World Cup 2026 Dates
June 11 – July 19, 2026 · 104 matches across 16 venues
39
Days
104
Matches
16
Venues
3
Countries
Opening Ceremony & First Match
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with the opening ceremony followed by the first group stage match: Mexico vs South Africa.
📍 Mexico City, Estadio Azteca
OpeningGroup Stage — Matchday 1
All 12 groups play their opening matches. 24 matches across 16 venues in 3 countries.
Group StageGroup Stage — Matchday 2
The second round of group fixtures. Teams battle for crucial points to advance.
Group StageGroup Stage — Matchday 3
Final group matches played simultaneously. The top 2 from each group plus 8 best third-placed teams advance.
Group StageRound of 32
32 teams compete in single-elimination knockout matches.
Round of 32Round of 16
16 teams remain. Each match is do-or-die for a place in the quarter-finals.
Round of 16Quarter-Finals
The final 8 teams fight for semi-final spots.
Quarter-FinalsSemi-Final 1
Two teams battle for a place in the World Cup Final.
📍 Dallas, AT&T Stadium
Semi-FinalsSemi-Final 2
The last two teams standing fight for the ultimate prize.
📍 Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Semi-FinalsThird-Place Match
The losing semi-finalists compete for bronze.
📍 Miami, Hard Rock Stadium
Third Place🏆 THE FINAL
The biggest match in world football. Two teams compete for the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy.
📍 New York / New Jersey, MetLife Stadium
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