The roar of the crowd, the electric tension, the sheer global spectacle – it's all coming into sharper focus. The full Match Schedule, Date & Kick-off Times for the monumental 2026 FIFA World Cup have officially been locked in, giving fans across the globe their first real glimpse into the biggest football tournament in history. With 104 games spread across 16 vibrant host cities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, this expanded 48-team event promises an unforgettable summer of football.
Whether you're planning to attend matches in person, setting your alarms for early morning kick-offs, or strategizing your viewing parties, understanding the intricate schedule is your first step. Forget the guesswork – the blueprint for football's ultimate prize is here.
At a Glance: What You Need to Know
- Tournament Dates: Kicks off June 11, 2026, and culminates with the Final on July 19, 2026.
- Host Nations: USA, Canada, and Mexico will collectively host the tournament.
- Teams: An unprecedented 48 nations will compete for the coveted trophy.
- Matches: A total of 104 thrilling games, from group stage clashes to the grand final.
- Group Stage Format: 12 groups of four teams, with the top two and eight best third-place teams advancing.
- New Knockout Round: Introduction of a Round of 32, adding an extra layer of drama.
- Time Zone: All kick-off times are officially listed in Eastern Time (ET) for easy reference.
- Grand Finale: The championship match will take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
The Dawn of a New Era: Understanding the 2026 World Cup Format
The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn't just another tournament; it's a historic expansion. For the first time, 48 nations will vie for global supremacy, a significant leap from the traditional 32-team format. This expansion isn't merely about more teams; it fundamentally reshapes the tournament's structure, offering more matches, more opportunities for nations, and a longer, more intense footballing fiesta.
Instead of eight groups of four, we now have twelve groups, each containing four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will progress to a newly introduced Round of 32. This means the stakes are higher, with every point in the group stage potentially crucial for qualification, even for teams that don't finish in the top two. It also means the knockout rounds begin earlier and feature more teams, leading to a sprawling 104-game schedule designed to captivate fans for over a month.
Your Group Stage Playbook: Dates, Times, and Venues
The group stage is where dreams are born and initial shocks reverberate. With 72 matches spread across 17 days, it's a relentless barrage of world-class football. Below is a detailed breakdown of the initial clashes, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the action. All times are Eastern Time (ET).
Group A: Kicking Off the Spectacle
Mexico has the distinct honor of hosting the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere as their national team leads the charge.
- June 11: Mexico vs South Africa - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City - 3pm ET
- June 11: South Korea vs UEFA playoff D - Estadio Akron, Guadalajara - 10pm ET
- June 18: UEFA playoff D vs South Africa - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 12pm ET
- June 18: Mexico vs South Korea - Estadio Akron, Guadalajara - 9pm ET
- June 24: UEFA playoff D vs Mexico - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City - 9pm ET
- June 24: South Africa vs South Korea - Estadio BBVA, Monterrey - 9pm ET
Group B: Canada's Home Debut and West Coast Clashes
Canada's journey begins on home soil, while other group matches will span the diverse landscapes of the USA.
- June 12: Canada vs UEFA playoff A - BMO Field, Toronto - 3pm ET
- June 13: Qatar vs Switzerland - Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area - 3pm ET
- June 18: Switzerland vs UEFA playoff A - SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles - 3pm ET
- June 18: Canada vs Qatar - BC Place, Vancouver - 6pm ET
- June 24: Switzerland vs Canada - BC Place, Vancouver - 3pm ET
- June 24: UEFA playoff A vs Qatar - Lumen Field, Seattle - 3pm ET
Group C: Samba Stars and Global Thrills
Brazil, always a favorite, starts their campaign on the East Coast, promising dazzling football from day one.
- June 13: Brazil vs Morocco - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 6pm ET
- June 13: Haiti vs Scotland - Gillette Stadium, Boston - 9pm ET
- June 19: Scotland vs Morocco - Gillette Stadium, Boston - 6pm ET
- June 19: Brazil vs Haiti - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - 9pm ET
- June 24: Scotland vs Brazil - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami - 6pm ET
- June 24: Morocco vs Haiti - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 6pm ET
Group D: USA's Opening Salvo on the Pacific
The host nation USA opens its account on the West Coast, setting the stage for an exciting tournament run.
- June 12: USA vs Paraguay - SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles - 9pm ET
- June 13: Australia vs UEFA playoff C - BC Place, Vancouver - Midnight ET
- June 19: USA vs Australia - Lumen Field, Seattle - 3pm ET
- June 19: UEFA playoff C vs Paraguay - Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area - Midnight ET
- June 25: UEFA playoff C vs USA - SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles - 10pm ET
- June 25: Paraguay vs Australia - Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area - 10pm ET
Group E: German Giants and North American Battles
Germany begins its quest for a fifth title with matches spanning key North American venues.
