Sunday, June 21

Spain vs Saudi Arabia at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Belgium vs Iran at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Uruguay vs Cape Verde at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

New Zealand vs Egypt at 6pm PT (01:00 GMT on Monday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Monday, June 22

Argentina vs Austria at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

France vs Iraq at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Norway vs Senegal at 8pm ET (00:00 GMT on Tuesday) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Jordan vs Algeria at 8pm PT (03:00 GMT on Tuesday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Tuesday, June 23

Portugal vs Uzbekistan at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

England vs Ghana at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Panama vs Croatia at 7pm ET (23:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Colombia vs DRC at 8pm CST (02:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

Wednesday, June 24

Switzerland vs Canada at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Bosnia vs Qatar at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Scotland vs Brazil at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Morocco vs Haiti at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Czechia vs Mexico at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Thursday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

South Africa vs South Korea at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Thursday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

Thursday, June 25

Ecuador vs Germany at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Curacao vs Ivory Coast at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Japan vs Sweden at 6pm CDT (23:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Tunisia vs Netherlands at 6pm CDT (23:00 GMT) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US,

Turkiye vs USA at 7pm PT (02:00 GMT on Friday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Paraguay vs Australia at 7pm PT (02:00 GMT on Friday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Friday, June 26

Norway vs France at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Senegal vs Iraq at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia at 7pm CDT (00:00 GMT on Saturday) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Uruguay vs Spain at 6pm CST (00:00 GMT on Saturday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

Egypt vs Iran at 8pm PT (03:00 GMT on Saturday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

New Zealand vs Belgium at 8pm PT (03:00 GMT on Saturday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Saturday, June 27

Panama vs England at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Croatia vs Ghana at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Colombia vs Portugal at 7:30pm ET (23:30 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

DRC vs Uzbekistan at 7:30pm ET (23:30 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Algeria vs Austria at 9pm CDT (02:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Jordan vs Argentina at 9pm CDT (02:00 GMT on Sunday) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Knockout stage

Sunday, June 28

Round of 32 match at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Monday, June 29

Round of 32 match at 12pm CDT (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Round of 32 match at 4:30pm ET (20:30 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Round of 32 match at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

Tuesday, June 30

Round of 32 match at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Round of 32 match at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Round of 32 match at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

Wednesday, July 1

Round of 32 match at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Round of 32 match at 1pm PT (20:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Round of 32 match at 5pm PT (20:00 GMT) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Thursday, July 2

Round of 32 match at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Round of 32 match at 7pm ET (23:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Round of 32 match at 8pm PT (03:00 GMT on Friday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Friday, July 3

Round of 32 match at 1pm CDT (18:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Round of 32 match at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Round of 32 match at 8:30pm CDT (01:30 GMT on Saturday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Saturday, July 4

Round of 16 match at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Round of 16 match at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Sunday, July 5

Round of 16 match at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Round of 16 match at 6pm CST (00:00 GMT on Monday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

Monday, July 6

Round of 16 match at 2pm CDT (19:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Round of 16 match at 5pm PT (00:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Tuesday, July 7

Round of 16 match at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Round of 16 match at 1pm PT (20:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Thursday, 9 July

First quarterfinal at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Friday, 10 July

Second quarterfinal at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Saturday, July 11

Third quarterfinal at 5pm ET (20:00 GMT) –  Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Fourth quarterfinal at 8pm CDT (01:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Tuesday, July 14

First semifinal at 2pm CDT (19:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Wednesday, July 15

Second semifinal at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Saturday, July 18

Bronze medal match at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Sunday, July 19

