World Cup 2026 Schedule Revealed: Full Dates, Fixtures & Host Cities for Every Match
- Capital City Tickets
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 is here — the biggest and most ambitious tournament in history. Running from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this edition features 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 iconic host cities. The expanded format promises non-stop action, with the opening match in Mexico City and the grand final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. World Cup 2026 Schedule Revealed!
Tournament Overview & Key Dates
Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026 (39 days)
Teams: 48 (12 groups of 4)
Total Matches: 104
Format: Top 2 from each group + 8 best third-placed teams advance to Round of 32
Major Milestones:
Opening Match: June 11, 2026 – Mexico vs South Africa at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca)
Group Stage: June 11–27
Round of 32: June 28 – July 3
Round of 16: July 4–7
Quarterfinals: July 9–11
Semifinals: July 14–15
Third-Place Match: July 18
Final: July 19, 2026 – MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
Host Cities & Stadiums - World Cup 2026 Schedule Revealed
The 16 venues are spread across three countries for maximum geographic reach:
Mexico (3 venues): Mexico City (Estadio Azteca), Guadalajara (Estadio Akron), Monterrey
Canada (2 venues): Toronto (BMO Field), Vancouver (BC Place)
United States (11 venues): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles (SoFi), Miami, New York/New Jersey (MetLife), Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle
Highlight Fixtures & Early Group Stage Matches
Here are some of the most anticipated early clashes (all times ET):
June 11
Mexico vs South Africa – Mexico City Stadium (3:00 PM)
Korea Republic vs Czechia – Guadalajara
June 12
Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – Toronto (3:00 PM)
USA vs Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (7:00 PM)
June 13
Brazil vs Morocco – New York New Jersey Stadium
Qatar vs Switzerland – San Francisco Bay Area
Other blockbuster early games include England vs Croatia, France vs Senegal, Argentina vs Algeria, and Spain vs Cabo Verde.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About World Cup 2026 Games
How many matches will each team play? In the group stage, every team plays 3 matches. Teams reaching the final will play up to 8 games total due to the expanded knockout format.
When and where is the final? Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. Kickoff is expected at 3:00 PM ET.
How does the new 48-team format work? 12 groups of 4. The top two from each group advance automatically, plus the eight best third-placed teams, creating a 32-team knockout stage.
Where can I watch the matches? In the US: FOX, FS1, Telemundo, and Peacock will broadcast all games. Check local listings for international rights.
When do tickets go on sale? General ticket sales are ongoing via FIFA.com. Hospitality packages and resale options are also available. High-demand games (hosts, Brazil, Argentina) sell out fastest.
Which cities host the most matches? AT&T Stadium in Dallas hosts the highest number (9 matches). MetLife Stadium hosts the final and several key knockout games.
Are there any rest days? Yes — strategic rest days are built into the schedule, especially between group stage and knockout rounds, to help teams recover during the intense calendar.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the most geographically diverse and fan-friendly edition ever. With matches spanning three countries and world-class stadiums, soccer fans are in for a summer like no other.
Which match are you most excited for? Drop your predictions for the winner or dream final in the comments! ⚽🔥