FIFA World Cup 2026: Schedule, Teams, Live Stream and Venues

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest edition ever, with more teams, more matches, and a true three-country hosting plan. It runs from June 11, 2026 to July 19, 2026 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, using 16 host cities.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. It uses a 48-team format with 104 matches, starting in Mexico City and ending with the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Key Details

The 2026 tournament expands the World Cup experience in two main ways. First, it grows from 32 teams to 48 teams. Second, it stretches across a huge map of cities, which changes how fans plan travel, viewing times, and even daily fixture habits.

Tournament timeline

TimelineDetails
Tournament datesJune 11 to July 19
Total teams48
Total matches104
Group format12 groups of 4
Total Venues16 Stadiums across 16 Host Cities
Knockout changeRound of 32
Opening match venueEstadio Azteca, Mexico City
Final venueMetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
Host countriesCanada, Mexico, United States
Official WebsiteFifa.com

FIFA World Cup 2026 Key Dates and Match Stages

Even if you do not memorize every matchday, the tournament becomes simple to follow once you save the stage windows. These date ranges are especially useful because they help you plan viewing routines, travel blocks, or content schedules without getting lost in daily fixtures.

Stage-by-stage timeline (June 11 to July 19)

PhaseDates (2026)What Happens
Group StageJune 11 – June 2712 groups of 4 teams play round-robin matches
Round of 32June 28 – July 3First knockout stage with 32 teams
Round of 16July 4 – July 7The last 16 teams fight for quarter-final spots
Quarter-finalsJuly 9 – July 11Eight teams remain, demand and drama rise
Semi-finalsJuly 14 – July 15Two matches decide the finalists
Third-place playoffJuly 18Bronze match between losing semi-finalists
FinalJuly 19Championship match at MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey)

FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule and Fixtures

Many supporters look for the full list of fixtures and assume every match is already confirmed. However, the World Cup 2026 schedule works in two parts. First comes the overall structure, which includes match dates, host cities, and tournament stages. Then, once qualification ends and the official draw takes place, the final team pairings are confirmed.

Group stage window

The World Cup group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, 2026. With 12 groups in play, the tournament feels constant, with matches spread across several cities each day.

Each team plays three group matches. That makes it easier to plan, because you can follow a team’s journey in a simple pattern match one, match two, match three, then you either advance or exit.

Group Stage Matchday 1 (June 11–17, 2026)

DateMatch #FixtureGroupCityTime
June 111Mexico vs South AfricaGroup AMexico City3 p.m.
June 112South Korea vs UEFA Playoff DGroup AGuadalajara10 p.m.
June 123Canada vs UEFA Playoff AGroup BToronto3 p.m.
June 124USA vs ParaguayGroup DLos Angeles9 p.m.
June 135Brazil vs MoroccoGroup CNew York/New Jersey3 p.m.
June 136Australia vs UEFA Playoff CGroup DVancouver6 p.m.
June 137Haiti vs ScotlandGroup CBoston9 p.m.
June 138Qatar vs SwitzerlandGroup BSan Francisco Bay Area12 a.m. (9 p.m. local)
June 149Germany vs CuraçaoGroup EHouston1 p.m.
June 1410Ivory Coast vs EcuadorGroup EPhiladelphia4 p.m.
June 1411Netherlands vs JapanGroup FDallas7 p.m.
June 1412UEFA Playoff B vs TunisiaGroup FMonterrey10 p.m.
June 1513Spain vs Cape VerdeGroup HAtlanta12 p.m.
June 1514Belgium vs EgyptGroup GSeattle3 p.m.
June 1515Saudi Arabia vs UruguayGroup HMiami6 p.m.
June 1516Iran vs New ZealandGroup GLos Angeles9 p.m.
June 1617France vs SenegalGroup INew York/New Jersey3 p.m.
June 1618FIFA Playoff 2 vs NorwayGroup IBoston6 p.m.
June 1619Argentina vs AlgeriaGroup JKansas City9 p.m.
June 1620Austria vs JordanGroup JSan Francisco Bay Area12 a.m. (9 p.m. local)
June 1721Portugal vs FIFA Playoff 1Group KHouston1 p.m.
June 1722England vs CroatiaGroup LDallas4 p.m.
June 1723Ghana vs PanamaGroup LToronto7 p.m.
June 1724Uzbekistan vs ColombiaGroup KMexico City10 p.m.

