World Cup 2026

A vibrant soccer stadium filled with enthusiastic fans. Giant banners and flags with various colors and symbols cover a large section of the stands. The crowd is dense and actively engaged, some holding up phones to capture the moment.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the biggest and most inclusive football event ever. With 48 nations competing across three host countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this edition promises to change how the world experiences football. The event will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, bringing together fans from every continent for weeks of action, emotion, and unforgettable moments.

This article covers everything about the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the full schedule, qualified teams, match venues, broadcasting details, and the much-awaited final match at MetLife Stadium.


A New Era of Global Football

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to feature 48 teams instead of 32. It’s also the first to be hosted by three nations — a landmark moment that demonstrates football’s universal power. The expansion means more matches, more stories, and more opportunities for countries to make history.

This tournament is not just about football; it’s about unity, culture, and progress. Fans will witness an event that blends sport with technology, sustainability, and entertainment on a scale never seen before.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule

FIFA World Cup 2026

CategoryDetails
Event NameFIFA World Cup 2026
Edition23rd
Host CountriesUnited States, Canada, Mexico
DatesJune 11 – July 19, 2026
Total Teams48
Total Matches104
Final VenueMetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Opening Match VenueEstadio Azteca, Mexico City
Official Websitehttps://www.fifa.com/

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will break several records. It will have the highest number of teams, the widest geographical spread, and the largest number of fans attending matches in history.


Host Nations and Stadium Venues

This World Cup will showcase 16 host cities across North America. Each stadium has been chosen for its infrastructure, capacity, and global accessibility. Every venue reflects the diversity and culture of its city.

United States

  • MetLife Stadium (New Jersey) – Host of the Final
  • SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
  • AT&T Stadium (Dallas)
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
  • NRG Stadium (Houston)
  • Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco Bay Area)
  • Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
  • Lumen Field (Seattle)
  • Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City)
  • Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
  • Gillette Stadium (Boston)

Canada

  • BMO Field (Toronto)
  • BC Place (Vancouver)

Mexico

  • Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) – Host of the Opening Match
  • Estadio BBVA (Monterrey)
  • Estadio Akron (Guadalajara)

The U.S. hosts the most matches, while Mexico opens the tournament in style, and Canada marks its debut as a men’s World Cup host nation.


FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule

The World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, and the grand finale takes place on July 19, 2026. Fans can expect over a month of football featuring 104 matches.

StageDates
Group StageJune 11 – June 27, 2026
Round of 32June 28 – July 2, 2026
Round of 16July 4 – July 6, 2026
Quarter-FinalsJuly 9 – July 11, 2026
Semi-FinalsJuly 14 – July 15, 2026
Bronze FinalJuly 18, 2026
FinalJuly 19, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a 12-group format, each group having four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout rounds.

