2026 FIFA World Cup USA-Mexico-Canada Full Schedule: 104 Matches, 40 Days of Football Extravaganza
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, marking the largest edition in the tournament’s history. Co-hosted for the first time by three nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—the event will span 16 cities across North America and feature a total of 104 matches, far exceeding the previous format of 64 games.
This edition debuts a 48-team format. According to the official schedule released by FIFA, the tournament is divided into three stages: the group stage, the knockout stage, and the final. In the group stage, 48 teams are split into 12 groups of four, playing a round-robin format. The group stage will run until June 28, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing—totaling 32 teams moving forward.
The tournament then enters a new Round of 32 (32-team knockout) stage. From June 29 to July 4, 16 intense knockout matches will be played, with the winners advancing to the Round of 16. The Round of 16 will take place from July 5 to 8, followed by the quarterfinals from July 10 to 12, and the two semifinals on July 15 and 16.
The final is scheduled to kick off at 3 a.m. Beijing Time on July 20 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. Prior to that, the third-place play-off will be held on July 19. The entire tournament spans 40 days, from the opening match to the final, with the finalist teams playing eight matches—one more than in previous formats. The opening match is set for June 12 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, featuring hosts Mexico against South Africa. This comprehensive schedule provides a clear guide for football fans worldwide to plan their viewing itineraries.