FIFA World Cup 2026™ (June 11 – July 19, 2026) is the 23rd edition and the biggest ever: the first co-hosted by three nations (Canada, Mexico, USA) and the first with 48 teams (up from 32).

It features 104 matches across 16 stadiums in 11 US cities, 3 Mexican cities, and 2 Canadian cities. The expanded format includes 12 groups of 4 teams each. The top 2 from every group + the 8 best third-placed teams advance to a Round of 32 knockout stage.

Key Dates

Opening match: Thursday, June 11, 2026 — Mexico vs South Africa (Group A) at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), Mexico City. Kick-off around 14:00–19:00 local time (preceded by a major opening ceremony).

Final: Sunday, July 19, 2026 at New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.

The tournament runs for 39 days with matches spread across multiple time zones.

Groups (Final Draw – December 2025)

Here are the 12 groups:

Group A

Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Czechia

Group B

Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C

Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D

United States, Paraguay, Türkiye, Australia

Group E

Germany, Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador

Group F

Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

Group G

Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand

Group H

Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I

France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway

Group J

Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K

Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L

England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Note: Hosts play group-stage matches in their home countries (Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, USA in Group D).

Venues & Stadiums

16 venues total:

Mexico (3): Mexico City (Estadio Azteca – iconic, hosts opener), Guadalajara (Estadio Akron), Monterrey.

Canada (2): Toronto (BMO Field), Vancouver (BC Place).

United States (11): MetLife Stadium (NY/NJ – Final), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles area), AT&T Stadium (Dallas), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), and others in Boston, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle.

The USA hosts the majority of matches (including most knockout games).

How to Follow

Official site: FIFA.com (full schedule, live scores, standings, bracket).

Standings & Fixtures: Available on FIFA site or apps.

Broadcasters: Vary by country. In the US: FOX, FS1, Telemundo, Peacock. In India: Check Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar (or local listings closer to matches). Many matches will have early morning or daytime timings in IST.

Tickets: Available via official FIFA channels or authorized sellers (prices vary widely; hospitality packages are premium).

Quick Highlights

Record 48 teams from all six confederations.

More matches and more global representation.

High-profile teams like Argentina (Messi), France, Brazil, England, Germany, and Portugal are in the mix.

The tournament kicks off on June 9, 2026!