Full World Cup Fixtures 2026

Date Match Venue City Teams Stage
11-Jun-261Estadio AztecaMexico CityMexico v. TBDGroup Stage
11-Jun-262Estadio AkronGuadalajaraGroup Stage
12-Jun-263BMO FieldTorontoCanada v. TBDGroup Stage
12-Jun-264SoFi StadiumLos AngelesUSA v TBDGroup Stage
13-Jun-265Gillette StadiumBostonGroup Stage
13-Jun-266BC PlaceVancouverGroup Stage
13-Jun-267MetLife StadiumNew York/New JerseyGroup Stage
13-Jun-268Levi’s StadiumSan Francisco Bay AreaGroup Stage
14-Jun-269Lincoln Financial FieldPhiladelphiaGroup Stage
14-Jun-2610NRG StadiumHoustonGroup Stage
14-Jun-2611AT&T StadiumDallasGroup Stage
14-Jun-2612Estadio BBVAMonterreyGroup Stage
15-Jun-2613Hard Rock StadiumMiamiGroup Stage
15-Jun-2614Mercedes-Benz StadiumAtlantaGroup Stage
15-Jun-2615SoFi StadiumLos AngelesGroup Stage
15-Jun-2616Lumen FieldSeattleGroup Stage
16-Jun-2617MetLife StadiumNew York/New JerseyGroup Stage
16-Jun-2618Gillette StadiumBostonGroup Stage
16-Jun-2619Arrowhead StadiumKansas CityGroup Stage
16-Jun-2620Levi’s StadiumSan Francisco Bay AreaGroup Stage
17-Jun-2621BMO FieldTorontoGroup Stage
17-Jun-2622AT&T StadiumDallasGroup Stage
17-Jun-2623NRG StadiumHoustonGroup Stage
17-Jun-2624Estadio AztecaMexico CityGroup Stage
18-Jun-2625Mercedes-Benz StadiumAtlantaGroup Stage
18-Jun-2626SoFi StadiumLos AngelesGroup Stage
18-Jun-2627BC PlaceVancouverCanada v. TBDGroup Stage
18-Jun-2628Estadio AkronGuadalajaraMexico v. TBDGroup Stage
19-Jun-2629Lincoln Financial FieldPhiladelphiaGroup Stage
19-Jun-2630Gillette StadiumBostonGroup Stage
19-Jun-2631Levi’s StadiumSan Francisco Bay AreaGroup Stage
19-Jun-2632Lumen FieldSeattleUSA v TBDGroup Stage
20-Jun-2633BMO FieldTorontoGroup Stage
20-Jun-2634Arrowhead StadiumKansas CityGroup Stage
20-Jun-2635NRG StadiumHoustonGroup Stage
20-Jun-2636Estadio BBVAMonterreyGroup Stage
21-Jun-2637Hard Rock StadiumMiamiGroup Stage
21-Jun-2638Mercedes-Benz StadiumAtlantaGroup Stage
21-Jun-2639SoFi StadiumLos AngelesGroup Stage
21-Jun-2640BC PlaceVancouverGroup Stage
22-Jun-2641MetLife StadiumNew York/New JerseyGroup Stage
22-Jun-2642Lincoln Financial FieldPhiladelphiaGroup Stage
22-Jun-2643AT&T StadiumDallasGroup Stage
22-Jun-2644Levi’s StadiumSan Francisco Bay AreaGroup Stage
23-Jun-2645Gillette StadiumBostonGroup Stage
23-Jun-2646BMO FieldTorontoGroup Stage
23-Jun-2647NRG StadiumHoustonGroup Stage
23-Jun-2648Estadio AkronGuadalajaraGroup Stage
24-Jun-2649Hard Rock StadiumMiamiGroup Stage
24-Jun-2650Mercedes-Benz StadiumAtlantaGroup Stage
24-Jun-2651BC PlaceVancouverCanada v. TBDGroup Stage
24-Jun-2652Lumen FieldSeattleGroup Stage
24-Jun-2653Estadio AztecaMexico CityMexico v. TBDGroup Stage
24-Jun-2654Estadio BBVAMonterreyGroup Stage
25-Jun-2655Lincoln Financial FieldPhiladelphiaGroup Stage
25-Jun-2656MetLife StadiumNew York/New JerseyGroup Stage
25-Jun-2657AT&T StadiumDallasGroup Stage
25-Jun-2658Arrowhead StadiumKansas CityGroup Stage
25-Jun-2659SoFi StadiumLos AngelesUSA v TBDGroup Stage
25-Jun-2660Levi’s StadiumSan Francisco Bay AreaGroup Stage
26-Jun-2661Gillette StadiumBostonGroup Stage
26-Jun-2662BMO FieldTorontoGroup Stage
26-Jun-2663Lumen FieldSeattleGroup Stage
26-Jun-2664BC PlaceVancouverGroup Stage