- June 14: Germany vs Curacao - NRG Stadium, Houston - 1pm ET
- June 14: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - 7pm ET
- June 20: Germany vs Ivory Coast - BMO Field, Toronto - 4pm ET
- June 20: Ecuador vs Curacao - Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City - 8pm ET
- June 25: Ecuador vs Germany - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 4pm ET
- June 25: Curacao vs Ivory Coast - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - 4pm ET
Group F: The Oranje Challenge in Dallas
The Netherlands aims for glory, starting their tournament journey in the heart of Texas.
- June 14: Netherlands vs Japan - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 4pm ET
- June 14: UEFA playoff B vs Tunisia - Estadio BBVA, Monterrey - 10pm ET
- June 20: Netherlands vs UEFA playoff B - NRG Stadium, Houston - 1pm ET
- June 20: Tunisia vs Japan - Estadio BBVA, Monterrey - Midnight ET
- June 25: Japan vs UEFA playoff B - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 7pm ET
- June 25: Tunisia vs Netherlands - Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City - 7pm ET
Group G: Asian and African Contenders Meet
Diverse playing styles will converge in this group, promising unpredictable and exciting football.
- June 15: Iran vs New Zealand - SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles - 9pm ET
- June 15: Belgium vs Egypt - Lumen Field, Seattle - 3pm ET
- June 21: Belgium vs Iran - SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles - 3pm ET
- June 21: New Zealand vs Egypt - BC Place, Vancouver - 9pm ET
- June 26: Egypt vs Iran - Lumen Field, Seattle - 11pm ET
- June 26: New Zealand vs Belgium - BC Place, Vancouver - 11pm ET
Group H: Iberian Flair and South American Grit
Spain brings its famed possession-based game, while Uruguay showcases its tenacity in this compelling group.
- June 15: Spain vs Cape Verde - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 12pm ET
- June 15: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami - 6pm ET
- June 21: Spain vs Saudi Arabia - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 12pm ET
- June 21: Uruguay vs Cape Verde - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami - 6pm ET
- June 26: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia - NRG Stadium, Houston - 8pm ET
- June 26: Uruguay vs Spain - Estadio Akron, Guadalajara - 8pm ET
Group I: French Ambitions Begin
Defending champions France embark on their title defense, bringing their star-studded squad to the East Coast.
- June 16: France vs Senegal - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 3pm ET
- June 16: Inter-confederation playoff 2 vs Norway - Gillette Stadium, Boston - 6pm ET
- June 22: France vs Inter-confederation playoff 2 - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - 5pm ET
- June 22: Norway vs Senegal - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 8pm ET
- June 26: Norway vs France - Gillette Stadium, Boston - 3pm ET
- June 26: Senegal vs Inter-confederation playoff 2 - BMO Field, Toronto - 3pm ET
Group J: Argentina's Title Defense Starts Here
Lionel Messi and Argentina begin their journey to defend their World Cup crown, starting in the Midwest.
- June 16: Argentina vs Algeria - Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City - 9pm ET
- June 16: Austria vs Jordan - Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area - Midnight ET
- June 22: Argentina vs Austria - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 1pm ET
- June 22: Jordan vs Algeria - Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area - 11pm ET
- June 27: Algeria vs Austria - Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City - 10pm ET
- June 27: Jordan vs Argentina - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 10pm ET
Group K: Portugal's Pursuit of Glory
Cristiano Ronaldo (or his successors) will lead Portugal as they aim to finally lift the trophy, starting in Houston.
- June 17: Portugal vs Inter-confederation playoff 1 - NRG Stadium, Houston - 1pm ET
- June 17: Uzbekistan vs Colombia - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City - 10pm ET
- June 23: Portugal vs Uzbekistan - NRG Stadium, Houston - 1pm ET
- June 23: Colombia vs Inter-confederation playoff 1 - Estadio Akron, Guadalajara - 10pm ET
- June 27: Colombia vs Portugal - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami - 7:30pm ET
- June 27: Inter-confederation playoff 1 vs Uzbekistan - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 7:30pm ET
Group L: England's Journey to Immortality
England's hopes for World Cup glory will commence in Texas, with their opening matches drawing immense attention.
