2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. According to FIFA’s schedule, the opening match will take place on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, and the final will be held on July 19, 2026, in New York. This will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with each team needing to play eight matches to reach the final, making it the largest and most competitive tournament in FIFA history.
2026 FIFA World Cup Host Countries and Stadiums
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament will take place across 16 host cities, marking the first time in World Cup history that three nations will co-host the event. There will be 2 stadiums in Canada, 3 in Mexico, and 11 in the United States, covering major cities across North and Central America. From the group stage to the final, these world-class venues will showcase thrilling matches and deliver an unprecedented experience for fans around the globe.
Canada 2026 World Cup Stadiums
BC Place in Vancouver and BMO Field in Toronto will serve as two of the official venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico 2026 World Cup Stadiums
The tournament in Mexico will feature the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, along with stadiums in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
United States 2026 World Cup Stadiums
The MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey will host the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while 11 U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston will also stage matches throughout the tournament.
2026 FIFA World Cup Host Countries and Stadiums
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, spanning 39 days across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. A total of 104 matches will be played throughout the tournament, culminating in the final on July 19, 2026, delivering one of the most spectacular global football events in FIFA history.
Overview of the 2026 World Cup Schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11, 2026, with the opening match taking place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This marks the first World Cup in history to be co-hosted by three nations — Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
This edition will feature 48 national teams, divided into 12 groups. The tournament will progress from the group stage to the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finally the championship match.
The competition will span 39 days, with 104 matches played across 16 world-class stadiums. The final will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, USA, where a new world champion will be crowned.
2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule: Key Dates Overview
- Opening Match: June 11, 2026 — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Group Stage: June 11 – June 26, 2026
- Rest Days: June 27 – June 28, 2026
- Round of 32: June 30 – July 3, 2026
- Quarterfinals: July 5 – July 6, 2026
- Rest Days: July 7 – July 8, 2026
- Semifinals: July 9 – July 10, 2026
- Rest Days: July 11 – July 14, 2026
- Final Match: July 19, 2026 — MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey, USA
FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule: Group Stage and Knockout Stage
※ The following table is an unofficial prediction. Please refer to the official FIFA announcement for the final confirmed schedule.
2026 World Cup Round of 32 (Knockout Stage)
| Date | Match | Fixture | Stadium / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 2026 | Match 73 | Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group B | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, USA |
| June 29, 2026 | Match 74 | Winner Group E vs 3rd Group A/B/C/D/F | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, USA |
| June 29, 2026 | Match 75 | Winner Group F vs Winner Group C | BBVA Stadium, Guadalajara, Mexico |
| June 29, 2026 | Match 76 | Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group F | NRG Stadium, Houston, USA |
| June 30, 2026 | Match 77 | Winner Group I vs 3rd Group C/D/F/G/H | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA |
| June 30, 2026 | Match 78 | Runner-up Group E vs Runner-up Group I | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, USA |
| June 30, 2026 | Match 79 | Winner Group A vs 3rd Group C/E/F/H/I | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico |
| July 1, 2026 | Match 80 | Winner Group L vs 3rd Group E/H/I/J/K | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA |
| July 1, 2026 | Match 81 | Winner Group D vs 3rd Group B/E/F/I/J | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, USA |
| July 1, 2026 | Match 82 | Winner Group G vs 3rd Group A/E/H/I/J | Lumen Field, Seattle, USA |
| July 2, 2026 | Match 83 | Runner-up Group K vs Runner-up Group L | BMO Field, Toronto, Canada |
| July 2, 2026 | Match 84 | Winner Group H vs Runner-up Group J | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, USA |
| July 2, 2026 | Match 85 | Winner Group B vs 3rd Group E/F/G/I/J | BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, Canada |
| July 3, 2026 | Match 86 | Winner Group J vs Runner-up Group H | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, USA |
| July 3, 2026 | Match 87 | Winner Group K vs 3rd Group D/E/I/J/L | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA |
| July 3, 2026 | Match 88 | Runner-up Group D vs Runner-up Group G | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, USA |
2026 World Cup Round of 16 (Knockout Stage)
| Date | Match | Fixture | Stadium / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 4, 2026 | Match 89 | Winner Match 74 vs Winner Match 77 | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA |
| July 4, 2026 | Match 90 | Winner Match 73 vs Winner Match 75 | NRG Stadium, Houston, USA |
| July 5, 2026 | Match 91 | Winner Match 76 vs Winner Match 78 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA |
| July 5, 2026 | Match 92 | Winner Match 79 vs Winner Match 80 | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico |
| July 6, 2026 | Match 93 | Winner Match 83 vs Winner Match 84 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, USA |
| July 6, 2026 | Match 94 | Winner Match 81 vs Winner Match 82 | Lumen Field, Seattle, USA |
| July 7, 2026 | Match 95 | Winner Match 86 vs Winner Match 88 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA |
| July 7, 2026 | Match 96 | Winner Match 85 vs Winner Match 87 | BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, Canada |
2026 World Cup Quarterfinals
| Date | Match | Fixture | Stadium / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 9, 2026 | Match 97 | Winner Match 89 vs Winner Match 90 | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, USA |
| July 10, 2026 | Match 98 | Winner Match 93 vs Winner Match 94 | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, USA |
| July 11, 2026 | Match 99 | Winner Match 91 vs Winner Match 92 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, USA |
| July 11, 2026 | Match 100 | Winner Match 95 vs Winner Match 96 | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA |
2026 World Cup Semifinals
| Date | Match | Fixture | Stadium / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2026 | Match 101 | Winner Match 97 vs Winner Match 98 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, USA |
| July 15, 2026 | Match 102 | Winner Match 99 vs Winner Match 100 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA |
2026 World Cup Third Place Match
| Date | Match | Fixture | Stadium / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 18, 2026 | Match 103 | Loser Match 101 vs Loser Match 102 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, USA |
2026 World Cup Final
| Date | Match | Fixture | Stadium / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 2026 | Match 104 | Winner Match 101 vs Winner Match 102 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA |
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Live
Fans around the world will have multiple ways to watch the exciting matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In addition to traditional TV broadcasts, viewers can enjoy live coverage through major global sports and streaming platforms such as Fox Sports, Telemundo, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX. Several international sports and betting platforms will also provide live match streams and real-time coverage.
For those fortunate enough to attend in person, watching the matches across the 16 host stadiums in Canada, Mexico, and the United States will offer an unforgettable atmosphere and the full excitement of the World Cup experience.
2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament Format Explained
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce historic changes, expanding to 48 teams for the first time. These teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, marking a new era in the World Cup’s structure. This expanded format not only increases competitiveness but also gives more nations the chance to participate in the world’s biggest football tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce historic changes, expanding to 48 teams for the first time. These teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, marking a new era in the World Cup’s structure. This expanded format not only increases competitiveness but also gives more nations the chance to participate in the world’s biggest football tournament.
2026 World Cup Group Stage
In the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 48 participating teams will be divided into 12 groups, each consisting of 4 teams. Every team will play three matches in a single round-robin format within its group.
- Points system: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss.
- Advancement rule: The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the knockout stage.
Best third-placed teams: The eight best third-placed teams across all groups will also qualify for the Round of 32.
This new FIFA World Cup format increases the number of teams advancing, allowing more nations to reach the knockout stage and adding depth and excitement to the competition.
2026 World Cup Knockout Stage
A total of 32 teams will advance to the knockout stage based on their group-stage results. The knockout phase will follow a single-elimination format, with the following progression:
- Round of 32: 32 teams compete; winners advance to the Round of 16.
- Round of 16: 16 teams compete for a spot in the quarterfinals.
- Quarterfinals: 8 teams compete for a place in the semifinals.
- Semifinals: 4 teams compete to reach the final.
- Final: The championship match will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York / New Jersey, where the 2026 World Cup champion will be crowned.
2026 World Cup Knockout Stage Rules
In the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, every match must produce a winner. The process is as follows:
- Regulation time: Matches consist of 90 minutes; the winner advances to the next round.
- Extra time: If tied after 90 minutes, teams will play 30 minutes of extra time (two 15-minute halves).
- Penalty shootout: If still tied after extra time, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout, continuing until one team advances.
This knockout structure ensures a decisive result through every stage — from the Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals to the World Cup Final, guaranteeing a single, undisputed winner for every match.
Featured Teams of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a historic milestone, featuring 48 participating teams for the first time. This expanded format promises even more thrilling matchups for fans worldwide. Alongside the traditional powerhouses, new dark horses may emerge. Below are several national teams drawing significant attention:
Brazil National Football Team: As the nation with the most World Cup titles in history, Brazil enters the 2026 tournament once again as one of the top favorites. With stars like Neymar and a new generation of rising talents, Brazil remains a perennial contender and one of the most exciting teams to watch.
