The World Cup 2026 is now edging closer than ever, following the completion of the qualifying playoffs which confirmed 48 teams set to compete for the global tournament. The tournament has been scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With every group now finalized, and match dates and time now set, fans and supporters are buzzing with excitement as they look forward to a world cup that will feature an expanded format. The restructured 2026 world cup schedule will feature more matches than ever before and a packed calendar running from the opening game in Mexico City on June 11 through to the final.
Co-hosts Mexico, Canada and the United States all know their group stage opponents and opening fixtures as anticipation builds for football’s biggest international event.
When Does the World Cup 2026 Begin?
The World Cup 2026 kicks off in Mexico on June 11 and will run through July 19, when the final is scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium. The expanded tournament will feature 103 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Tournament Snapshot
| Category | Details |
| Opening Match | June 11, 2026 (Mexico) |
| Final | July 19, 2026 (MetLife Stadium) |
| Teams | 48 National Teams |
| Total Matches | 103 |
The 48 qualified teams have been drawn into 12 groups of four. Each nation will play three group stage matches, and 32 teams will advance to the knockout rounds.
Qualification from the groups works as follows:
- The top two teams in each group qualify automatically (24 teams).
- The eight best third-place teams also progress (8 teams).
- This creates a 32-team knockout bracket that begins after the group stage.
If teams finish level on points, the tiebreakers are applied in this order:
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Head-to-head results
- Fair play record
- Drawing of lots
The expanded format means the 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup ever held, both in number of teams and total matches played.
World Cup 2026 Group Stage Schedule and Fixtures
The World Cup 2026 group stage will take place from June 11 through June 27, with all 48 participating nations playing three matches each. The expanded format introduces 12 groups of four teams, creating a packed schedule across host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Each matchday will feature games from multiple groups, allowing fans to follow action throughout the day. Group stage fixtures are designed to determine the 32 teams that will advance to the knockout rounds.
World Cup 2026 Group A Fixtures: Full Schedule, Dates and Match Venues
Group A features co hosts Mexico alongside South Africa, Korea Republic and Czechia. Mexico will begin the tournament in the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca, while all four teams battle for qualification to the knockout rounds.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 11, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Mexico vs South Africa | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| June 11, 2026 | 10:00 p.m. | Korea Republic vs Czechia | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara |
| June 18, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. | Czechia vs South Africa | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| June 18, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | Mexico vs Korea Republic | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara |
| June 24, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | Czechia vs Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| June 24, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | South Africa vs Korea Republic | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
| Team | Confederation |
| Mexico | CONCACAF |
| South Africa | CAF |
| Korea Republic | AFC |
| Czechia | UEFA |
Mexico enters Group A as one of the tournament hosts and will have the advantage of playing two of its three group matches in front of home supporters. The group also presents an intriguing mix of teams from four different confederations, making every match significant in the race for a place in the World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
World Cup 2026 Group B Fixtures: Complete Schedule, Match Dates and Venues
Group B brings together co hosts Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland in a competitive section that spans venues across Canada and the United States. Canada will open its campaign in Toronto before concluding the group stage in Vancouver.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 12, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | BMO Field, Toronto |
| June 13, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Qatar vs Switzerland | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California |
| June 18, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| June 18, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Canada vs Qatar | BC Place, Vancouver |
| June 24, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Switzerland vs Canada | BC Place, Vancouver |
| June 24, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| Team | Confederation |
| Canada | CONCACAF |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | UEFA |
| Qatar | AFC |
| Switzerland | UEFA |
World Cup 2026 Group C Fixtures: Full Schedule, Dates, Kick-Off Times and Venues
Group C features five time world champions Brazil alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. The group promises several intriguing matchups, including Brazil’s opening clash against Morocco and a final round showdown between Brazil and Scotland.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 13, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Brazil vs Morocco | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| June 13, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | Haiti vs Scotland | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| June 19, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Scotland vs Morocco | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| June 19, 2026 | 8:30 p.m. | Brazil vs Haiti | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| June 24, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Scotland vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| June 24, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Morocco vs Haiti | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| Team | Confederation |
| Brazil | CONMEBOL |
| Morocco | CAF |
| Haiti | CONCACAF |
| Scotland | UEFA |
World Cup 2026 Group D Fixtures: United States Schedule, Match Dates and Venues
Group D features co-hosts United States alongside Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. The Americans begin their World Cup 2026 campaign in California and will be looking to capitalize on home support as they pursue a place in the knockout rounds.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 12, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | United States vs Paraguay | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| June 13, 2026 | 12:00 a.m. | Australia vs Türkiye | BC Place, Vancouver |
| June 19, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | United States vs Australia | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| June 19, 2026 | 11:00 p.m. | Türkiye vs Paraguay | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California |
| June 25, 2026 | 10:00 p.m. | Türkiye vs United States | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| June 25, 2026 | 10:00 p.m. | Paraguay vs Australia | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California |
| Team | Confederation |
| United States | CONCACAF |
| Paraguay | CONMEBOL |
| Australia | AFC |
| Türkiye | UEFA |
World Cup 2026 Group E Fixtures: Germany’s Schedule, Match Dates and Stadium Guide