26-Jun-2665NRG StadiumHoustonGroup Stage
26-Jun-2666Estadio AkronGuadalajaraGroup Stage
27-Jun-2667MetLife StadiumNew York/New JerseyGroup Stage
27-Jun-2668Lincoln Financial FieldPhiladelphiaGroup Stage
27-Jun-2669Arrowhead StadiumKansas CityGroup Stage
27-Jun-2670AT&T StadiumDallasGroup Stage
27-Jun-2671Hard Rock StadiumMiamiGroup Stage
27-Jun-2672Mercedes-Benz StadiumAtlantaGroup Stage
28-Jun-2673Los Angeles StadiumLos AngelesGroup A runners-up vs Group B runners-upRound of 32
29-Jun-2674Boston StadiumBostonGroup E winners vs Group A/B/C/D/F third placeRound of 32
29-Jun-2675Estadio MonterreyMonterreyGroup F winners vs Group C runners-upRound of 32
29-Jun-2676Houston StadiumHoustonGroup C winners vs Group F runners-upRound of 32
30-Jun-2677New York New Jersey StadiumNew York/New JerseyGroup I winners vs Group C/D/F/G/H third placeRound of 32
30-Jun-2678Dallas StadiumDallasGroup E runners-up vs Group I runners-upRound of 32
30-Jun-2679Estadio AztecaMexico CityGroup A winners vs Group C/E/F/H/I third placeRound of 32
01-Jul-2680Atlanta StadiumAtlantaGroup L winners vs Group E/H/I/J/K third placeRound of 32
01-Jul-2681San Francisco Bay Area StadiumSan Francisco Bay AreaGroup D winners vs Group B/E/F/I/J third placeRound of 32
01-Jul-2682Seattle StadiumSeattleGroup G winners vs Group A/E/H/I/J third placeRound of 32
02-Jul-2683Toronto StadiumTorontoGroup K runners-up vs Group L runners-upRound of 32
02-Jul-2684Los Angeles StadiumLos AngelesGroup H winners vs Group J runners-upRound of 32
02-Jul-2685BC PlaceVancouverGroup B winners vs Group E/F/G/I/J third placeRound of 32
03-Jul-2686Miami StadiumMiamiGroup J winners vs Group H runners-upRound of 32
03-Jul-2687Kansas City StadiumKansas CityGroup K winners vs Group D/E/I/J/L third placeRound of 32
03-Jul-2688Dallas StadiumDallasGroup D runners-up vs Group G runners-upRound of 32
04-Jul-2689Philadelphia StadiumPhiladelphiaWinner Match 74 vs Winner Match 77Round of 16
04-Jul-2690Houston StadiumHoustonWinner Match 73 vs Winner Match 75Round of 16
05-Jul-2691New York New Jersey StadiumNew York/New JerseyWinner Match 76 vs Winner Match 78Round of 16
05-Jul-2692Estadio AztecaMexico CityWinner Match 79 vs Winner Match 80Round of 16
06-Jul-2693Dallas StadiumDallasWinner Match 83 vs Winner Match 84Round of 16
06-Jul-2694Seattle StadiumSeattleWinner Match 81 vs Winner Match 82Round of 16
07-Jul-2695Atlanta StadiumAtlantaWinner Match 86 vs Winner Match 88Round of 16
07-Jul-2696BC PlaceVancouverWinner Match 85 vs Winner Match 87Round of 16
09-Jul-2697Boston StadiumBostonWinner Match 89 vs Winner Match 90Quarter-final
10-Jul-2698Los Angeles StadiumLos AngelesWinner Match 93 vs Winner Match 94Quarter-final
11-Jul-2699Miami StadiumMiamiWinner Match 91 vs Winner Match 92Quarter-final
11-Jul-26100Kansas City StadiumKansas CityWinner Match 95 vs Winner Match 96Quarter-final
14-Jul-26101Dallas StadiumDallasWinner Match 97 vs Winner Match 98Semi-final
15-Jul-26102Atlanta StadiumAtlantaWinner Match 99 vs Winner Match 100Semi-final
18-Jul-26103Miami StadiumMiamiLoser Match 101 vs Loser Match 102Bronze Final
19-Jul-26104New York New Jersey StadiumNew York/New JerseyWinner Match 101 vs Winner Match 102Final

