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Complete guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule, including match dates, venue cities, and key tournament milestones.
Overview of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This guide breaks down the full match calendar, key dates, and what fans can expect.
Tournament Structure and Key Dates
The 2026 World Cup introduces a new format with 12 groups of 4 teams. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a round of 32. Here are the essential dates:
- Opening Match: June 11, 2026 (host city TBC)
- Group Stage: June 11 – June 27, 2026
- Round of 32: June 29 – July 2, 2026
- Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026
- Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11, 2026
- Semifinals: July 14 – July 15, 2026
- Third-Place Match: July 18, 2026
- Final: July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Host Cities and Venues
Matches will be played across 16 venues in three countries. Key cities include:
- United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey (MetLife), Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle
- Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
- Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
Each venue will host multiple matches, with the final and semifinals in the U.S. For a full list of venues and capacities, check FIFA’s official website.
Group Stage Match Schedule
The group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, with each team playing three matches. The exact fixture list and kickoff times will be announced closer to the tournament. Typically, matches are scheduled in three time slots per day (local time) to accommodate global audiences. Fans should expect multiple matches daily across different venues.
Knockout Stage and Final
The knockout stage begins with the round of 32, a new addition for 2026. From there, the tournament progresses to the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. The final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium will be the culmination of 39 days of football. The third-place match takes place the day before, on July 18.
How to Stay Updated
For the most accurate and up-to-date schedule, including specific match dates, times, and venues, refer to the official FIFA World Cup website and your local broadcaster. Ticket sales and match schedules are subject to change, so always verify with official sources.
FAQ
When does the 2026 World Cup start and end?
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, and ends with the final on July 19, 2026.
How many matches are in the 2026 World Cup?
There are 104 matches in total, including the group stage and knockout rounds.
Where is the 2026 World Cup final?
The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams will compete, divided into 12 groups of 4.
When will the full match schedule be released?
The detailed schedule with specific kickoff times is typically released about a year before the tournament. Check FIFA’s official channels for updates.
