FIFA World Cup 2026: Fixtures, Schedule, Dates, Times

Get Ready for the Biggest Football Event in History! FIFA World Cup 2026 Comes to North America this Summer.

The wait is finally over! The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the biggest and most spectacular sporting event the world has ever seen. For the first time in history, football’s most prestigious tournament will be held in three host countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The 23rd edition of the World Cup will redefine the sport. Expanding from 32 to a record 48 teams, the tournament will feature an unprecedented 104 matches played in 16 world-class stadiums. From the legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City to the dazzling SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and the grand final in New York/New Jersey, the best players in the world will come together for an unforgettable summer of passion, excitement, and glory.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Overview

Location	USA, Mexico, Canada
Start Date	June 11, 2026
End Date	July 19, 2026
Channel	FOX, Telemundo, BBC, ITV

This guide covers everything fans need to know about the 2026 World Cup schedule, including official kick-off times, venue guides, ticket details, and broadcast channels, so they don’t miss a single moment of the action. Whether they’re cheering on the defending champions or an underdog, fifafixture.com is their best choice for the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11, and will make history with 48 teams competing for the first time. The world’s biggest football event breaks with tradition by spanning three North American nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States, instead of a single host country. Football fans will witness matches in 16 cities, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Vancouver, making it a massive continental celebration.

The first match in Mexico City kicks off at 1:00 p.m. local time, marking the start of this spectacular tournament. The championship path leads to the third-place match on Saturday, July 18, and culminates with the final on Sunday, July 19. The tournament will reach a significant milestone when Tunisia and Japan face off in Monterrey on June 20 in the 1,000th match of the FIFA World Cup. Fox and NBCUniversal will broadcast the games in English and Spanish across the United States, while Bell Media will handle coverage in Canada, offering fans multiple ways to experience every exciting moment.

What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The 23rd FIFA World Cup, billed as the 26th FIFA World Cup, will bring exciting changes to the world’s premier football championship. This major sporting event will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and promises to make history with its expanded format.

Three countries will co-host the tournament for the first time since 2002. Matches will be played in sixteen cities: eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. Mexico stands out as the first country to host the men’s World Cup three times, following its successful tournaments in 1970 and 1986. The United States returns as host for the first time since its 1994 tournament, while Canada will have its first opportunity to host the men’s competition.

Football fans will celebrate the return to the traditional Northern Hemisphere summer schedule after the 2022 Qatar World Cup was held in November and December. The tournament will welcome several newcomers to the world stage, including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

The new tournament format, featuring 48 teams, creates 12 groups of four teams each. Teams play three group stage matches in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. The eight best third-placed teams also advance, creating an exciting new round of 32.

The knockout stage leads to the final after the group stage. Drawn knockout matches will be played with 30 minutes of extra time, divided into two 15-minute halves. If the teams are still tied, a penalty shootout will decide the winner.

Canada, Mexico, and the United States have secured automatic qualification as host nations, occupying three of the CONCACAF slots. The remaining slots are distributed among the continental confederations:

• AFC (Asia): 8 direct qualification spots plus 1 playoff spot
• CAF (Africa): 9 direct qualification spots plus 1 playoff spot
• CONCACAF (North America, Central America, and the Caribbean): 3 additional direct qualification spots plus 2 playoff spots
• CONMEBOL (South America): 6 direct qualification spots plus 1 playoff spot
• OFC (Oceania): 1 direct qualification spot plus 1 playoff spot
• UEFA (Europe): 16 direct qualification spots

The official match ball of the tournament, the adidas TRIONDA, features the colors red, green, and blue in honor of the three host countries. Three adorable mascots debuted in September 2025: Maple™, the moose, represents Canada; Zayu™, the jaguar, represents Mexico; and Clutch™, the bald eagle, symbolizes the United States.

How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Live Legally

Fans need reliable streaming access to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without missing a single match. The tournament expands to an unprecedented 104 matches, giving viewers numerous legal options across different platforms and in various languages.

Official broadcasters by region

Streaming platforms with live coverage

The tournament offers flexible viewing across digital platforms. US viewers can watch English-language coverage on FOXSports.com, the Fox Sports app, and FOX One. FIFA+ streams select World Cup matches for free, though not the entire tournament. Viewers can use a VPN with US servers to bypass regional restrictions. Compatibility varies when using foreign servers.