- June 17: England vs Croatia - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 4pm ET
- June 17: Ghana vs Panama - BMO Field, Toronto - 7pm ET
- June 23: England vs Ghana - Gillette Stadium, Boston - 4pm ET
- June 23: Panama vs Croatia - BMO Field, Toronto - 7pm ET
- June 27: Panama vs England - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 5pm ET
- June 27: Croatia vs Ghana - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - 5pm ET
The Knockout Gauntlet: Where Legends Are Forged
Once the group stage dust settles, the real drama begins. The expanded 48-team format means a new Round of 32, intensifying the knockout phase even further.
Round of 32: The New Battleground (June 28 - July 3)
The tournament officially transitions into its single-elimination phase, with 16 matches determining who advances to the traditional Round of 16. This is where teams must perform under immense pressure, with no room for error. Matches will be spread across numerous host cities, creating a truly continent-wide spectacle.
- June 28: Match 73 - Runner up Group A vs Runner up Group B - SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles - 3pm ET
- June 29: Match 76 - Winner Group C vs Runner up Group F - NRG Stadium, Houston - 1pm ET
- June 29: Match 74 - Winner Group E vs 3rd Group A/B/C/D/F - Gillette Stadium, Boston - 4:30pm ET
- June 29: Match 75 - Winner Group F vs Runner up Group C - Estadio BBVA, Monterrey - 9pm ET
- June 30: Match 78 - Runner up Group E vs Runner up Group I - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 1pm ET
- June 30: Match 77 - Winner Group I vs 3rd Group C/D/F/G/H - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 5pm ET
- June 30: Match 79 - Winner Group A vs 3rd Group C/E/F/H/I - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City - 9pm ET
- July 1: Match 80 - Winner Group L vs 3rd Group E/H/I/J/K - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 12pm ET
- July 1: Match 82 - Winner Group G vs 3rd Group A/E/H/I/J - Lumen Field, Seattle - 4pm ET
- July 1: Match 81 - Winner Group D vs 3rd Group B/E/F/I/J - Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area - 8pm ET
- July 2: Match 84 - Winner Group H vs Runner up Group J - SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles - 3pm ET
- July 2: Match 83 - Runner up Group K vs Runner up Group L - BMO Field, Toronto - 7pm ET
- July 2: Match 85 - Winner Group B vs 3rd Group E/F/G/I/J - BC Place, Vancouver - 11pm ET
- July 3: Match 88 - Runner up Group D vs Runner up Group G - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 2pm ET
- July 3: Match 86 - Winner Group J vs Runner up Group H - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami - 6pm ET
- July 3: Match 87 - Winner Group K vs 3rd Group D/E/I/J/L - Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City - 9:30pm ET
Round of 16: Elite Eight Battles Begin (July 4 - July 7)
With the field narrowed, the quality intensifies. These eight matches determine the quarterfinalists, pushing teams to their physical and mental limits.
- July 4: Match 90 - Winner Match 73 vs Winner Match 75 - NRG Stadium, Houston - 1pm ET
- July 4: Match 89 - Winner Match 74 vs Winner Match 77 - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - 5pm ET
- July 5: Match 91 - Winner Match 76 vs Winner Match 78 - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 4pm ET
- July 5: Match 92 - Winner Match 79 vs Winner Match 80 - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City - 8pm ET
- July 6: Match 93 - Winner Match 83 vs Winner Match 84 - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 3pm ET
- July 6: Match 94 - Winner Match 81 vs Winner Match 82 - Lumen Field, Seattle - 8pm ET
- July 7: Match 95 - Winner Match 86 vs Winner Match 88 - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 12pm ET
- July 7: Match 96 - Winner Match 85 vs Winner Match 87 - BC Place, Vancouver - 4pm ET
Quarterfinals: Four Spots to Immortality (July 9 - July 11)
The stakes are immense as the final eight teams battle it out for a coveted spot in the semifinals. Each game is a potential classic, with every decision, tackle, and shot scrutinizing under global pressure.
- July 9: Match 97 - Winner Match 89 vs Winner Match 90 - Gillette Stadium, Boston - 4pm ET
- July 10: Match 98 - Winner Match 93 vs Winner Match 94 - SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles - 3pm ET
- July 11: Match 99 - Winner Match 91 vs Winner Match 92 - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami - 5pm ET
- July 11: Match 100 - Winner Match 95 vs Winner Match 96 - Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City - 9pm ET
Semifinals: The Penultimate Showdowns (July 14 - July 15)
Two matches, two chances to reach the final. These games are often the most tactical and nail-biting, determining who will play for the World Cup trophy.
