2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule: Official Host Cities and Tournament Structure
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams competing across 16 host cities. According to [FIFA’s official tournament documentation](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026), the competition is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, marking the first time three nations have co-hosted the event.
Where Will the 2026 World Cup Matches Take Place?
Matches are distributed across three countries to accommodate the tournament’s largest field of participants to date. The United States will host the majority of the games, with venues including MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Canada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico’s host cities include Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
FIFA confirmed that the tournament opener will take place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, while the final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
How the 48-Team Format Works
The 2026 tournament introduces a significant shift from the traditional 32-team structure. FIFA has organized the 48 participating nations into 12 groups of four. Under the [approved competition format](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/format), the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to a new round of 32. This structure increases the total number of matches from 64 to 104, providing more opportunities for teams to compete on the global stage.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Global broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup are managed through regional agreements. In the United States, Fox Sports and Telemundo hold the English and Spanish-language rights, respectively. In Italy, rights are traditionally held by RAI and DAZN, though specific regional broadcasting schedules are finalized by local rights holders closer to the start of the tournament. Fans should consult their local [FIFA broadcast partners list](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/broadcasters) to verify channel assignments and streaming options in their specific territory.
Tournament Timeline and Key Dates
| Stage | Date Range |
| :— | :— |
| Group Stage | June 11 – June 27, 2026 |
| Round of 32 | June 29 – July 3, 2026 |
| Round of 16 | July 4 – July 7, 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | July 9 – July 11, 2026 |
| Semi-finals | July 14 – July 15, 2026 |
| Third Place Match | July 18, 2026 |
| Final | July 19, 2026 |
*Note: The match schedule is subject to adjustments by FIFA based on logistical requirements and broadcast considerations.*
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
There are 48 teams, an increase from the 32 teams that participated in previous tournaments from 1998 through 2022.
Why was the format changed?
FIFA expanded the tournament to increase inclusivity and provide more nations with the opportunity to qualify, which also serves to maximize global viewership and commercial revenue.
Where can I find the official match schedule?
The most accurate and up-to-date schedule is maintained on the [official FIFA website](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/match-schedule).