The World Cup 2026 schedule will feature 104 matches across 48 teams, making it the largest tournament in FIFA history. With matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, understanding the full schedule is essential for following the tournament.
World Cup 2026 Schedule: Full Match Dates, Fixtures & Key Games
“104 matches. 48 teams. One global stage.”
THE MATCH JOURNAL
When is the World Cup 2026?
The World Cup 2026 will begin on June 11, 2026, and conclude with the final on July 19, 2026. The tournament will run for 39 days.
The opening match will take place in Mexico City, while the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey.
World Cup 2026 match schedule overview
The expanded format introduces a new structure to the tournament. With 48 teams, the schedule includes more matches and an additional knockout round.
- 12 groups of 4 teams
- Top 2 teams from each group qualify
- 8 best third-placed teams advance
- Round of 32 added before Round of 16
- Total of 104 matches
World Cup 2026 schedule by stage
Group stage
The group stage will run for approximately 24 days with multiple matches played daily.
Knockout stage
The knockout phase begins with the Round of 32, followed by Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final.
Final
The final will take place on July 19, 2026.
Key dates in the World Cup 2026 schedule
- Opening match: June 11, 2026
- Group stage: June to early July
- Knockout stage: July
- Final: July 19, 2026
For full tournament context, see the World Cup 2026 complete guide or explore the host cities and stadiums.
World Cup 2026 opening match details
The opening match will be played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
- Stadium: Estadio Azteca
- Capacity: ~87,000
- City: Mexico City, Mexico
- Landmarks: Historic stadium that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals
- Location: View on Google Maps
Estadio Azteca is one of the most historic venues in football and the first to host three World Cups.
World Cup 2026 final match details
The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium
- Capacity: ~82,500
- City: New York / New Jersey, USA
- Landmarks: Located near New York City, one of the world’s most iconic global destinations
- Location: View on Google Maps
The final will take place in a globally recognized metropolitan area, placing the tournament’s biggest match on one of the world’s most visible stages.
World Cup 2026 schedule table
| Stage | Dates | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 11 – Early July | 72 |
| Round of 32 | Early July | 16 |
| Round of 16 | Mid July | 8 |
| Quarter-finals | Mid July | 4 |
| Semi-finals | Mid July | 2 |
| Final | July 19, 2026 | 1 |
What to read next about World Cup 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does World Cup 2026 start?
June 11, 2026.
When is the final?
July 19, 2026.
How many matches?
104 matches.
What is the format?
48 teams with a Round of 32.