United States Venues

The United States will host the majority of the matches, spread across its major cities. Each stadium is known for its atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities.

  • MetLife Stadium (New Jersey) – Venue for the Final
  • SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) – Modern design and high capacity
  • AT&T Stadium (Dallas) – Huge retractable roof and vibrant fan base
  • Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) – Tropical energy and colorful crowds
  • Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco) – Green-certified and tech-driven

Each of these cities will also host fan zones, concerts, and festivals to celebrate football beyond the pitch.


Canada Venues

Canada’s involvement adds a refreshing touch to the tournament. The country will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver.

  • BMO Field (Toronto) – Expanded to 45,000 capacity, offering an intimate but energetic setting.
  • BC Place (Vancouver) – A closed-roof stadium known for its modern architecture and sea views.

These venues will represent Canada’s passion for football and its growing global presence in the sport.


Mexico Venues

Mexico’s football heritage will shine once again in the 2026 edition. The country’s three venues have all hosted major events and are ready to welcome the world.

  • Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) – The only stadium in history to host three World Cups.
  • Estadio BBVA (Monterrey) – Offers a stunning backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains.
  • Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) – Modern structure, famous for its lively crowd.

Mexico’s energy and hospitality will set the tone for the tournament’s opening ceremonies and early matches.


The Grand Final at MetLife Stadium

The most anticipated moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place at MetLife Stadium, officially named the New York/New Jersey Stadium during the event.

EventDetail
Final MatchFIFA World Cup 2026 Final
DateJuly 19, 2026
VenueMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Capacity82,500
Host CityNew York/New Jersey

MetLife Stadium has hosted global events like the Super Bowl XLVIII and Copa América Centenario Final, and now it will witness football’s biggest prize. The final promises unmatched energy, visuals, and entertainment.


Qualified Teams and Continental Representation

The expansion to 48 teams ensures global diversity and inclusion. Here’s a look at the confirmed and expected teams.

ConfederationTeams Qualified or Expected
CONCACAF (Hosts)United States, Canada, Mexico
UEFAEngland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands
CONMEBOLArgentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay
AFCJapan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Uzbekistan
CAFMorocco, Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia
OFCNew Zealand

Each continent gets more representation, giving fans from new nations a chance to see their flags fly at football’s grandest stage.


Broadcasting and Live Streaming

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available across every major platform through official broadcast partners.

  • Afghanistan — ATN
  • Albania — TV Klan
  • Andorra — M6
  • Argentina — TVP, Telefe, TyC Sports
  • Armenia — AMPTV
  • Australia — SBS
  • Austria — ORF, ServusTV
  • Azerbaijan — İctimai TV
  • Bolivia — Red Uno, Unitel
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina — Arena Sport
  • Brazil — Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBTN Sports
  • Bulgaria — BNT
  • Cambodia — Hang Meas HDTV
  • Canada — Bell Media
  • Chile — Chilevisión
  • Colombia — Caracol Televisión, Canal RCN, Win Sports
  • Costa Rica — Teletica
  • Croatia — HRT
  • Czech Republic — ČT
  • Denmark — DR, TV 2
  • Ecuador — Teleamazonas
  • El Salvador — TCS
  • Europe — EBU
  • Finland — Yle, MTV3
  • France — M6
  • Georgia — GPB
  • Germany — ARD, Deutsche Telekom, ZDF
  • Greece — ANT1
  • Guatemala — Chapín TV
  • Honduras — Televicentro
  • Hungary — MTVA
  • Iran — IRIB TV3
  • Kazakhstan — Qazaqstan TV, QazSport TV
  • Kyrgyzstan — UTRK TV
  • Korea — JTBC
  • Latin America — Vrio Corp.
  • MENA — beIN Sports
  • Mexico — TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca
  • Mongolia — MME
  • Montenegro — Arena Sport
  • Netherlands — NOS
  • New Zealand — TVNZ
  • Nicaragua — Televideo
  • North Macedonia — Arena Sport
  • Norway — NRK, TV 2
  • Panama — RPC, TVN
  • Paraguay — TyC Sports, Trece, Unicanal, GEN TV, Popu TV
  • Peru — América Televisión
  • Poland — TVP
  • Romania — Antena
  • Russia — Match TV
  • Serbia — Arena Sport
  • Slovakia — STV, RTV JOJ
  • Slovenia — Arena Sport
  • Spain — Mediapro, RTVE
  • Sub-Saharan Africa — New World TV, SuperSport
  • Sweden — SVT, TV4
  • Switzerland — SRG SSR
  • Taiwan — ELTA
  • Turkey — TRT
  • Turkmenistan — Turkmenistan Sport
  • Tajikistan — TV Varzish, TV Football
  • United Kingdom — BBC, ITV
  • United States — Fox, Telemundo
  • Uzbekistan — Zo’r TV
  • Venezuela — Televen

FIFA will operate the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, ensuring seamless global coverage across television and digital streaming platforms.