Final at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US


MatchDateStageFixtureVenueIST Time
111 Jun 2026Group AMexico vs South AfricaMexico City StadiumTBD
211 Jun 2026Group AKorea Republic vs CzechiaGuadalajara StadiumTBD
312 Jun 2026Group BCanada vs Bosnia & HerzegovinaToronto StadiumTBD
412 Jun 2026Group DUSA vs ParaguayLos Angeles StadiumTBD
513 Jun 2026Group CHaiti vs ScotlandBoston StadiumTBD
613 Jun 2026Group DAustralia vs TürkiyeVancouver StadiumTBD
713 Jun 2026Group CBrazil vs MoroccoNew York/New Jersey StadiumTBD
813 Jun 2026Group BQatar vs SwitzerlandSan Francisco Bay Area StadiumTBD
914 Jun 2026Group ECôte d’Ivoire vs EcuadorPhiladelphia StadiumTBD
1014 Jun 2026Group EGermany vs CuraçaoHouston StadiumTBD
1114 Jun 2026Group FNetherlands vs JapanDallas StadiumTBD
1214 Jun 2026Group FSweden vs TunisiaMonterrey StadiumTBD
13-7215–27 Jun 2026Group StageRemaining Group MatchesVarious Host CitiesTBD
7328 Jun 2026Round of 32Winner Group A vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
7428 Jun 2026Round of 32Winner Group B vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
7529 Jun 2026Round of 32Winner Group C vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
7629 Jun 2026Round of 32Winner Group D vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
7730 Jun 2026Round of 32Winner Group E vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
7830 Jun 2026Round of 32Winner Group F vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
7901 Jul 2026Round of 32Winner Group G vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
8001 Jul 2026Round of 32Winner Group H vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
8102 Jul 2026Round of 32Winner Group I vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
8202 Jul 2026Round of 32Winner Group J vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
8303 Jul 2026Round of 32Winner Group K vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
8403 Jul 2026Round of 32Winner Group L vs Third Place TeamTBDTBD
85-9604–07 Jul 2026Round of 16Knockout MatchesVarious Host CitiesTBD
9709 Jul 2026Quarter-finalQF1TBDTBD
9810 Jul 2026Quarter-finalQF2TBDTBD
9911 Jul 2026Quarter-finalQF3Miami StadiumTBD
10011 Jul 2026Quarter-finalQF4Kansas City StadiumTBD
10114 Jul 2026Semi-finalSF1Dallas StadiumTBD
10215 Jul 2026Semi-finalSF2Atlanta StadiumTBD
10318 Jul 2026Third Place MatchLoser SF1 vs Loser SF2Miami StadiumTBD
10419 Jul 2026FinalWinner SF1 vs Winner SF2New York/New Jersey StadiumTBD

Group Stage Fixtures Format

One of the biggest changes for FIFA World Cup 2026 is the new competition structure.

Group Stage Structure

  • 48 national teams.
  • 12 groups.
  • 4 teams per group.
  • Top two teams qualify automatically.
  • Best third-placed teams also advance.

Number of Group Matches

ItemTotal
Groups12
Teams48
Group Matches72

This format ensures every nation gets multiple opportunities to compete while maintaining the excitement of qualification battles.


Host Cities and Match Venues

The FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities are spread across North America.

United States Host Cities

  • Atlanta
  • Boston
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • Kansas City
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • New York/New Jersey
  • Philadelphia
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Seattle

Canada Host Cities

  • Toronto
  • Vancouver

Mexico Host Cities

  • Mexico City
  • Guadalajara
  • Monterrey

These locations are expected to attract millions of football fans and significantly boost event tourism throughout the tournament.


Key Matches Football Fans Should Watch

Every World Cup produces unforgettable moments, but several fixtures are already generating excitement.

Opening Match

The opening game will launch the tournament with a global audience expected to exceed hundreds of millions.

Round of 32

The newly introduced Round of 32 adds extra knockout drama and increases opportunities for surprise upsets.

Quarterfinals

Historically, quarterfinal matches produce some of the tournament’s highest television ratings.

Semifinals

The final four teams will battle for a place in football history.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

The championship match will be held in New York/New Jersey and is expected to be one of the most watched sporting events ever.


Teams Expected to Feature

The expanded competition allows more nations to participate.

Major Contenders

  • Argentina
  • France
  • Brazil
  • England
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Portugal

Rising Challengers

  • Morocco
  • Japan
  • United States
  • Colombia
  • Croatia
  • Netherlands

The larger tournament format may increase the chances of surprise teams reaching the knockout stage.