Spanish and Other Language Options

Telemundo and NBCUniversal will offer the most extensive Spanish-language coverage in U.S. history. Telemundo will broadcast 92 matches, and Universo the remaining 12. The 2022 World Cup revealed interesting trends: 30% of Telemundo viewers did not speak Spanish. Viewers rated the matches 15% higher when they watched them in Spanish, regardless of their primary language. The preference for Spanish-language coverage stands at 55% among bilingual viewers.

Streaming on YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu, etc.

These streaming services make it easy to access World Cup matches:

• YouTube TV: includes Fox and FS1 in its programming and plans to launch a more affordable sports package in 2026.
• Hulu: offers World Cup coverage starting at $11.99 per month with free trials for new subscribers.
• Fubo, DirecTV, Sling TV: all offer access to the required channels.
• Peacock: streams all matches with Spanish commentary.

British viewers can access the matches via BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. The Telemundo app offers another streaming option in Spanish. Live TV subscriptions can cost up to $100 per month. Viewers are advised to keep an eye out for promotional packages as the tournament approaches.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Fixture Lists

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will last 37 days and feature 104 matches played in North America. This makes it the largest World Cup in history, thanks to its new 48-team format.

Mexico will kick off the tournament against South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11. The following day, Canada will play a European qualifier in Toronto. The United States will face Paraguay that same day in Los Angeles. This format gives each host country its own opening celebration.

The tournament schedule is divided into the following phases:

Group Stage: June 11-27, featuring all 48 teams across 12 groups. Round of 32: June 28-July 3, a new knockout phase. Round of 16: July 4-7. Quarter-finals: July 9-11. Semi-finals: July 14-15. Third-place play-off: July 18 in Miami. Final: July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey

The host countries will play their three group stage matches within their own borders. The knockout rounds will be played primarily in U.S. venues. The United States will host 78 matches, while Canada and Mexico will each host 13.

England’s group stage matches include a clash against Croatia on June 17 in Arlington, followed by Ghana on June 23 in Foxborough. Their final group stage match will be against Panama on June 27 in New Jersey. Scotland begins its campaign against Haiti on June 14 in Foxborough, faces Morocco on June 19, and concludes with a highly anticipated match against Brazil on June 24 in Miami.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will be the busiest venue, with nine matches scheduled. This creates some scheduling challenges for several Major League Baseball teams. The Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers all have home stadiums near World Cup venues.

Teams and fans will benefit from the tournament’s tri-regional structure (West, Central, and East), which reduces travel time. The champion will be crowned at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Qualified Teams for World Cup 2026

The qualifying race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its final stages. 42 countries have already secured their place, and only six spots remain after the final qualifying matches and playoffs. This expanded tournament format has allowed several countries to make their debut on football’s biggest stage.

Football fans will see some new faces at the tournament. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will all be making their World Cup debuts. Haiti’s qualification marks a historic return after a 52-year absence since their last appearance in 1974. Austria, Norway, and Scotland will end their 28-year wait, marking their first qualification since 1998.

The road to qualification has produced some memorable stories. South Africa earned their place through qualifying for the first time since 2002, following their previous appearance as hosts in 2010. Qatar capitalized on its experience as hosts in 2022, qualifying through the regular route for the first time.

The qualified teams by confederation are:

• AFC (Asia): 8 teams: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan
• CAF (Africa): 9 teams: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia
• CONCACAF: 6 teams: Canada (host), Curaçao, Haiti, Mexico (host), Panama, and the USA (host)
• CONMEBOL: 6 teams: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay
• OFC (Oceania): 1 team: New Zealand
• UEFA (Europe): 12 teams: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, and Switzerland

The final stage of the competition will be played through intercontinental playoffs. Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname will battle for the remaining six spots. This playoff format marks a first in World Cup history, as teams from different confederations compete for last-minute qualification.

Traditional powerhouses dominate the rankings, but smaller nations have made their mark throughout the campaign. The expanded format has created new opportunities for nations beyond the traditional footballing powerhouses.

2026 Tournament Format (48 Teams)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the biggest format change since its inception. Football’s premier event moves beyond the 32-team structure in place since 1998. This new framework completely transforms how the tournament operates.

