The countdown is on! The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest tournament in football history — featuring 48 national teams, 104 matches, and 16 incredible host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Fans around the world are already planning their trips and checking the World Cup schedule to make sure they don’t miss a single moment of the action. Here’s the full breakdown, brought to you by Cup Journey.
Official Tournament Dates & Format
The 2026 World Cup will run from Thursday, June 11, 2026 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, making it the longest and most ambitious World Cup ever.
| Stage | Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage – Matchday 1 | 11–17 June 2026 | Opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. |
| Group Stage – Matchday 2 | 18–23 June 2026 | Second round of group matches across North America. |
| Group Stage – Matchday 3 | 24–27 June 2026 | Final group games decide the last 16. |
| Round of 32 | 28 June – 3 July 2026 | Knock-out phase begins. |
| Round of 16 | 4–7 July 2026 | Top 16 teams battle for a quarter-final spot. |
| Quarter-Finals | 9–11 July 2026 | The eight best teams clash for glory. |
| Semi-Finals | 14–15 July 2026 | Two games to decide the finalists. |
| Third-Place Play-Off | 18 July 2026 | A final chance for a medal. |
| Final | 19 July 2026 | The grand finale at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA. |
Sources :FIFA.com, FOX Sports, Wikipedia
Want to experience the matches live? Check out our full guide on how much World Cup tickets cost for 2026 — including categories, prices, and how to buy early.
Tournament Format Explained
For the first time ever, the World Cup schedule will include 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four.
- The top two teams from each group advance.
- The eight best third-place teams also move forward, forming a new Round of 32.
- From there, it’s pure knock-out football until the final in New Jersey.
This expanded format ensures more matches, more goals, and more unforgettable football moments.
Host Cities and Stadiums
The 2026 edition will be co-hosted across three countries, making it the most geographically diverse tournament in history.
Mexico
- Estadio Azteca – Mexico City
- Estadio Akron – Guadalajara
- Estadio BBVA – Monterrey
Canada
- BC Place – Vancouver
- BMO Field – Toronto
United States
- MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford (NJ) → Final
- SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles
- AT&T Stadium – Dallas
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta
- Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City
- Hard Rock Stadium – Miami
- NRG Stadium – Houston
- Gillette Stadium – Boston
- Lumen Field – Seattle
- Levi’s Stadium – Bay Area
- Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia
Match Times and Global Viewing
Because matches will be spread across three time zones (Pacific, Central, Eastern), kickoff times will vary.
For fans in Morocco (GMT + 1) and Europe, expect most matches between 17:00 and 02:00 local time — ideal for prime-time viewing.
The Grand Finale
The World Cup Final 2026 will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
It will be the first men’s World Cup final hosted on U.S. soil — a monumental day for global football fans and the ultimate climax of the World Cup schedule.
Stay Updated with Cup Journey
At Cup Journey, we’ll bring you:
- Daily match updates
- Team previews and analysis
- Full World Cup schedule breakdowns
- Behind-the-scenes stories from each host city
Follow Cup Journey for the most accurate and exciting coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 — from the opening whistle to the final celebration!