FIFA has officially unveiled the full schedule for the 2026 Football World Cup, confirming the tournament will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams and a record 104 matches played across 16 venues in the three co-host nations: the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The 39-day spectacle will kick off on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and conclude with the final on Sunday, July 19.
Opening and Final Matches
The tournament will launch with two exciting matches on opening day:
- Opening Match: Co-host Mexico will face South Africa at the iconic Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City.
- Second Match: South Korea will play a yet-to-be-determined qualifier at the Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico.
The highly anticipated Final will be held at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
Title Holders and Host Openers
Defending champions Argentina, who have been drawn into Group J, will begin their title defense against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, at the Kansas City Stadium.
The other co-hosts will play their openers on Friday, June 12:
- USA: Faces Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium.
- Canada: Takes on an unconfirmed opponent at the Toronto Stadium.
Group Stage Highlights
The expanded group stage will feature 12 groups of four teams and is set to run until June 27, offering a packed schedule of matches across the continent. Notable initial match-ups include:
- Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13, New York New Jersey Stadium)
- USA vs. Australia (June 19, Seattle Stadium)
- England vs. Croatia (June 17, Dallas Stadium)
The schedule is designed to minimize travel for teams and maximize player rest, ensuring high-quality football throughout the month-long competition.