2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule and Broadcast Details Revealed

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With 104 matches scheduled—72 in the group stage and 32 in the knockout rounds—the tournament will mark a significant expansion of the global football event.

Host Countries and Tournament Format

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to be hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This tri-national collaboration aims to maximize accessibility and fan engagement. The expanded format includes 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage.

Rai and DAZN Secure Broadcast Rights

Italian public broadcaster Rai has acquired the rights to air 35 matches in Italy, including 17 group-stage games, six round-of-16 matches, four quarterfinals, and all subsequent rounds (semifinals, third-place playoff, and final). DAZN, the streaming service, will broadcast all 104 matches, with 69 of them exclusive to its platform.

Rai will also offer free live streaming of the 35 selected matches via Rai Play, while OA Sport will provide live text coverage for select matches. This arrangement ensures broad access for fans across different platforms.

Group Stage Schedule and Venues

The group stage will kick off on June 11, 2026, with matches held in stadiums across the three host nations. Key fixtures include:

• Group A: Mexico vs. South Africa (Mexico City Stadium)
• Group B: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Toronto Stadium)
• Group C: Brazil vs. Morocco (New York/New Jersey Stadium)

The schedule features matches at various times, including early morning and late-night slots, to accommodate different time zones. For example, Group D matches will include the United States vs. Paraguay (Los Angeles Stadium) and Australia vs. Turkey (Vancouver’s BC Place).

Knockout Stage and Final

The knockout stage will begin on June 28, with the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final set to take place in major stadiums across the host countries. The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Notable matches include the