FIFA has organized 48 participating countries into 12 groups of four teams each. They opted to maintain the familiar four-team group format, well-known to fans, instead of dividing them into 16 groups of three. Each team plays three round-robin matches against its group opponents.

The path to the knockout rounds differs from previous tournaments. Teams that finish first or second in their groups (24 teams) advance automatically. The competition also allows the eight best third-placed teams from each group to advance, creating a 32-team knockout stage. This means that two out of every three teams advance from the group stage, while 16 are eliminated.

A new Round of 32 kicks off the knockout stage, something never before seen in World Cup history. Teams then face off in single-elimination matches. If the score is tied after 90 minutes, the match goes to 30 minutes of extra time, divided into two periods. If the teams are still tied, a penalty shootout is held.

Teams need to win eight matches to lift the trophy, one more than in previous tournaments. The expanded tournament features a total of 104 matches, a significant increase from the 64 matches played since 1998.

FIFA has clearly established the continental quotas: Asia gets 8 direct places plus one playoff spot; Africa receives 9 direct places plus one playoff spot; CONCACAF gets 6 direct places (including three host countries) plus 2 playoff spots; South America is awarded 6 direct places plus one playoff spot; Oceania secures one direct qualification spot plus one playoff spot; Europe retains 16 direct qualification spots.

This new format balances greater global participation with a high level of competition. Now, more countries have the opportunity to achieve glory, while the tournament maintains its high standards.

World Cup 2026 Prize Money Breakdown

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will offer the largest prize pool in history. The FIFA Council has approved a record total financial contribution of $727 million. This represents a 50% increase over the prize money for Qatar 2022.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will offer the largest prize pool in history. The FIFA Council has approved a record total financial contribution of $727 million. This represents a 50% increase over the prize money accumulated at Qatar 2022.

The winning team will take home $50 million. This amount far surpasses the $42 million received by Argentina in 2022 and the $38 million by France in 2018. Teams will receive prize money based on their final ranking:

• Champions: $50 million
• Runners-up: $33 million
• 3rd place: $29 million
• 4th place: $27 million
• 5th-8th place: $19 million each
• 9th-16th place: $15 million each
• 17th-32nd place: $11 million each
• 33rd-48th place: $9 million each

Each qualified team receives $1.5 million to prepare. This means that teams earn at least $10.5 million just for qualifying for the tournament.

The World Cup prize money continues to grow steadily. Total prize money has increased from $348 million in 2010 to $655 million in 2026. The winner’s share has increased from $30 million to $50 million during this period.

Figures between tournaments demonstrate FIFA’s financial growth. The winner’s prize has increased by 19.05% since 2022, while total prize money shows an impressive increase of 48.86%.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says these payments demonstrate that the World Cup will be “groundbreaking in its financial contribution to the global football community.” FIFA first publicly announced the World Cup prize money when Italy won $2.2 million in 1982.

FIFA World Cup Past Winners List

In the international football landscape, only eight nations have lifted the prestigious FIFA World Cup trophy. Brazil leads the list with five championships, securing victories in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. Germany and Italy have each won four titles, while the current champion, Argentina, boasts three.

The legendary Pelé played a crucial role in three of Brazil’s five triumphs during their golden era. Their last victory was in 2002, marking a 24-year drought as we approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Italy’s achievement is unique, as it was the only nation to win consecutive tournaments (1934 and 1938). Manager Vittorio Pozzo earned his place in history by becoming the only coach to achieve back-to-back World Cup titles.

The complete chronological list of World Cup champions:

• 1930: Uruguay (Hosts, defeated Argentina 4-2)
• 1934: Italy (Hosts, defeated Czechoslovakia 2-1)
• 1938: Italy (defeated Hungary 4-2)
• 1950: Uruguay (defeated Brazil 2-1)
• 1954: West Germany (defeated Hungary 3-2)
• 1958: Brazil (defeated Sweden 5-2)
• 1962: Brazil (defeated Czechoslovakia 3-1)
• 1966: England (Hosts, defeated West Germany 4-2)
• 1970: Brazil (defeated Italy 4-1)
• 1974: West Germany (Hosts, defeated Netherlands 2-1)
• 1978: Argentina (Hosts, defeated Netherlands 3-1)
• 1982: Italy (defeated West Germany 3-1)
• 1986: Argentina (defeated West Germany 3-2)
• 1990: West Germany (defeated Argentina 1-0)
• 1994: Brazil (defeated Italy on penalties)
• 1998: France (Hosts, defeated Brazil 3-0)
• 2002: Brazil (defeated Germany 2-0)
• 2006: Italy (defeated France on penalties)
• 2010: Spain (defeated Netherlands 1-0)
• 2014: Germany (defeated Argentina 1-0)
• 2018: France (defeated Croatia 4-2)
• 2022: Argentina (defeated France on penalties)

The Netherlands has a bittersweet legacy, having reached three finals (1974, 1978, and 2010) but never won. Argentina’s title defense at the 2026 World Cup is crucial, as they aspire to equal Brazil’s elite status by winning their fourth championship.

Group Stage Schedule and Previews

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has produced several intriguing matchups across 12 groups. Group F is statistically the toughest, featuring the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the European playoff, with an average FIFA ranking of 26.

Groups I and L are close behind in terms of difficulty. Group I will feature one of the most anticipated individual duels between Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland when France takes on Norway. These superstars are averaging a similar 1.1 goals per 90 minutes in the league this season.

England’s Group L brings a rematch against Croatia, their opponent in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. Ghana and Panama complete this challenging group, with an average ranking of 29.

The United States finds itself in a very balanced Group D. Mauricio Pochettino’s team will compete against Australia, Paraguay, and possibly Turkey in what analysts consider the most evenly matched group.

Mexico’s Group A benefits from playing at 2,180 meters of altitude at the Azteca Stadium. Canada faces tough competition from Switzerland, Qatar, and possibly Italy in Group B.

Germany heads an intriguing Group E alongside Ecuador, African champions Ivory Coast, and newcomer Curaçao. Spain received a favorable draw in Group H with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde.

The new 48-team format has changed the traditional “Group of Death” dynamic. Two-thirds of the teams now advance instead of half, creating an average ranking difference of 56 places between the strongest and weakest teams in each group, compared to 36 at Qatar 2022.

Host Cities and Stadiums Guide

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will make history as the first tournament co-hosted by three nations, with 16 host cities and world-class venues across North America. The United States, Mexico, and Canada have joined forces to create this groundbreaking event, with eleven U.S. cities, three Mexican cities, and two Canadian cities hosting matches.

The U.S. venues stretch from coast to coast, offering fans an incredible gaming experience. AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, boasts the largest capacity at 94,000, while MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the tournament final on July 19. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with its 75,000 seats, and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with a capacity of 70,000, round out the list of top U.S. venues.

The legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will welcome 83,000 fans. This iconic stadium is the only one to have hosted two World Cup finals, those held in 1970 and 1986. The country will also host the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey (capacity 53,500) and the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara (capacity 48,500).

Canada’s contribution to this historic tournament comes in the form of two venues. Vancouver’s BC Place offers 54,000 seats, while Toronto’s BMO Field will expand its capacity from 30,000 to 45,500 specifically to host World Cup matches.

The United States will host the majority of matches, with 78 games, while Canada and Mexico will each host 13. These 16 stadiums will showcase the new 48-team format, taking the most prestigious football tournament to an unprecedented level in North America.

World Cup Fan Blog and Updates

As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fan engagement is reaching unprecedented levels across social media and dedicated digital spaces.

Fan Reactions and Highlights

Fans from the qualified countries face significant hurdles with their travel plans. The extended travel ban would prevent fans from Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti from entering the country unless they already have a visa. Despite this, local communities are excited to have the tournament close to home. Young Kaiyu Zhang believes that the matches in Santa Clara will boost local interest in football and benefit the community.

Greatest Goals and Moments

World Cup finals have created unforgettable moments. Pelé displayed remarkable skill against Sweden in 1958 when, at 17, he lifted the ball over a defender’s head and volleyed it home. Brazil’s greatness shone through with Carlos Alberto’s goal in the 1970 final against Italy after a mesmerizing team move. The FOX family of channels will offer full highlights, commentary, and replays of all matches in the upcoming tournament. Fans will be able to enjoy each iconic moment however they prefer.

