2026 FIFA World Cup: Dates and Schedule Overview

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a landmark event in football history, taking place from June 8 to July 3, 2026. This edition marks the first time the tournament will be jointly hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams, this World Cup promises more excitement and more matches than ever before.

Tournament Structure

The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup includes several stages:

  • Group Stage: The tournament kicks off with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4. Each team plays three matches, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing.
  • Round of 32: This knockout stage features 32 teams battling to progress to the next round.
  • Round of 16: The 16 remaining teams compete for a spot in the quarterfinals.
  • Quarterfinals: Eight teams face off to secure a place in the semifinals.
  • Semifinals: The final four teams vie for a coveted place in the final match.
  • Third-Place Match: The two semifinal losers compete for third place.
  • Final: The tournament concludes with the final match, where the two best teams compete for the World Cup title.

Chronological Schedule Overview

  • Opening Match: June 8, 2026 - The tournament begins with the opening match in Mexico City, Mexico.
  • Group Stage: June 8 - June 26, 2026
  • Round of 32: June 27 - June 30, 2026
  • Round of 16: July 1 - July 4, 2026
  • Quarterfinals: July 5 - July 7, 2026
  • Semifinals: July 10 - July 11, 2026
  • Third-Place Match: July 12, 2026
  • Final Match: July 3, 2026 - Held in one of the major U.S. host cities, likely New York or Los Angeles.

Host Countries and Major Cities

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across three countries, featuring major cities such as:

What's New in 2026

The 2026 World Cup introduces several exciting changes:

  • 48 Teams: An increase from the previous 32-team format, allowing more nations to compete.
  • More Matches: With the expanded format, fans can enjoy a greater number of matches throughout the tournament.

FAQ

  • When does the World Cup 2026 start and end? It starts on June 8 and ends on July 3, 2026.
  • How many teams will participate? The tournament will feature 48 teams.
  • Where will the final match be held? The final match is expected to be held in a major U.S. city, such as New York or Los Angeles.

This article will be updated as FIFA releases official match times and pairings.