FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Dates and Key Matches in USA, Canada, and Mexico The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest edition in tournament history, featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Fans are eagerly waiting for the action to kick off, and here is the official schedule and key dates you need to know.
π FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Overview
The tournament will run for 39 days, from June 11, 2026, to July 19, 2026, across 16 host cities.
- Opening Match: June 11, 2026 β Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
- Group Stage: June 11 β June 27, 2026
- Round of 32: June 28 β July 3, 2026
- Round of 16: July 4 β July 7, 2026
- Quarter-finals: July 9 β July 11, 2026
- Semi-finals: July 14 β July 15, 2026
- Third Place Playoff: July 18, 2026
- Final Match: July 19, 2026 β MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
β½ Group Stage: June 11 β June 27, 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage will feature 12 groups of four teams each, with matches spread across all host cities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. A total of 72 games will be played during this stage, giving fans more opportunities than ever to watch their favorite teams in action.
- Each team will play three matches in the group stage.
- The top two teams from each group will advance.
- An additional eight best third-placed teams will qualify, completing the lineup for the Round of 32.
π₯ Knockout Rounds
Round of 32: June 28 β July 3
The new Round of 32 adds an extra knockout stage. This will be the first time in history that 32 teams compete in the knockouts, bringing even more excitement and unpredictability.
Round of 16: July 4 β July 7
The winners from the Round of 32 will clash for a spot in the quarter-finals. This stage traditionally produces dramatic finishes and penalty shootouts.
Quarter-finals: July 9 β July 11
Only eight teams remain at this stage, battling it out for a chance to reach the semi-finals. Matches will take place in some of the largest stadiums across the USA.
Semi-finals: July 14 β July 15
The last four teams will compete for a place in the World Cup Final. Both semi-final matches are expected to attract massive global audiences.
Third Place Playoff: July 18
The two losing semi-finalists will play for third place in a match often remembered for high-scoring entertainment.
π The Grand Final: July 19, 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will be held on July 19, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. With a capacity of over 80,000, this modern arena will witness history as the world crowns its next football champion.
π Key Highlights of the Schedule
- Tournament Duration: June 11 β July 19, 2026 (39 days).
- Total Matches: 104, compared to 64 in the 2018 and 2022 editions.
- Opening Match: Hosted at Mexico Cityβs Estadio Azteca, the first stadium in history to host three World Cup openers.
- Final Match: Met Life Stadium, New Jersey, July 19, 2026.
- Expanded Knockout Stage: New Round of 32 adds more drama and opportunities for underdog stories.
π Final Thoughts
The FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule is set, and fans can now begin preparing for what promises to be the biggest and most exciting World Cup in history. With matches spread across North America, an expanded format, and more teams than ever before, the 2026 edition will offer football fans unforgettable moments from start to finish. FIFA World Cup 2026
Complete Schedule
| Phase | Dates | Key Venues |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Match | June 11, 2026 | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Group Stage | June 11 β June 27, 2026 | Across all host cities |
| Round of 32 | June 28 β July 3, 2026 | Major US, Canada and Mexico stadiums |
| Round of 16 | July 4 β July 7, 2026 | Host venues |
| Quarter Finals | July 9 β July 11, 2026 | Host venues |
| Semi Finals | July 14 β July 15, 2026 | Host venues |
| Third-Place Play-off | July 18, 2026 | Host venues |
| Final | July 19, 2026 | MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey |
Host Cities
- USA: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle
- Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
- Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
