FIFA World Cup 2026: Schedule Revealed for Largest Tournament Ever

Expanded Format and Host Nations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, marketed as FIFA World Cup 26, will be the 23rd edition of the quadrennial international men's soccer championship. The tournament will be jointly hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams from the previous 32 will result in an unprecedented number of matches.

Match Schedule Unveiled

FIFA has released the full match schedule for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature a total of 104 games. The tournament will kick off on June 8, 2026, with the host nation USA facing off against another yet-to-be-determined team. The final match will be held on July 5, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The tournament will be divided into eight groups of four teams, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The knockout stage will consist of 16 teams playing in a single-elimination format. The eventual winner will be crowned the FIFA World Cup 2026 champion.

The expanded format of the tournament has generated excitement among fans and players alike. The increased number of teams will provide more opportunities for countries to qualify for the World Cup and showcase their talent on the global stage. The joint hosting arrangement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States also promises to create a unique and memorable experience for fans around the world.