Travel Guide for World Cup Fans

Millions of supporters are expected to travel across North America.

Flight Booking Tips

Airfares usually increase sharply before major sporting events.

To save money:

  • Book early.
  • Compare airlines.
  • Consider multi-city tickets.
  • Monitor fare alerts.

Hotel Booking Strategy

Accommodation demand will be extremely high in host cities.

Experts recommend:

  • Reserving hotels months in advance.
  • Staying near public transportation.
  • Comparing cancellation policies.

Travel Insurance Benefits

Travel insurance can protect against:

  • Flight delays.
  • Trip cancellations.
  • Lost baggage.
  • Medical emergencies.

Many international travelers consider travel insurance essential when attending major football tournaments.


FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets

Ticket demand for FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to break previous records.

Expected Ticket Categories

CategoryEstimated Price
Group Stage$50–$300
Round of 32$100–$500
Round of 16$150–$700
Quarterfinals$250–$1,200
Semifinals$400–$2,500
Final$1,000+

Fans should purchase tickets only through official FIFA channels to avoid fraud.


Live Streaming and TV Broadcast Information

Watching the FIFA World Cup 2026 has never been easier.

FIFA World Cup Live Streaming Options

Fans can follow matches through:

  • Official broadcasting partners.
  • Sports streaming services.
  • Mobile applications.
  • Smart TV platforms.
  • Premium streaming subscriptions.

Countries Expected to Receive Extensive Coverage

  • United States
  • Canada
  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • India
  • Germany
  • Brazil

Streaming technology continues to transform how football fans experience major tournaments.


Economic Impact and Sports Tourism

The FIFA World Cup generates enormous economic activity.

Key Growth Areas

Sports Merchandise

Official jerseys, collectibles, and fan gear often generate billions in sales.

Event Tourism

Host cities benefit from:

  • Increased hotel occupancy.
  • Restaurant spending.
  • Transportation demand.
  • Tourism attractions.

Hospitality Packages

Premium fan experiences remain one of the fastest-growing sectors of modern sports events.


Predictions and Expert Insights

Predicting a World Cup winner is always difficult, but recent trends provide useful clues.

Top Championship Favorites

France

Strong squad depth and tournament experience.

Argentina

Defending champions with a winning mentality.

Brazil

Always among the tournament favorites.

England

A talented generation entering its prime years.

Spain

Technical quality and tactical discipline make Spain dangerous opponents.

Potential Dark Horses

  • Morocco
  • Japan
  • United States
  • Netherlands

The new format may create more opportunities for underdog nations than any previous World Cup.


Frequently Asked Questions

When does FIFA World Cup 2026 start?

The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026.

How many teams will play in FIFA World Cup 2026?

A record 48 teams will participate.

How many matches are scheduled?

The tournament will feature 104 matches.

Which countries are hosting FIFA World Cup 2026?

The United States, Canada, and Mexico are the host nations.

Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final be played?

The final is scheduled to take place in New York/New Jersey.

How can I watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live?

Fans can watch through television broadcasters, streaming subscriptions, sports streaming services, and official mobile platforms.

When should I book flights and hotels?

Experts recommend booking flights and hotel accommodations as early as possible because demand will rise significantly closer to the tournament.


Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to redefine global football with its expanded 48-team format, 104 matches, and three host countries. The tournament schedule offers more action, more excitement, and more opportunities for fans to experience the world’s most prestigious football competition.

Whether you’re planning to attend matches in person, follow every fixture online, book travel packages, purchase tickets, or simply stay updated with the latest schedule announcements, preparation is key.

With historic venues, elite players, passionate supporters, and a record-breaking match calendar, FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be one of the greatest sporting spectacles ever witnessed.

Key Takeaways

  • FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on June 11, 2026.
  • Features 48 teams and 104 matches.
  • Hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
  • Final scheduled for July 19, 2026.
  • Expanded knockout stage includes a Round of 32.
  • Millions of fans expected to travel across North America.
  • Early booking for flights, hotels, and tickets is strongly recommended.

Football fans worldwide now have their eyes firmly fixed on the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule as the road to football history continues.

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