2026 FIFA World Cup Full Match Calendar Released: Dates, Kickoff Times and Viewing Details for All 104 Games
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun as football fans around the world prepare for the biggest tournament in the sport’s history. FIFA’s expanded World Cup format will feature 48 national teams competing across 104 matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, and conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, officially referred to by FIFA as New York New Jersey Stadium.
With matches spread across 16 host cities and multiple time zones, fans are already planning travel schedules, watch parties, streaming options, and ticket purchases for what is expected to become one of the most-watched sporting events ever held.
The opening day of the tournament will feature Mexico taking on South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Later that same evening, South Korea will face Czechia at Estadio Akron in Zapopan. The United States national team will begin its campaign on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in California, while Canada opens against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
Several marquee group-stage matches are already drawing major attention from supporters and analysts. Brazil is scheduled to face Morocco at MetLife Stadium on June 13, while England will play Croatia on June 17 in Arlington, Texas. France will meet Senegal in New Jersey on June 16, and Argentina is set to play Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
The group stage will continue through June 27, after which the tournament will move into the newly expanded knockout structure. The Round of 32 begins on June 28 and continues through July 3, followed by the Round of 16 from July 4 to July 7. Quarterfinal matches are scheduled for July 9 through July 11, while the semifinals will take place in Arlington and Atlanta on July 14 and July 15.
The third-place playoff is scheduled for July 18 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The World Cup final will then close the tournament on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the next world champion will be crowned.
This tournament will also mark a major moment for North American soccer. It is the first FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by three countries and the first to include 48 teams instead of the traditional 32-team format. FIFA officials expect record-breaking attendance, television ratings, tourism activity, and commercial partnerships throughout the event.
The participating nations have been divided into 12 groups. Group D includes the United States, Paraguay, Australia, and Türkiye. Brazil headlines Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. England leads Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, while defending powerhouses France and Argentina will compete in Groups I and J respectively.
Television coverage in the United States will air on FOX and FS1, while Spanish-language broadcasts will be available through Telemundo and Universo. Streaming access will also be available through services that carry those networks. FIFA’s opening ceremonies and select opening matches are also expected to receive additional free streaming coverage for viewers.
Ticket demand has already surged for several high-profile matches, especially games scheduled at MetLife Stadium. The Brazil vs. Morocco matchup, France vs. Senegal fixture, and the World Cup final are among the most expensive tickets currently available in resale markets. Industry analysts expect prices to continue fluctuating as the tournament approaches and team performances become clearer.
The 2026 World Cup is also expected to generate major business for hotels, transportation systems, restaurants, and tourism operators across all host cities. In New Jersey and New York, officials continue preparing transportation plans and crowd management strategies ahead of the final and multiple knockout-stage matches scheduled for the region.
Beyond the action on the field, official merchandise collections from global sportswear brands are already being released. Jerseys, scarves, commemorative soccer balls, collectibles, and limited-edition collaborations are expected to become major attractions for fans before and during the tournament.
As anticipation continues to build, organizers are encouraging supporters to monitor schedules carefully due to the large number of matches and venues involved. With 104 games spread across more than five weeks, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to become one of the largest and most ambitious sporting events ever organized.
Sources:
FIFA
FOX Sports
FS1
Telemundo
Universo