- July 14: Match 101 - Winner Match 97 vs Winner Match 98 - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 3pm ET
- July 15: Match 102 - Winner Match 99 vs Winner Match 100 - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 3pm ET
The Third-Place Playoff: A Chance for Bronze (July 18)
While not the ultimate prize, securing third place in a World Cup is a significant achievement and a point of pride for any nation.
- July 18: Match 103 - Loser Match 101 vs Loser Match 102 - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami - 5pm ET
The Grand Finale: Glory Awaits in New York/New Jersey! (July 19)
The pinnacle of global football. Two teams, one trophy, one iconic venue. MetLife Stadium will host the grandest spectacle in sports.
- July 19: Match 104 - Winner Match 101 vs Winner Match 102 - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 3pm ET
Navigating the Mega-Tournament: What You Need to Know
Understanding the schedule is one thing, but planning how you'll experience it, whether from the stands or your sofa, requires a bit more insight.
Understanding Kick-off Times: All in ET
All official kick-off times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). This is crucial for fans planning to watch from different parts of North America or across the globe. If you're in Pacific Time (PT), subtract three hours; if you're in Central Time (CT), subtract one hour. For international viewers, a quick online search for "ET to [your local time]" will be your best friend. Bookmark a reliable time zone converter to ensure you never miss a match.
The Global Stage: Host Cities in Focus
The 2026 World Cup is a true continental affair, leveraging world-class stadiums across three nations.
- USA (11 Cities): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle.
- Canada (2 Cities): Toronto, Vancouver.
- Mexico (3 Cities): Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey.
This widespread distribution means fans traveling for games will experience the rich cultural tapestry of North America, from bustling metropolises to vibrant coastal cities. Each venue brings its unique flavor to the tournament.
Planning Your World Cup Experience: Beyond the Screen
If you're considering attending matches, securing tickets will be paramount, followed closely by accommodation and travel logistics. Given the vast distances between host cities, efficient planning for flights and lodging will be crucial. Stay tuned to official FIFA channels for ticket sale announcements and travel guides. For those soaking in the atmosphere from home, local fan zones and watch parties will undoubtedly spring up across continents, offering a communal way to celebrate the beautiful game.
Catching Every Moment: How to Watch
The 2026 World Cup will be broadcast globally by various media partners. In the USA, FOX and Telemundo are expected to carry the English and Spanish language broadcasts respectively, while other regions will have their own official broadcasters. Streaming options will also be widely available, ensuring you can follow every pass, tackle, and goal. Whether you're a die-hard fan looking to follow every game or simply want to catch the biggest moments, knowing your local broadcasting options is key. For example, if you're trying to figure out where to catch a specific league match, you might look into how to Watch Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad for more information on accessing live football content.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 World Cup Schedule
Navigating an expanded World Cup schedule can raise a few questions. Here are clear answers to common queries:
How many matches will be played in total in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a record-breaking 104 matches, a significant increase from the 64 matches in previous 32-team tournaments.
When does the tournament officially start and end?
The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the opening match in Mexico City. The grand final will take place on July 19, 2026, in New York/New Jersey. This means the tournament will span 39 days, making it the longest World Cup in history.
What's the format of the new group stage?
The 2026 World Cup will have 12 groups, each consisting of four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 32. This format ensures more competitive group stage matches, as more teams have a chance to progress.
How are "UEFA playoff D" or "Inter-confederation playoff 2" determined?
These placeholders refer to teams that have not yet qualified for the World Cup but will earn their spots through various play-off tournaments. "UEFA playoff D" indicates a team from the European qualification playoffs, while "Inter-confederation playoff 2" refers to one of the teams that will emerge from a final inter-confederation playoff tournament involving teams from different continents. These qualification processes will conclude closer to the tournament, filling out the final roster of 48 teams.
Beyond the Schedule: Preparing for the Ultimate Football Fiesta
The confirmation of the Match Schedule, Date & Kick-off Times for the 2026 World Cup marks a pivotal moment. It’s no longer a distant dream but a tangible event, inviting fans to start planning their unforgettable experience. Whether you're plotting a cross-continental pilgrimage to cheer on your national team or meticulously scheduling your home viewing parties, this comprehensive guide provides the essential framework.
The expanded format promises more drama, more upsets, and more moments of pure footballing magic than ever before. From the vibrant opening ceremonies in Mexico City to the climactic final in New York/New Jersey, the world will once again unite for the beautiful game. Don't just watch it; plan for it, immerse yourself in it, and be part of history. The countdown to 2026 has truly begun.