World Cup Schedule 2026: Complete Match Fixtures, Dates & Locations Guide

World Cup 2026 Tournament Overview

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the most expansive edition in history, featuring 48 teams competing across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This guide provides the complete World Cup schedule, including all match dates, venues, and broadcast information you need to follow the tournament.

Tournament Format

The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of 4. The top two from each group advance to the knockout stage, along with 8 best third-placed teams, creating a 32-team knockout phase.

Host Nations

For the first time, three nations will co-host the tournament: United States (11 venues), Canada (2 venues), and Mexico (3 venues). The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Key Dates

Opening Match: June 11, 2026 (Mexico City). Group Stage: June 11 - July 2. Knockout Stage: July 3 - July 19. Final: July 19, 2026 (MetLife Stadium).

Complete World Cup 2026 Match Schedule

Below is the official World Cup schedule for all 104 matches. All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). For specific World Cup schedule locations, check our venue guide.

Group Stage Highlights

For detailed World Cup schedule groups analysis and predictions, visit our dedicated group stage guide.

Knockout Stage Schedule

The knockout phase begins on July 3, 2026, with the Round of 32. The quarter-finals are scheduled for July 9-10, semi-finals on July 14-15, and the final on July 19, 2026.

Teams, Groups & Qualification

The expanded 48-team format includes teams from all six FIFA confederations. The draw will take place in late 2025. For the latest USA men's World Cup schedule and preparation matches, check our USMNT tracker.

Confirmed Qualified Teams

As host nations, United States, Canada, and Mexico have automatically qualified. The remaining 45 spots will be determined through continental qualifying tournaments concluding in March 2026.

Group Stage Analysis

Our experts predict several "groups of death" based on current FIFA rankings. The World Cup schedule groups will be crucial in determining which third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage.

Stadiums & Host Cities

World Cup 2026 will be played across 16 state-of-the-art stadiums in North America. For specific World Cup schedule locations and travel guides, see our venue profiles.

Key Venues

• MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ): Hosts the final and 8 total matches. Capacity: 82,500.
• Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico): Only stadium to host two World Cup finals (1970, 1986). Capacity: 87,523.
• SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA): Most expensive stadium ever built. Capacity: 70,240.
• AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX): Retractable roof stadium. Capacity: 80,000.

MetLife Stadium will host the World Cup 2026 Final on July 19, 2026.

Download Official Schedule & Mobile App

Get the complete World Cup schedule on your device with our official mobile app and downloadable calendar files.

Mobile Application

Our official World Cup Schedule app (APK available for Android, iOS version on App Store) provides:

• Live match updates and push notifications
• Interactive schedule with team profiles
• Venue maps and transportation guides
• Customizable alerts for your favorite teams

Calendar Files

Download iCal (.ics) or Google Calendar files to sync the complete World Cup schedule with your personal calendar.

Update Log & Version History

This guide is continuously updated with the latest schedule changes and tournament information.

Recent Updates

• 2026-02-03: Added final venue confirmation for knockout stage matches.
• 2026-01-15: Updated broadcast information for North American markets.
• 2025-12-10: Added 12 confirmed qualified teams after continental tournaments.
• 2025-11-05: Mobile app version 3.2 released with enhanced notification system.

Version Comparison

Our schedule tracking system has evolved significantly since the initial release:

• v1.0 (2024): Basic schedule with confirmed host cities
• v2.0 (2025): Added interactive elements and team profiles
• v3.0 (2026): Live updates, mobile app integration, and real-time alerts

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the World Cup 2026 start?

The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, with the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

How many matches are in the World Cup 2026?

The 48-team format features 104 total matches: 72 group stage matches and 32 knockout matches.

Where can I find the Rugby World Cup schedule and results?

While we focus on FIFA World Cup football, we provide links to authoritative sources for other major tournaments.

Is there a difference between the Women's World Cup schedule soccer and the men's tournament?

Yes, the Women's World Cup follows a different qualifying and scheduling calendar. The next Women's World Cup is in 2027.

Other World Cup Schedules

While this guide focuses on the FIFA World Cup 2026, fans may also be interested in:

• Club World Cup Schedule And Locations - For the annual club championship
• T20 World Cup Schedule 2024 - Cricket's premier tournament
• Women's World Cup Schedule 2027 - Next women's football tournament
• Women's World Cup Schedule 2025 - Upcoming women's cricket event
• FIFA Club World Cup Schedule Today - Daily club match updates