Entertainment and Halftime Performance

For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup final will feature a halftime show. Global Citizen will co-produce the show, and Coldplay will be part of the performance planning. This marks a historic first in World Cup history, blending sport and global music culture for an unforgettable experience.


Knockout Phase Breakdown

Round of 32 (June 28–July 2, 2026)

Matches across Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, and New Jersey will determine the top 16.

Round of 16 (July 4–6, 2026)

Tough battles in Philadelphia, Seattle, Mexico City, and Dallas.

Quarter-Finals (July 9–11, 2026)

Set in Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, and Kansas City.

Semi-Finals (July 14–15, 2026)

Played at AT&T Stadium (Dallas) and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta).

Bronze Final (July 18, 2026)

To be held in Miami, honoring the tournament’s best fighters.

Grand Final (July 19, 2026)

MetLife Stadium, New Jersey — the night the world crowns a new champion.


Official Match Rules

Every fixture will follow FIFA’s official rules, ensuring fairness and consistency.

  • 90 minutes of regular play
  • 30 minutes of extra time if tied
  • Penalty shootout if scores remain level
  • Maximum of five substitutions, with a sixth in extra time
  • Concussion substitution rule available

These standardized match rules guarantee competitive balance and player safety throughout the tournament.


Fan Experience and Tourism

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will not only attract football fans but also millions of travelers. Each host nation is preparing for an influx of visitors eager to experience culture, entertainment, and sport together.

  • Fan Zones in every host city with large screens, local cuisine, and concerts
  • Cultural events showcasing North American art and music
  • Travel infrastructure upgrades across all host countries
  • Affordable packages for match-day experiences and tours

This combination of sport and culture will make the World Cup a festival for everyone — from local families to international travelers.


Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability plays a crucial role in the 2026 edition. FIFA and local organizers have implemented strict eco-friendly standards, focusing on:

  • Renewable energy for stadiums
  • Waste recycling and carbon-neutral transport
  • Smart ticketing and paperless systems
  • Community legacy programs

The aim is to make FIFA World Cup 2026 the greenest and most sustainable tournament in history.


Key Highlights of FIFA World Cup 2026

  • 48 teams participating for the first time
  • Hosted by three nations simultaneously
  • Record 104 matches across 16 cities
  • Halftime show debut
  • Technologically advanced VAR and AI-driven systems
  • Massive fan zones and cultural festivals
  • Live broadcast in over 200 countries

Legacy and Global Impact

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will leave a long-lasting legacy, both in sports and society.

Economic Growth

Billions of dollars in tourism and infrastructure investment across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Football Development

New youth academies and grassroots programs to strengthen local talent pools.

Cultural Unity

The event celebrates diversity and global friendship through the world’s most popular sport.


Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will stand as the most ambitious and diverse football tournament ever organized. From Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca to New Jersey’s grand MetLife Stadium, every moment will be filled with passion, unity, and pride.

As fans prepare to cheer for their favorite nations, one thing is certain — this tournament will remind the world why football is more than a game. It’s a universal language that brings humanity together under one goal: to celebrate the beauty of the world’s favorite sport.

A large football stadium with red seating and an open roof structure. The seating area displays the word 'WEMBLEY' in large letters. A scoreboard shows 'Finalists 2022' with a team logo. The field is well-maintained with lush green grass, and a few people are visible walking on the pitch.
A row of Coca-Cola bottles with various designs commemorating the FIFA World Cup for different years, including 1998 in France, 2002 in South Korea and Japan, 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa, 2014 in Brazil, and 2018 in Russia. Each bottle features vibrant colors and branding associated with the respective tournament.