WASHINGTON: Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has officially revealed the full 104-match schedule for the monumental 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It confirmed the venues and kick-off times for all games across the three host nations: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Key Dates and Venues Confirmed
The tournament, which has been expanded to feature 48 teams and will run for 39 days, begins on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The opening match features co-host Mexico at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The tournament’s climax, the desired final, will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be conducted at the MetLife Stadium in the New York / New Jersey area.
This inclusive schedule, which was designed to lessen travel for both teams and fans, marks a final major landmark ahead of the biggest World Cup in history.
Host Nation Paths and New Format
The host nations’ paths have been fully detailed.
Specifically, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) will initiate its campaign in Los Angeles.
Likewise, Canada will kick off their tournament run in Toronto.
Significantly, all three host nations, Mexico, Canada, and the USA, will play their three group stage matches exclusively on home soil.
Furthermore, the tournament organization introduces a new and expanded format.
Indeed, featuring 12 groups of four, this structure will lead to a new Round of 32 for the knockout stages.
Moreover, all matches from the quarter-finals onwards will take place entirely within the United States, with semi-finals scheduled for Dallas and Atlanta.
Finally, the draw has set up interesting early matches, including defending champions.
Argentina, which will be opening its title defense against Algeria on June 16, will thereby kick off an extraordinary summer of football.