Group Stage Matchday 2 (June 18–23, 2026)

DateMatch #FixtureGroupCityTime
June 1825UEFA Playoff D vs South AfricaGroup AAtlanta12 p.m.
June 1826Switzerland vs UEFA Playoff AGroup ALos Angeles3 p.m.
June 1827Canada vs QatarGroup BVancouver6 p.m.
June 1828Mexico vs South KoreaGroup AGuadalajara9 p.m.
June 1929USA vs AustraliaGroup DSeattle3 p.m.
June 1930Scotland vs MoroccoGroup CBoston6 p.m.
June 1931Brazil vs HaitiGroup CPhiladelphia9 p.m.
June 1932UEFA Playoff C vs ParaguayGroup DSan Francisco Bay Area12 a.m. (9 p.m. local)
June 2033Netherlands vs UEFA Playoff BGroup FHouston1 p.m.
June 2034Germany vs Ivory CoastGroup EToronto4 p.m.
June 2035Ecuador vs CuraçaoGroup EKansas City8 p.m.
June 2036Tunisia vs JapanGroup FMonterrey12 a.m. (11 p.m. local)
June 2137Spain vs Saudi ArabiaGroup HAtlanta12 p.m.
June 2138Belgium vs IranGroup GLos Angeles3 p.m.
June 2139Uruguay vs Cape VerdeGroup HMiami6 p.m.
June 2140New Zealand vs EgyptGroup GVancouver9 p.m.
June 2241Argentina vs AustriaGroup JDallas1 p.m.
June 2242France vs FIFA Playoff 2Group IPhiladelphia5 p.m.
June 2243Norway vs SenegalGroup INew York/New Jersey8 p.m.
June 2244Jordan vs AlgeriaGroup JSan Francisco Bay Area11 p.m.
June 2345Portugal vs UzbekistanGroup KHouston1 p.m.
June 2346England vs GhanaGroup LBoston4 p.m.
June 2347Panama vs CroatiaGroup LToronto7 p.m.
June 2348Colombia vs FIFA Playoff 1Group KGuadalajara10 p.m.

Group Stage Matchday 3 (June 24–27, 2026)

DateMatch #FixtureGroupCityTime
June 2449Canada vs SwitzerlandGroup BVancouver3 p.m.
June 2450UEFA Playoff A vs QatarGroup BSeattle3 p.m.
June 2451Scotland vs BrazilGroup CMiami6 p.m.
June 2452Morocco vs HaitiGroup CAtlanta6 p.m.
June 2453Mexico vs UEFA Playoff DGroup AMexico City9 p.m.
June 2454South Korea vs South AfricaGroup AMonterrey9 p.m.
June 2555Ecuador vs GermanyGroup ENew York/New Jersey4 p.m.
June 2556Curaçao vs Ivory CoastGroup EPhiladelphia4 p.m.
June 2557Tunisia vs NetherlandsGroup FKansas City7 p.m.
June 2558Japan vs UEFA Playoff BGroup FDallas7 p.m.
June 2559USA vs UEFA Playoff CGroup DLos Angeles10 p.m.
June 2560Paraguay vs AustraliaGroup DSan Francisco Bay Area10 p.m.
June 2661Norway vs FranceGroup IBoston3 p.m.
June 2662Senegal vs FIFA Playoff 2Group IToronto3 p.m.
June 2663New Zealand vs BelgiumGroup GVancouver8 p.m.
June 2664Egypt vs IranGroup GSeattle8 p.m.
June 2665Cape Verde vs Saudi ArabiaGroup HHouston1 p.m.
June 2666Uruguay vs SpainGroup HGuadalajara11 p.m.
June 2767Panama vs EnglandGroup LNew York/New Jersey5 p.m.
June 2768Croatia vs GhanaGroup LPhiladelphia5 p.m.
June 2769Colombia vs PortugalGroup KMiami7:30 p.m.
June 2770FIFA Playoff 1 vs UzbekistanGroup KAtlanta7:30 p.m.
June 2771Jordan vs ArgentinaGroup JDallas10 p.m.
June 2772Algeria vs AustriaGroup JKansas City10 p.m.

What Happens After Match 72?

• Top 2 teams from each group (24 teams) advance
• Best 8 third-placed teams advance
• Round of 32 begins with Match 73

Round of 32 window

The Round of 32 runs from June 28 to July 3, 2026. This is the new “gateway round” created by the 48-team format.

