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.
World Cup 2026 is underway — 0 days to the Final.
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
1-Minute Match | Saudi Arabia 0-3 Republic of Ireland | 2002 World Cup
Goals Compilation: Volleys And Half-Volleys ONLY | 1986 World Cup
Rank these 2006 FIFA World Cup headers
Magic Messi Memories: Argentina 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2014 World Cup
FULL MATCH | Cameroon v New Zealand | Group Stage | FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™
Diego Forlan and the Jabulani - The Perfect Match ✨
60-Second Highlights | South Africa Snatch Dramatic Draw With Czechia | 2026 World Cup
Flying France Score Four Headers | 2022 FIFA World Cup
Crystal Dunn on Her USWNT Journey, 2019 World Cup & Life After Soccer
BEST HEADERS COMPILATION feat. Ronaldo, Klose, Crouch | 2006 World Cup
Every Volley And Half-Volley From FIFA World Cup 1998!
Edin 'Diamond' Dzeko Helps Bosnia And Herzegovina To First Win | 2014 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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