2026 World Cup Schedule: Complete Match Calendar

Your complete guide to all 104 matches across 39 days – from opening ceremony to final whistle at MetLife Stadium

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the most extensive tournament in football history, featuring 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 stadiums in three countries over 39 days. From the opening match at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026, to the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026, this comprehensive schedule guide helps you plan your World Cup experience.

Whether you're attending matches in person, planning viewing parties, or following your national team's journey, this complete calendar ensures you never miss a moment of the action.

Quick Tournament Overview

Tournament Dates	June 11 – July 19, 2026 (39 days)
Opening Match	June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Final	July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
Total Matches	104 (72 group stage + 32 knockout)
Teams	48 (12 groups of 4)
Venues	16 stadiums (11 USA, 3 Mexico, 2 Canada)
Host Nations	United States, Mexico, Canada

Tournament Structure & Format

Group Stage Format

The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each (Groups A through L). Each team plays 3 matches in the group stage – one against each other team in their group.

• Advancement Rules: Top 2 teams from each group automatically advance (24 teams)
• Third-Place Teams: The 8 best third-place teams also advance (8 teams)
• Total Advancing: 32 teams progress to knockout rounds
• Group Stage Duration: June 11-27, 2026 (17 days)
• Matches Per Day: 3-4 matches daily during group stage

Knockout Stage Format

The knockout rounds introduce a new Round of 32, followed by traditional progression:

1. Round of 32: 16 matches (June 28-30)
2. Round of 16: 8 matches (July 3-6)
3. Quarter-finals: 4 matches (July 9-11)
4. Semi-finals: 2 matches (July 14-15)
5. Third-Place Playoff: 1 match (July 18)
6. Final: 1 match (July 19)

Complete Tournament Calendar

Phase 1: Group Stage (June 11-27, 2026)

The group stage spans 17 days with 72 matches played across all 16 venues. Matches are scheduled to accommodate television audiences across multiple time zones.

Week 1: Groups A-F (June 11-15)

Date	Matchday	Groups Playing	Number of Matches
June 11	Opening Day	Group A	2 matches
June 12	Matchday 1	Groups B, C, D	6 matches
June 13	Matchday 1	Groups E, F	4 matches
June 14	Matchday 1	Groups G, H	4 matches
June 15	Matchday 1	Groups I, J, K, L	8 matches

Week 2: Second Round of Group Matches (June 16-21)

Date	Matchday	Groups Playing	Number of Matches
June 16	Matchday 2	Groups A, B	4 matches
June 17	Matchday 2	Groups C, D	4 matches
June 18	Matchday 2	Groups E, F	4 matches
June 19	Matchday 2	Groups G, H	4 matches
June 20	Matchday 2	Groups I, J	4 matches
June 21	Matchday 2	Groups K, L	4 matches

Week 3: Final Group Matches (June 22-27)

Important: Final group matches are played simultaneously to prevent tactical advantages. Both matches in each group kick off at the same time.

Date	Matchday	Groups Playing	Number of Matches
June 22	Matchday 3	Groups A, B	4 matches (2 pairs simultaneous)
June 23	Matchday 3	Groups C, D	4 matches (2 pairs simultaneous)
June 24	Matchday 3	Groups E, F	4 matches (2 pairs simultaneous)
June 25	Matchday 3	Groups G, H	4 matches (2 pairs simultaneous)
June 26	Matchday 3	Groups I, J	4 matches (2 pairs simultaneous)
June 27	Matchday 3	Groups K, L	4 matches (2 pairs simultaneous)

Phase 2: Round of 32 (June 28-30, 2026)

The new Round of 32 sees all 32 qualified teams enter single-elimination knockout football. Group winners typically face either runners-up or third-place teams from other groups.

Date	Matches	Key Fixtures
June 28	6 matches	Round of 32 (Matches 1-6)
June 29	6 matches	Round of 32 (Matches 7-12)
June 30	4 matches	Round of 32 (Matches 13-16)

Potential Venues: All 16 stadiums may host Round of 32 matches, with priority given to larger venues like MetLife Stadium, AT&T Stadium, and SoFi Stadium.

Rest Period (July 1-2, 2026)

A two-day break allows teams to recover and travel to Round of 16 venues. This also provides time for third-place team rankings to be finalized and knockout brackets to be confirmed.

Phase 3: Round of 16 (July 3-6, 2026)

The traditional Round of 16 sees the final 16 teams compete for quarter-final spots. Matches are spread over four days to maximize television coverage and allow adequate rest between matches.