DateMatch No.Fixture (Placeholder)Stadium / City
28 June 202673Group L winners vs selected 3rd-placeLos Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
29 June 202674Group E winners vs selected 3rd-placeBoston (Gillette Stadium)
29 June 202675Group F winners vs Group C runners-upMonterrey (Estadio BBVA)
29 June 202676Group C winners vs Group F runners-upHouston (NRG Stadium)
30 June 202677Group I winners vs selected 3rd-placeNew York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
30 June 202678Group E runners-up vs Group I runners-upDallas (AT&T Stadium)
30 June 202679Group A winners vs selected 3rd-placeMexico City (Estadio Azteca)
1 July 202680Group L runners-up vs selected 3rd-placeAtlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
1 July 202681Group D winners vs selected 3rd-placeSan Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium)
1 July 202682Group G winners vs selected 3rd-placeSeattle (Lumen Field)
2 July 202683Group K runners-up vs Group L runners-upToronto (BMO Field)
2 July 202684Group H winners vs Group J runners-upLos Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
2 July 202685Group B winners vs selected 3rd-placeVancouver (BC Place)
3 July 202686Group J winners vs Group H runners-upMiami (Hard Rock Stadium)
3 July 202687Group K winners vs selected 3rd-placeKansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)
3 July 202688Group D runners-up vs Group G runners-upDallas (AT&T Stadium)

It matters because it brings knockout pressure earlier, while still rewarding strong group performance. It also means more countries can experience a knockout match, which is a big part of World Cup history.

Round of 16 window

The Round of 16 is scheduled for July 4 to July 7, 2026.

DateMatch No.FixtureStadium / City
4 July 202689Winner Match 74 vs Winner Match 77Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
4 July 202690Winner Match 73 vs Winner Match 75Houston (NRG Stadium)
5 July 202691Winner Match 76 vs Winner Match 78New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
5 July 202692Winner Match 79 vs Winner Match 80Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
6 July 202693Winner Match 83 vs Winner Match 84Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
6 July 202694Winner Match 81 vs Winner Match 82Seattle (Lumen Field)
7 July 202695Winner Match 86 vs Winner Match 88Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
7 July 202696Winner Match 85 vs Winner Match 87Vancouver (BC Place)

From this point, the tournament feels more intense because there are fewer games, bigger gaps between matchdays, and higher attention on every detail. If you are planning travel, this is where ticket demand typically rises because each match is a major event.

Quarter-finals window

The quarter-finals take place from July 9 to July 11, 2026.

This is where the tournament’s storylines become sharp and simple. Every match here can define a nation’s legacy, and fans often plan trips around these dates because the schedule is shorter and the stakes are higher.

Semi-finals window

The semi-finals are set for July 14 and July 15, 2026.

At this stage, it is not about “good performances” anymore. It is about one result. Cities hosting these matches become the center of world football for two nights.

Third-place playoff and final

The third-place playoff is scheduled for July 18, 2026, followed by the final on July 19, 2026.

RoundDateMatch No.FixtureStadium / City
Quarter-final9 July 202697Winner Match 89 vs Winner Match 90Boston (Gillette Stadium)
Quarter-final10 July 202698Winner Match 93 vs Winner Match 94Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
Quarter-final11 July 202699Winner Match 91 vs Winner Match 92Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
Quarter-final11 July 2026100Winner Match 95 vs Winner Match 96Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)
Semi-final14 July 2026101Winner Match 97 vs Winner Match 98Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
Semi-final15 July 2026102Winner Match 99 vs Winner Match 100Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Third-place18 July 2026103Loser Match 101 vs Loser Match 102Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
Final19 July 2026104Winner Match 101 vs Winner Match 102New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)

The final is set for MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area. If you only circle one date on your calendar, it is July 19. Want to Know about FIFA World Cup 2026 Prize Money.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups and Teams

The draw has placed the 48 qualified teams into 12 groups (A through L), ensuring a mix of heavyweights and rising stars. The top seeds include defending champions and traditional powerhouses like Brazil, France, and Argentina.

The Official Group Draw

  • Group A: Hosts Mexico lead the charge against African powerhouse South Africa and Asian tigers South Korea.
  • Group B: Co-hosts Canada face a tough test against Switzerland and 2022 hosts Qatar.
  • Group D: The USA anchors this group, facing South American grit in Paraguay and trans-Tasman rivals Australia.
  • Group I & J: European giants France and World Champions Argentina headline these groups, looking for smooth sailing into the knockout rounds.