Group E brings together Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Curaçao in a section packed with international pedigree and emerging talent. Germany enters as one of the traditional powers of world football, while Ivory Coast and Ecuador will be aiming to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 14, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | Germany vs Curaçao | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| June 14, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | Ivory Coast vs Ecuador | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| June 20, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Germany vs Ivory Coast | BMO Field, Toronto |
| June 20, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. | Ecuador vs Curaçao | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri |
| June 25, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Curaçao vs Ivory Coast | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| June 25, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Ecuador vs Germany | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
Group E Teams
| Team | Confederation |
| Germany | UEFA |
| Ivory Coast | CAF |
| Ecuador | CONMEBOL |
| Curaçao | CONCACAF |
World Cup 2026 Group F Fixtures: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia Schedule
Group F features an intriguing mix of European, Asian and African contenders, with the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia all aiming to secure a place in the World Cup 2026 knockout rounds. The group includes several evenly matched fixtures that could make qualification one of the most competitive races in the tournament.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 14, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Netherlands vs Japan | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| June 14, 2026 | 10:00 p.m. | Sweden vs Tunisia | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico |
| June 20, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | Netherlands vs Sweden | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| June 20, 2026 | 12:00 a.m. | Tunisia vs Japan | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico |
| June 25, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | Japan vs Sweden | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| June 25, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | Tunisia vs Netherlands | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri |
Group F Teams
| Team | Confederation |
| Netherlands | UEFA |
| Japan | AFC |
| Sweden | UEFA |
| Tunisia | CAF |
World Cup 2026 Group G Fixtures: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand Match Schedule
Group G brings together Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in a diverse group featuring representatives from Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. With Belgium looking to live up to expectations and the other three nations eager to make their mark, every match could have significant implications for qualification.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 15, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Belgium vs Egypt | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| June 15, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | Iran vs New Zealand | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| June 21, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Belgium vs Iran | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| June 21, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | New Zealand vs Egypt | BC Place, Vancouver |
| June 26, 2026 | 11:00 p.m. | Egypt vs Iran | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| June 26, 2026 | 11:00 p.m. | New Zealand vs Belgium | BC Place, Vancouver |
Group G Teams
| Team | Confederation |
| Belgium | UEFA |
| Egypt | CAF |
| Iran | AFC |
| New Zealand | OFC |
World Cup 2026 Group H Fixtures: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde Schedule
Group H features a compelling mix of footballing traditions and emerging international talent. Spain and Uruguay headline the group, while Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde will be aiming to upset the established order and secure a place in the World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 15, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. | Spain vs Cape Verde | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| June 15, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| June 21, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. | Spain vs Saudi Arabia | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| June 21, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Uruguay vs Cape Verde | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| June 26, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. | Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| June 26, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. | Uruguay vs Spain | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico |
Group H Teams
| Team | Confederation |
| Spain | UEFA |
| Cape Verde | CAF |
| Saudi Arabia | AFC |
| Uruguay | CONMEBOL |
World Cup 2026 Group I Fixtures: France, Senegal, Norway and Iraq Match Schedule
Group I features one of the tournament favourites in France alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq. The group combines European, African and Asian representation and includes several intriguing fixtures, particularly the opening clash between France and Senegal and the final round meeting between France and Norway.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 16, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | France vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| June 16, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Iraq vs Norway | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| June 22, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. | France vs Iraq | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| June 22, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. | Norway vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| June 26, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Norway vs France | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| June 26, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Senegal vs Iraq | BMO Field, Toronto |
Group I Teams
| Team | Confederation |
| France | UEFA |
| Senegal | CAF |
| Iraq | AFC |
| Norway | UEFA |
World Cup 2026 Group J Fixtures: Argentina, Austria, Algeria and Jordan Schedule
Group J is headlined by reigning world champions Argentina, who will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in their quest to advance to the knockout rounds. The group offers a mix of South American, European, African and Asian football styles, creating several intriguing matchups throughout the group stage.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 16, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | Argentina vs Algeria | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri |
| June 17, 2026 | 12:00 a.m. | Austria vs Jordan | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California |
| June 22, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | Argentina vs Austria | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| June 22, 2026 | 11:00 p.m. | Jordan vs Algeria | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California |
| June 27, 2026 | 10:00 p.m. | Jordan vs Argentina | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| June 27, 2026 | 10:00 p.m. | Algeria vs Austria | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri |
Group J Teams
| Team | Confederation |
| Argentina | CONMEBOL |
| Algeria | CAF |
| Austria | UEFA |
| Jordan | AFC |
World Cup 2026 Group K Fixtures: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan Match Schedule
Group K features Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan in what could become one of the most competitive groups of the World Cup 2026. Portugal enters as the highest-ranked side in the section, while Colombia will be aiming to challenge for top spot and secure a strong route into the knockout rounds.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 17, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | Portugal vs DR Congo | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| June 17, 2026 | 10:00 p.m. | Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| June 23, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | Portugal vs Uzbekistan | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| June 23, 2026 | 10:00 p.m. | Colombia vs DR Congo | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico |
| June 27, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Colombia vs Portugal | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| June 27, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
Group K Teams
| Team | Confederation |
| Portugal | UEFA |
| DR Congo | CAF |
| Uzbekistan | AFC |
| Colombia | CONMEBOL |
World Cup 2026 Group L Fixtures: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama Schedule
Group L rounds off the 2026 World Cup group stage with a fascinating mix of European, African and CONCACAF nations. England and Croatia headline the group and will meet in one of the standout opening fixtures, while Ghana and Panama will be looking to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 17, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | England vs Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| June 17, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | Ghana vs Panama | BMO Field, Toronto |
| June 23, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | England vs Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| June 23, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | Panama vs Croatia | BMO Field, Toronto |
| June 27, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. | Panama vs England | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| June 27, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. | Croatia vs Ghana | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
Group L Teams
| Team | Confederation |
| England | UEFA |
| Croatia | UEFA |
| Ghana | CAF |
| Panama | CONCACAF |
2026 World Cup Knockout Stage Schedule: Road to the Final
After the conclusion of the group stage, 32 teams will advance to the knockout rounds. The Round of 32 marks the beginning of the single elimination phase, where every match becomes a winner takes all contests on the road to the World Cup 2026 Final.
Round of 32 Fixtures
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| June 28, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Group A Runner-up vs Group B Runner-up | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| June 29, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | Group C Winner vs Group F Runner-up | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| June 29, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. | Group E Winner vs Best Third-Place Team (A/B/C/D/F) | Gillette Stadium, Boston |
| June 29, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | Group F Winner vs Group C Runner-up | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
| June 30, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | Group E Runner-up vs Group I Runner-up | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| June 30, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. | Group I Winner vs Best Third-Place Team (C/D/F/G/H) | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| June 30, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | Group A Winner vs Best Third-Place Team (C/E/F/H/I) | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| July 1, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. | Group L Winner vs Best Third-Place Team (E/H/I/J/K) | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| July 1, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Group G Winner vs Best Third-Place Team (A/E/H/I/J) | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| July 1, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. | Group D Winner vs Best Third-Place Team (B/E/F/I/J) | Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area |
| July 2, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Group H Winner vs Group J Runner-up | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| July 2, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | Group K Runner-up vs Group L Runner-up | BMO Field, Toronto |
| July 2, 2026 | 11:00 p.m. | Group B Winner vs Best Third-Place Team (E/F/G/I/J) | BC Place, Vancouver |
| July 3, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. | Group D Runner-up vs Group G Runner-up | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| July 3, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Group J Winner vs Group H Runner-up | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| July 3, 2026 | 9:30 p.m. | Group K Winner vs Best Third-Place Team (D/E/I/J/L) | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
How the Round of 32 Works
The expanded World Cup format introduces a Round of 32 for the first time. The stage features:
- The 12 group winners
- The 12 group runners-up
- The eight best third-place teams
From this point onward, every match is a straight knockout fixture. Teams that win advance to the Round of 16, while the losing side is eliminated from the tournament.
With 16 matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the Round of 32 will officially begin the race toward the World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Round of 16 Schedule
The Round of 16 will feature the 16 remaining teams battling for a place in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals. Matches will be played across eight host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| July 4, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| July 4, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| July 5, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| July 5, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| July 6, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| July 6, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| July 7, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| July 7, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | BC Place, Vancouver |
Quarterfinal Schedule
The competition intensifies in the quarterfinals, where the final eight teams will compete for a place in the last four.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| July 9, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Gillette Stadium, Boston |
| July 10, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| July 11, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| July 11, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
Semifinal Schedule
The World Cup 2026 semifinals will determine the two nations that advance to the championship match at MetLife Stadium.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| July 14, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| July 15, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
Third Place Playoff Schedule
Before the final, the two losing semifinalists will meet in the traditional third place playoff.
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| July 18, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. | Third Place Match | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
The third place game offers one final opportunity for teams to finish the tournament on a positive note and secure a place on the World Cup podium.
When Is the World Cup 2026 Final? Date, Kick-Off Time and Venue
The World Cup 2026 Final will take place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will be known as the New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m. local time (ET) and will bring the curtain down on the first-ever 48-team World Cup.
2026 World Cup Final Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| July 19, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. (ET) | World Cup 2026 Final | MetLife Stadium |
Key Facts About the 2026 Final
- The final will be the 104th and last match of the tournament.
- MetLife Stadium was selected by FIFA as the host venue for the tournament’s showpiece event.
- The stadium has a capacity of approximately 82,500 spectators, making it the largest venue used during the competition.
- The match will determine the champion of the first World Cup played across the United States, Canada and Mexico and featuring 48 national teams.
