World Cup 2026
Schedule & Fixtures
The first 48-team World Cup runs June 11 to July 19, 2026 across 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 104 matches. One champion. Plan your viewing schedule here.
11 days until the World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11
Tournament Schedule — Phase by Phase
Group Stage
June 11 – July 1, 2026 72 matches12 groups of 4 teams. Top 2 from each group + 8 best 3rd-placed teams advance.
Round of 32
July 3–6, 2026 16 matches32 teams compete. Win or go home. The 48-team format's unique knockout expansion.
Round of 16
July 8–11, 2026 8 matchesClassic knockout football. 16 teams, 8 winners advance to the quarters.
Quarterfinals
July 13–14, 2026 4 matchesEight teams left. Only four survive to the semifinal stage.
Semifinals
July 16–17, 2026 2 matchesThe final four. One step from the biggest stage in football.
Third Place
July 18, 2026 1 matchThe bronze medal match. Two semifinal losers battle for third place honours.
World Cup Final
July 19, 2026 1 matchMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ. The biggest match in world football.
Group Stage — All 12 Groups
Group stage runs June 11 to July 1, 2026. Click each group for full hub with team profiles, predictions, and highlights.
Key Dates to Mark in Your Diary
June 11 — Opening Day
World Cup 2026 kicks off with the Opening Match. Expected to be one of the three host nations — Mexico, USA, or Canada — in a flag-waving stadium atmosphere.
July 1 — Final Group Stage Matchday
The most dramatic day of the group stage — all final group games played simultaneously. Qualification drama, last-gasp goals, and everything to play for.
July 3-6 — Round of 32 Begins
Unique to WC2026 — the Round of 32. The first knockout round where all 32 surviving teams enter. Massive upset potential when underdogs face giants.
July 13-14 — Quarterfinals
Eight teams left. AT&T Stadium, MetLife, SoFi and Mercedes-Benz host the biggest games of the tournament outside the Final. Classic World Cup football.
July 16-17 — Semifinals
The final four nations. One step from glory. Expected to be split between MetLife and SoFi Stadium — the two biggest WC2026 venues outside Mexico City.
July 19 — THE FINAL
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. 82,500 fans. The biggest football match on Earth. One nation lifts the World Cup trophy on American soil.
World Cup 2026 Highlights
Forlan, Iniesta And More | Top 2010 Knockout Round Goals
Gyan, Ghana Outduel USA | 2010 Round of 16
1-Minute Match | France 5-2 Switzerland, 2014 World Cup
What’s The Most Beautiful Object In The World? 👀
Germany Rally Late To Top El Tri | 1998 Round of 16
Kahn, Fridel, Buffon | 2002's Super Saves
1-Minute Match | Spain 5-1 Denmark | 1986 Round of 16
Forlan Makes World Cup Ball Defy Physics #shorts #forlan #uruguay
1986 World Cup: Awesome Goals | Senor, Voller, Maradona, More
Bergkamp, Robben & Netherlands: Every FIFA World Cup Goal (1994-2010)
Petrescu, Romania Keep Cool Against England | 1998 FIFA World Cup
@nerevolution’s Matt Turner is ready for his 2nd @fifa World Cup! 🧤
Latest WC2026 News
How USMNT players designed the boldest kits in generations for World Cup 2026
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FIFA confirms historic World Cup 2026 broadcast rule change allowing fans to watch matches for FREE on YouTube
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World Cup 2026: FIFA strike 'game-changing' deal as politician addresses boycott talks
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FIFA strikes landmark deal to force huge change to BBC and ITV World Cup 2026 matches
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World Cup 2026: Argentina – the 'nasty' holders who have a 'new role' for Lionel Messi
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World Cup 2026: Argentina – the 'nasty' holders who have a 'new role' for Lionel Messi
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World Cup 2026: Argentina – the 'nasty' holders who have a 'new role' for Lionel Messi
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England squad reaction LIVE as Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed in final team before World Cup 2026
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England squad reaction – Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed in final team before World Cup 2026
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Wales World Cup 2026 squad: Craig Bellamy's latest selection ahead of the March international break
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