France National Football Team: After finishing as runners-up in the last two World Cups, France continues to boast an exceptionally deep squad filled with world-class talent such as Kylian Mbappé. With their signature mix of pace, skill, and tactical balance, France will once again be among the leading favorites to lift the trophy in 2026.
Argentina National Football Team: As the defending champions from 2022, Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup under the global spotlight. Even as Lionel Messi nears retirement, the team’s new generation — including emerging talents like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández — is expected to carry on the nation’s winning legacy.
Germany National Football Team: The four-time World Cup champions are determined to reclaim their glory after disappointing campaigns in 2018 and 2022. Known for their disciplined structure and technical precision, Germany remains one of football’s most formidable and respected powers on the world stage.
New Teams Making Their FIFA World Cup Debut in 2026
With the expansion to 48 teams, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to feature the largest number of debuting nations in tournament history. Countries such as Uzbekistan and Namibia, which have never reached the World Cup finals before, now have a real chance to make their first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage.
2026 World Cup Dark Horse Contenders
- Spain: The possession-based powerhouse continues to rely on Pedri and Gavi, whose growth and creativity could help Spain challenge for the 2026 World Cup title.
- England: With a golden generation led by Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, England’s mission is clear — to capture their first World Cup trophy since 1966.
- Portugal: Though Cristiano Ronaldo nears the twilight of his career, the new generation — including João Félix and Rafael Leão — is poised to lead Portugal’s campaign as the team’s new driving force.
FIFA World Cup Winners, Runners-up, and Final Scores (1930–2026)
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Final Score / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Uruguay | Argentina | 4–2 |
| 1934 | Italy | Czechoslovakia | 2–1 |
| 1938 | Italy | Hungary | 4–2 |
| 1950 | Uruguay | Brazil | 2–1 (Final Round-Robin format) |
| 1954 | West Germany | Hungary | 3–2 |
| 1958 | Brazil | Sweden | 5–2 |
| 1962 | Brazil | Czechoslovakia | 3–1 |
| 1966 | England | West Germany | 4–2 (Extra Time) |
| 1970 | Brazil | Italy | 4–1 |
| 1974 | West Germany | Netherlands | 2–1 |
| 1978 | Argentina | Netherlands | 3–1 (Extra Time) |
| 1982 | Italy | West Germany | 3–1 |
| 1986 | Argentina | West Germany | 3–2 |
| 1990 | West Germany | Argentina | 1–0 |
| 1994 | Brazil | Italy | 0–0 (Penalty shootout 3–2) |
| 1998 | France | Brazil | 3–0 |
| 2002 | Brazil | Germany | 2–0 |
| 2006 | Italy | France | 1–1 (Penalty shootout 5–3) |
| 2010 | Spain | Netherlands | 1–0 (Extra Time) |
| 2014 | Germany | Argentina | 1–0 (Extra Time) |
| 2018 | France | Croatia | 4–2 |
| 2022 | Argentina | France | 3–3 (Penalty shootout 4–2) |
| 2026 | – | – | – |
FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, many fans are curious about the tournament schedule, host stadiums, ticket purchasing, and broadcast options. Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help you better understand all the latest information about the 2026 World Cup.
When will the 2026 World Cup take place, and what are the key dates?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, with the final match scheduled for July 19, 2026. The tournament will span 39 days and feature a total of 104 matches.
Which countries and cities will host the 2026 World Cup?
The United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host the 2026 World Cup — the first time in history that three nations share hosting duties. A total of 16 host cities will stage the matches.
How many teams will participate, and what is the new format?
The 2026 World Cup will include 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. This will be the largest tournament in World Cup history.
How does the group stage scoring and qualification work?
Teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will advance to the Round of 32.
What are the rules for the knockout stage?
The knockout stage follows a single-elimination format. If a match is tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will be played. If still tied, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Where will the 2026 World Cup Final be held?
The final match will take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, USA.
When and where can fans buy 2026 World Cup tickets?
Tickets will be released in multiple phases and can be purchased through the official FIFA ticketing platform. Some matches may require participation in a lottery system.
Which teams are the top favorites to win?
Traditional powerhouses such as Argentina, France, Brazil, Germany, and England are widely regarded as leading contenders for the 2026 World Cup title.
Which nations could make their first-ever appearance?
With the expansion to 48 teams, countries such as Uzbekistan and Namibia may qualify for the World Cup for the first time, depending on the results of the regional qualifiers.
Where can fans check live scores, full schedules, and group draw results?
Fans can view live scores, match schedules, and group draw results on the official FIFA website, the FIFA World Cup mobile app, and major sports media platforms.