Date	Matches	Kickoff Times (EST)
July 3	2 matches	2:00 PM, 6:00 PM
July 4	2 matches	2:00 PM, 6:00 PM
July 5	2 matches	2:00 PM, 6:00 PM
July 6	2 matches	2:00 PM, 6:00 PM

July 4th Special: Two Round of 16 matches scheduled on American Independence Day will create exceptional atmosphere, particularly if USA advances to this stage.

Rest Period (July 7-8, 2026)

Two-day break before quarter-finals allows teams to prepare for the tournament's most crucial stage.

Phase 4: Quarter-Finals (July 9-11, 2026)

Four matches determine the semi-finalists. These matches are hosted at the tournament's premier venues.

Date	Match	Likely Venues	Kickoff Time (EST)
July 9	Quarter-final 1	SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)	6:00 PM
July 9	Quarter-final 2	AT&T Stadium (Dallas)	3:00 PM
July 10	Quarter-final 3	Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)	6:00 PM
July 11	Quarter-final 4	MetLife Stadium (New York/NJ)	3:00 PM

Venue Note: Quarter-final venues are not yet officially confirmed but are expected to be held at the largest capacity stadiums with best infrastructure.

Rest Period (July 12-13, 2026)

Three-day break before semi-finals – the longest rest period in the knockout stages, reflecting the physical demands on the final four teams.

Phase 5: Semi-Finals (July 14-15, 2026)

Two matches determine who reaches the World Cup final. Winners advance; losers play in the third-place playoff.

Date	Match	Likely Venue	Kickoff Time (EST)
July 14	Semi-final 1	AT&T Stadium (Dallas) or SoFi Stadium (LA)	8:00 PM
July 15	Semi-final 2	MetLife Stadium (NY/NJ) or Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)	8:00 PM

Historical Significance: If held at Estadio Azteca, it would be the third World Cup hosted by the iconic stadium (1970, 1986, 2026).

Rest Period (July 16-17, 2026)

Two-day break before the tournament's final matches.

Phase 6: Third-Place Playoff (July 18, 2026)

Date	July 18, 2026
Kickoff Time	4:00 PM EST
Teams	Both semi-final losers
Venue	To be confirmed (likely major US stadium)

The third-place playoff determines the tournament's bronze medalists. While some view it as a consolation match, history shows players and nations take pride in finishing third rather than fourth.

Phase 7: THE FINAL (July 19, 2026)

Date	Sunday, July 19, 2026
Kickoff Time	3:00 PM EST (12:00 PM PST)
Venue	MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Capacity	82,500
Significance	Crowns the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions

The 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium will be one of the most watched sporting events in history. Located just 8 miles from Manhattan, the venue combines world-class infrastructure with symbolic significance – crowning champions in the heart of the New York metropolitan area.

Match Timing & Scheduling Patterns

Typical Kickoff Times (Eastern Time)

Tournament Phase	Typical Kickoff Times (EST)	Reason
Group Stage	12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 9:00 PM	Maximize global television coverage
Round of 32	2:00 PM, 6:00 PM	Two daily matches for better spacing
Round of 16	2:00 PM, 6:00 PM	Prime time in Americas, evening in Europe
Quarter-finals	3:00 PM, 6:00 PM	Premium television slots
Semi-finals	8:00 PM	Prime time across Americas
Final	3:00 PM	Accessible across all time zones

Time Zone Considerations

The tournament spans four North American time zones:

• Eastern (EST/EDT): New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto
• Central (CST/CDT): Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara
• Mountain (MST/MDT): (No 2026 venues in this zone)
• Pacific (PST/PDT): Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver

Sample Match Time Conversions

Eastern (EST)	Central (CST)	Pacific (PST)	UK (GMT)	CET
12:00 PM	11:00 AM	9:00 AM	5:00 PM	6:00 PM
3:00 PM	2:00 PM	12:00 PM	8:00 PM	9:00 PM
6:00 PM	5:00 PM	3:00 PM	11:00 PM	12:00 AM+1
9:00 PM	8:00 PM	6:00 PM	2:00 AM+1	3:00 AM+1

Note: All times are subject to confirmation by FIFA. Daylight Saving Time will be in effect during the tournament (mid-March to early November in North America).

