FIFA confirms World Cup 2026 schedule featuring 104 North American matches
FIFA has confirmed the complete fixture schedule for the 2026 World Cup, detailing an unprecedented 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the expanded 48-team tournament.
The 37-day global spectacle officially kicks off on 11 June when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
A grueling marathon of international football will ultimately culminate in the showpiece final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on 19 July.
Home nations discover opening tests
England begin their latest quest for international glory against familiar foes Croatia in Arlington on 17 June.
Meanwhile, Scotland face a demanding transatlantic clash against Haiti in Foxborough on 14 June.
British fans must prepare for an exhausting viewing schedule, with group-stage matches stretching from evening prime time deep into the early hours of the morning.
An unprecedented global footprint
This historic edition marks the first time three separate nations will jointly host the sport’s most prestigious competition.
The introduction of a 48-team format ensures a record number of fixtures, vastly increasing the physical demands placed upon the competing squads.
Traditional heavyweights and defending champions alike face rigorous travel itineraries across multiple North American time zones.
Key opening week clashes
The United States launch their home tournament against Paraguay in Los Angeles on 13 June.
Fellow co-hosts Canada take to the pitch a day earlier, welcoming Bosnia & Herzegovina to Toronto.
Supporters can look forward to several marquee matchups during the opening round of group stage games:
- 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa (Mexico City)
- 13 June: Brazil vs Morocco (New Jersey)
- 16 June: France vs Senegal (New Jersey)