The 2026 World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada and Mexico — the first 48-team edition, with 104 matches at 16 venues.
Key dates
- Group stage: 11–27 June — 12 groups of four, each team plays three games. Opening match: Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca on 11 June.
- Round of 32: from 28 June (a new round for the expanded format).
- Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals: early–mid July.
- Final: Sunday 19 July, New York/New Jersey Stadium (East Rutherford), 3pm ET.
How the knockout works
For the first time the round of 32 features 32 teams: the 12 group winners, the 12 runners-up and the 8 best third-placed teams. From there it is straight single-elimination — round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.
Hosts & venues
Matches are spread across 16 stadiums in three countries: 11 in the USA (incl. Dallas, New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle), 3 in Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) and 2 in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver).
Jump to a group
See also: Matchday 1 preview, title favourites & power ranking. Sources: FIFA, Wikipedia.