Venue-Specific Schedule Patterns

United States Venues

MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey)

• Capacity: 82,500
• Expected Matches: 8+ including the Final
• Key Dates: Group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-final, Final (July 19)
• Prime Times: 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM EST for optimal global viewing

SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)

• Capacity: 70,240
• Expected Matches: 8+ including potential Semi-final
• Key Dates: Group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-final, Possible Semi-final
• Prime Times: 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM PST for West Coast audiences

AT&T Stadium (Dallas)

• Capacity: 80,000
• Expected Matches: 8+ including potential Semi-final
• Key Dates: Group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-final, Possible Semi-final
• Prime Times: 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM CST

Other US Venues

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta): 6-8 matches including knockout rounds
• NRG Stadium (Houston): 6-7 matches, group stage and Round of 32
• Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City): 6-7 matches, group stage and Round of 32
• Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia): 6 matches, primarily group stage
• Hard Rock Stadium (Miami): 6-7 matches, group stage and knockouts
• Levi's Stadium (San Francisco): 6-7 matches, group stage and knockouts
• Lumen Field (Seattle): 6 matches, primarily group stage
• Gillette Stadium (Boston): 5-6 matches, group stage focus

Mexico Venues

Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)

• Capacity: 87,523
• Expected Matches: 8+ including Opening Match and potential Semi-final
• Key Dates: Opening Match (June 11), Group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-final, Possible Semi-final
• Prime Times: 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM CST
• Special Feature: First stadium to host matches at three World Cups

Estadio BBVA (Monterrey)

• Capacity: 53,500
• Expected Matches: 5-6 matches, primarily group stage
• Key Dates: Group stage, possible Round of 32

Estadio Akron (Guadalajara)

• Capacity: 48,071
• Expected Matches: 5-6 matches, primarily group stage
• Key Dates: Group stage, possible Round of 32

Canada Venues

BMO Field (Toronto)

• Capacity: 45,500
• Expected Matches: 5-6 matches, group stage focus
• Key Dates: Group stage, possible Round of 32
• Prime Times: 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM EST

BC Place (Vancouver)

• Capacity: 54,500
• Expected Matches: 5-6 matches, group stage focus
• Key Dates: Group stage, possible Round of 32
• Prime Times: 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM PST

Following Specific Teams Through the Tournament

How Group Stage Scheduling Works

Each team plays on days 1, 5-6, and 9-10 approximately (relative to their first match). This provides roughly 4-5 days rest between matches.

Example: Following Spain Through Group Stage

If Spain (Pot 1, Group A) plays their first match on June 11:

• Match 1: June 11 vs Group A opponent
• Match 2: June 16 vs Group A opponent
• Match 3: June 22 vs Group A opponent (simultaneous final matches)

Following Teams Through Knockout Stages

Teams advancing from groups will know their knockout schedule once group positions are finalized. The bracket structure determines progression:

• Round of 32: June 28-30 (depends on group finishing position)
• Round of 16: July 3-6 (if advancing)
• Quarter-finals: July 9-11 (if advancing)
• Semi-finals: July 14-15 (if advancing)
• Final/Third-place: July 18-19 (if reaching final four)

Maximum Possible Schedule (Team Reaching Final)

A team reaching the final plays 7 matches over 39 days:

1. Group Match 1 (Day 1-5)
2. Group Match 2 (Day 6-11)
3. Group Match 3 (Day 12-17)
4. Round of 32 (Day 18-20)
5. Round of 16 (Day 23-26)
6. Quarter-final (Day 29-31)
7. Semi-final (Day 34-35)
8. Final (Day 39)

Key Dates for Fans to Remember

Date	Event	Significance
December 2025	World Cup Draw	Groups revealed, schedule finalized
June 11, 2026	Opening Match	Tournament begins at Estadio Azteca
June 22-27	Final Group Matches	Qualification to knockouts decided
June 27	Group Stage Ends	32 qualified teams confirmed
June 28	Round of 32 Begins	Knockout football starts
July 3	Round of 16 Begins	Final 16 teams compete
July 4	Independence Day Matches	Round of 16 on US national holiday
July 9-11	Quarter-finals	Final 8 teams, semi-finalists decided
July 14-15	Semi-finals	Finalists determined
July 18	Third-Place Playoff	Bronze medal decided
July 19, 2026	FINAL	World champions crowned at MetLife Stadium

Planning Your World Cup Attendance

Single Match vs Multi-Match Strategy

Single Match Attendance

• Book specific group stage matches featuring preferred teams
• Target knockout matches at premier venues
• Focus on Final or Semi-finals for guaranteed elite football
• Consider matches at convenient local venues

Multi-Match Tours

• Group Stage Focus: Follow one team through all three group matches
• Regional Tour: Attend matches in nearby cities (Dallas-Houston, LA-San Francisco, etc.)
• Knockout Package: Book multiple knockout matches at a single venue
• Complete Journey: Follow your team from group stage through (hopefully) the final

Ticket Booking Timeline

Phase	When to Book	What's Available
Early Sales	Q3 2025	Group stage matches, venue-specific knockouts
Post-Draw	December 2025	Team-specific group matches, targeted knockouts
Pre-Tournament	Q1-Q2 2026	Remaining group stage, resale tickets
During Tournament	June 2026	Confirmed knockout matchups, last-minute availability

Browse our complete selection of World Cup 2026 tickets to secure your place at history's most accessible World Cup.

