FIFA revealed the complete match schedule for the 2026 World Cup on December 6, 2025, following the group draw in Washington, D.C. The expanded 48-team tournament will feature 104 matches across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting June 11 with Mexico versus South Africa in Mexico City. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Tournament Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks the first edition with 48 teams and 104 matches. The group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, followed by knockout rounds including a new round of 32 from June 28 to July 3. All quarterfinals, semifinals, the third-place match, and the final will occur in the U.S.
Group Stage Highlights
The 12 groups were determined on December 5, with six spots pending playoffs in March 2026. Key groups include:
- Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, UEFA Playoff D (Denmark/North Macedonia/Czechia/Republic of Ireland)
- Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA Playoff A (Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, UEFA Playoff C (Turkiye/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo)
- And others up to Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana.
The U.S. Men's National Team opens against Paraguay on June 12 at 9 p.m. ET in Los Angeles, followed by Australia on June 19 at 3 p.m. ET in Seattle, and the playoff winner on June 25 at 10 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.
Key Matches and Venues
Notable early fixtures: England vs. Croatia on June 17 at 4 p.m. ET in Dallas; France vs. Senegal on June 16 at 3 p.m. ET in New Jersey. Semifinals are July 14 in Dallas and July 15 in Atlanta, with the bronze match on July 18 in Miami. Kickoff times prioritize global viewership, with many afternoon starts in the U.S. for European evenings.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized balancing team recovery, travel, and broadcast needs across time zones and climates. Tickets via random draw begin December 11 on FIFA.com.