Live Scores and Highlights Hub

Fans need reliable digital platforms to follow all the action of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA Live Scores Update

The FOX Sports app and the FOX family of channels are comprehensive hubs for World Cup content. They offer live matches, commentary, and full replays. LiveScore is another platform that displays real-time football scores from the 2026 World Cup matches. Fans can easily follow the latest results and fixtures.

FIFA Match Stats Update

Dedicated platforms will track match data throughout the tournament. Fans can analyze beyond the scoreboard, with details on possession percentages, shots on target, corner kicks, and disciplinary records.

FIFA Player Statistics

The 365Scores platform will track player and team statistics throughout the 2026 tournament. The platform’s database includes goals, expected goals (xG), assists, cards, tackles, clean sheets, and penalties from all 104 matches. These figures help to effectively evaluate player performance.

FIFA Team Lineups

Sportsgambler.com displays the official World Cup lineups before each match. Bettors and fans get accurate information about team formations. The platform offers comprehensive coverage of each country’s squad. Users can find details on goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The site also regularly updates injury and suspension reports.

Free and Paid Streaming Options

You can watch all the matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through various streaming options. FIFA+ streams some matches for free, but it doesn’t cover the entire tournament. Many countries offer free options to watch all the matches. Australian viewers can watch the matches on SBS, while fans in the UK have access to BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Subscription Platforms

Football fans who want to watch all the matches have several dedicated streaming options. Peacock will broadcast all 104 matches in Spanish, making it a must-have platform for Spanish-speaking viewers. The cost of streaming services can reach $100 per month. Telemundo plans to broadcast 92 matches, and Universo the remaining 12. This distribution ensures that Spanish viewers can watch all the matches.

Bundled Sports Packages

Watching the 2026 World Cup is easier with bundled service packages. FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV include FOX and Telemundo in their packages. These bundles offer better value than buying separate subscriptions. YouTube TV’s new sports package could be revolutionary for soccer fans. This upcoming, lower-cost option focuses on major sporting events and could make watching the World Cup more affordable.

Key Takeaways

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will revolutionize international football with groundbreaking changes that fans should understand before the tournament kicks off.

• Debuts the historic 48-team format: The first World Cup with 48 countries in 12 groups, featuring a total of 104 matches and a new Round of 32 knockout stage.

• Three countries will host the tournament in North America: Canada, Mexico, and the United States will co-host in 16 cities, with Mexico becoming the first country to host it three times.

• Record-breaking $727 million in prize money: The champions will receive an unprecedented $50 million, while every qualified team will receive a minimum of $10.5 million just for participating.

• Multiple viewing options available: Fox Sports handles English-language coverage in the U.S., Telemundo offers Spanish-language broadcasts, and FIFA+ offers free access to selected matches worldwide.

• The tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026: It begins with the Mexico-South Africa match at Estadio Azteca and concludes with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

This expanded tournament format creates more opportunities for underdog stories while maintaining competitive integrity. The continental celebration in North America will showcase diverse cultures and world-class venues, making it the most geographically widespread World Cup in history. Fans should prepare for an unprecedented football experience that combines traditional powerhouses with exciting newcomers on the world’s biggest stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When and where will the 2026 FIFA World Cup be held? The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It will be the first World Cup co-hosted by three countries.

Q2. How many teams will participate in the 2026 World Cup? The 2026 World Cup will have an expanded format with 48 teams, compared to the previous 32-team format. This will result in a total of 104 matches throughout the tournament.

Q3. What is the new tournament format for the 2026 World Cup? The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new Round of 32 knockout stage. From there, the tournament will follow a single-elimination format until the final.

Q4. How can I watch the 2026 World Cup matches? Viewers will have multiple options to watch the matches. In the US, Fox Sports will offer English-language coverage, while Telemundo will offer Spanish-language broadcasts. Several streaming platforms and regional broadcasters will also offer global coverage. Some matches will be available for free on FIFA+.

Q5. What is the prize money for the 2026 World Cup? FIFA has approved a record prize pool of $727 million for the tournament. The winning team will receive $50 million, while each qualified team is guaranteed at least $10.5 million for participating. This represents a significant increase over previous World Cups.