Travel Planning by Tournament Phase

Group Stage Travel (June 11-27)

• Pros: More affordable accommodation, less crowded venues, easier travel
• Cons: Quality of matches varies, no guaranteed knockout progression
• Best For: Fans following specific teams, budget-conscious travelers

Knockout Stage Travel (June 28-July 19)

• Pros: Guaranteed high-quality matches, electric atmosphere, historic moments
• Cons: Higher prices, more crowded, limited availability
• Best For: Fans seeking premium football, those without team allegiance

Final Week Travel (July 14-19)

• Pros: Best football of tournament, culmination of narratives
• Cons: Most expensive period, extremely limited availability
• Best For: Once-in-a-lifetime experience seekers

Broadcast & Viewing Information

Global Television Coverage

The 2026 World Cup will be broadcast in over 200 countries with FIFA ensuring maximum accessibility:

• United States: FOX, Telemundo, streaming platforms
• United Kingdom: BBC, ITV
• Canada: TSN, RDS
• Mexico: Televisa, TV Azteca
• Global Streaming: FIFA+ digital platform

Best Viewing Times by Region

Region	Best Match Times	Typical Viewing Hours
Americas	All matches	12:00 PM - 9:00 PM local time
Europe	Evening matches (6PM+ EST)	11:00 PM - 2:00 AM CET
Asia	Early matches (12PM EST)	1:00 AM - 10:00 AM (next day)
Africa	Afternoon/evening matches	6:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Oceania	Morning matches (12PM EST)	3:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Weather & Climate Considerations

June-July Weather Expectations

City	Average Temp	Conditions
New York/New Jersey	75-85°F (24-29°C)	Warm, humid, occasional rain
Los Angeles	70-80°F (21-27°C)	Sunny, dry, comfortable
Dallas/Houston	85-95°F (29-35°C)	Hot, humid, indoor venues
Mexico City	65-75°F (18-24°C)	Mild, rainy season begins
Seattle/Vancouver	65-75°F (18-24°C)	Mild, occasional rain
Toronto	70-80°F (21-27°C)	Warm, humid

Historic Schedule Comparisons

2026 vs Previous World Cups

Aspect	2022 Qatar	2026 USA/MEX/CAN	Change
Teams	32	48	+50%
Matches	64	104	+62.5%
Duration	29 days	39 days	+10 days
Venues	8 stadiums, 1 country	16 stadiums, 3 countries	+100% stadiums
Knockout Rounds	Round of 16 first	Round of 32 first	New knockout stage

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the 2026 World Cup start?

The tournament begins with the opening match on June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with kickoff at 3:00 PM EST.

How many matches will be played?

A total of 104 matches will be played: 72 in the group stage and 32 in knockout rounds.

How long does the tournament last?

The tournament spans 39 days from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

What time do matches typically kick off?

Group stage matches typically kick off at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 9:00 PM EST. Knockout matches usually start at 2:00-3:00 PM and 6:00 PM EST.

Can teams from the same group meet in knockouts?

Teams from the same group cannot meet again until the final, ensuring diverse matchups throughout the knockout stages.

How much rest do teams get between matches?

Group stage: 4-5 days typically. Knockout stages: 3-4 days minimum. Semi-finalists get 3-4 days before the final.

Which venues host the most important matches?

MetLife Stadium (final), SoFi Stadium, AT&T Stadium, and Estadio Azteca (opening match) will host the most significant fixtures.

Conclusion: Plan Your World Cup Journey

The 2026 FIFA World Cup's 39-day schedule offers unprecedented opportunities for fans to experience football's greatest tournament. From the opening ceremony at the historic Estadio Azteca to the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, every match contributes to a summer of unforgettable football.

Whether you're planning to attend a single group stage match or following your nation through to the final, understanding the complete schedule helps you maximize your World Cup experience. With 104 matches across 16 venues in three countries, 2026 will be the most accessible World Cup in history.

Key planning tips:

• Book tickets early, especially for knockout matches and premium venues
• Consider time zones when planning international travel
• Account for 4-5 days between group matches when following specific teams
• Target regional clusters of venues for multi-match attendance
• Book accommodation 6-12 months in advance for best rates
• Remember: final group matches kick off simultaneously to prevent tactical advantages

The countdown to June 11, 2026, has begun. The schedule is set. The venues are ready. All that remains is securing your place in history.

Don't miss a moment of the 2026 World Cup. Browse our complete selection of World Cup tickets for all 104 matches. From opening match tickets at Estadio Azteca to the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, plus every group stage and knockout fixture featuring Spain, Argentina, England, Brazil, and all 48 qualified nations. Secure your tickets now and be part of football's greatest celebration.