FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule: Dates, Teams & Where

Complete guide to the FIFA World Cup 2026. Explore the full match schedule, host cities, 48-team format, ticket purchasing details, and where to watch live.

When and Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Credit: 2026 FIFA World Cup Official (See FIFA PDF)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament is jointly hosted by three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Matches will be held across 16 host cities:

• United States (11 cities): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
• Canada (2 cities): Toronto and Vancouver.
• Mexico (3 cities): Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule

Metlife Stadium | Credit: KGET.com

The 2026 tournament features an expanded 48-team format with 12 groups of four. Each team plays three group-stage matches. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the new Round of 32 knockout stage. To minimize travel, host cities are divided into Western, Central, and Eastern regions. Note: All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET).

Match Schedule 2026 Table (Official Opening & Key Matches)

Full schedule includes 104 games; check FIFA.com for the complete local-time listing for all group matches.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Teams & Groups

The 2026 tournament expands to 48 teams. While qualification is ongoing, the slots are allocated as follows: AFC (8), CAF (9), CONCACAF (6 - including 3 hosts), CONMEBOL (6), OFC (1), UEFA (16), and 2 slots from a play-off tournament.

• Notable Qualifiers (Status as of May 2026): Argentina (Defending Champions), Brazil, France, Germany, England, Japan, and Morocco.

Where to Watch the 2026 World Cup Live

Viewers globally can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup through official regional broadcasting partners. In the United States, matches will be broadcast on Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish). In international regions, official rights are held by local networks, such as Channel 5 and Mediacorp's StarHub TV+ in Singapore.

Additionally, local sports bars and public viewing areas in both host and non-host cities will feature live broadcasts of the games. Check local listings for exact regional network rights and time zone conversions.

Global Broadcast Partners

All matches will be available in high definition, with most broadcasters offering multiple camera angles and commentary options. Check your local listings for exact channel information closer to the tournament dates.

How to Get FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets

Tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup must be purchased through the official FIFA ticketing portal. The standard process involves:

• Registering Interest: Creating an account on the official FIFA ticketing platform to receive email updates.
• Sales Phases: Initial tickets are distributed in phases, often utilizing a random selection draw due to high demand.

• Last-Minute Sales Phase: Remaining tickets are sold on a strictly first-come, first-served basis with immediate confirmation.
• Resale Marketplace: Secondary ticket purchases should only be completed through the Official FIFA Resale Marketplace to guarantee verified tickets and regulated prices.

FIFA Official Sponsors and Partners

The tournament is supported by official FIFA partners, which include international brands such as Coca-Cola, Hyundai, Qatar Airways, and Visa. The event also features dedicated sponsors, including brands like Rexona.

Where to Stay for World Cup 2026?