Full Group

GroupSeed 1Seed 2Seed 3Seed 4
AMexicoSouth AfricaSouth KoreaUEFA Play-off D (Winner)
BCanadaUEFA Play-off AQatarSwitzerland
CBrazilMoroccoHaitiScotland
DUSAParaguayAustraliaUEFA Play-off C (Winner)
EGermanyCuraçaoCôte d’IvoireEcuador
FNetherlandsJapanUEFA Play-off BTunisia
GBelgiumEgyptIranNew Zealand
HSpainCabo VerdeSaudi ArabiaUruguay
IFranceSenegalFIFA Play-off 2Norway
JArgentinaAlgeriaAustriaJordan
KPortugalFIFA Play-off 1UzbekistanColombia
LEnglandCroatiaGhanaPanama

How to Watch: Live Stream and TV Channel List

World Cup Broadcast rights vary by country and can change close to the tournament. So rather than guessing exact networks, the smart fan plan is to focus on options that always exist in some form.

North America & Host Nations

  • United States: Viewers can tune into Fox Sports for English coverage and Telemundo for Spanish commentary.
  • Canada: Bell Media (TSN/CTV) holds the exclusive rights.
  • Mexico: Local giants TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca will provide comprehensive coverage.

Europe

  • United Kingdom: Matches are split between free-to-air giants BBC and ITV.
  • Germany: Fans can watch on ARD, ZDF, and Magenta Sport.
  • France: M6 shares the broadcasting duties.
  • Spain: Coverage is provided by Mediapro and RTVE.

South America

  • Brazil: The football-crazy nation will watch via Grupo Globo, CazéTV, and SBT.
  • Argentina: TVP, Telefe, and TyC Sports will broadcast the Albiceleste’s journey.
  • Colombia: Available on Caracol TV, RCN, and Win Sports.

Asia & MENA

  • India: (Note: Specific broadcaster TBD, usually Sports18/JioCinema based on recent trends, though not listed in reference data).
  • MENA Region: beIN Sports remains the dominant broadcaster for the Middle East and North Africa.
  • China/Japan/Korea: CCTV (China), NHK/TV Asahi/Fuji (Japan – listed as various in reference), and JTBC (South Korea).

Full Global Broadcaster List (A-Z Selection)

  • Australia: SBS
  • India Subcontinent: (Check local listings closer to date)
  • Indonesia: TVRI
  • Iran: IRIB TV3, Persiana Sports
  • New Zealand: TVNZ
  • South Africa: SuperSport, SABC
  • Saudi Arabia: beIN Sports

FIFA 2026 Host Countries and Host Venues

The FIFA 2026 host countries are Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In total, 16 cities host matches, which is why travel planning matters more than ever.

Canada World Cup 2026 matches

Canada has two host cities:

Canada Host CityStadium
TorontoBMO Field
VancouverBC Place

These cities are important for fans who want a North American World Cup experience with strong infrastructure and easy access from major international routes.

Mexico World Cup 2026 stadiums

Mexico has three host cities:

Mexico Host CityStadium
Mexico CityEstadio Azteca
GuadalajaraEstadio Akron
MonterreyEstadio BBVA

Mexico City is especially notable because the opening match is scheduled at Estadio Azteca. It is one of the most iconic World Cup venues, and it adds a historic feel to the tournament’s first night.

World Cup 2026 host cities USA

The United States hosts 11 cities:

USA Host CityStadium
AtlantaMercedes-Benz Stadium
BostonGillette Stadium
DallasAT&T Stadium
HoustonNRG Stadium
Kansas CityArrowhead Stadium
Los AngelesSoFi Stadium
MiamiHard Rock Stadium
New York/New JerseyMetLife Stadium
PhiladelphiaLincoln Financial Field
San Francisco Bay AreaLevi’s Stadium
SeattleLumen Field

The USA hosts 11 cities and is set to host the majority of matches, including key late-round games and the final. You can check also FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium List.

FAQs

When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start and end?

It is scheduled to start on June 11, 2026 and end on July 19, 2026. That includes the full group stage and all knockout rounds through the final.

Which countries will host the FIFA 2026 tournament?

The FIFA 2026 host countries are Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Matches are spread across 16 host cities.

What is the 48-team World Cup format in 2026?

There are 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group qualify, plus the eight best third-placed teams, creating a Round of 32 before the Round of 16.

Where is the World Cup 2026 final venue?

The final venue is MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026.

FIFA World Cup 2026 when will the full team-by-team fixtures be confirmed?

The schedule framework can exist before every matchup is final. Team-by-team fixtures become fully clear after qualification is completed and the draw confirms group placements.

Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026 and brings a 48-team, 104-match tournament across Canada, Mexico, and the USA. The simplest way to stay on top of fixtures is to follow the stage timeline first, then track team matchups as qualification and the draw finalize the details. If you plan around dates, venues, and regional travel strategy, the biggest World Cup ever becomes easy to follow.

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