The complete schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been released following the Final Draw on Friday. The tournament, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises a series of exciting matches, culminating in the Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.
With matches spread across 16 cities, fans can look forward to a diverse array of games. The group stage kicks off with a showdown between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at 15:00 ET in Mexico City. This match will set the tone for a thrilling tournament featuring 48 teams competing for football’s most prestigious trophy.
Group Stage Match Highlights
The tournament will consist of six groups, with key highlights including:
– **Group A**: The opening matches will see Mexico face South Africa and South Korea play against a Europe playoff winner. Key games will take place in cities such as Mexico City and Guadalajara.
– **Group B**: Canada will debut against a Europe playoff winner on June 12 in Toronto, followed by a critical match between Qatar and Switzerland on June 13 in the San Francisco Bay Area.
– **Group C**: In New York/New Jersey, Brazil will face Morocco on June 13. This group also features matches involving Scotland and Haiti in Boston.
– **Group D**: The USA will kick off their campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, with a significant clash against Australia scheduled in Seattle on June 19.
These matches will be pivotal for teams as they aim to secure a place in the knockout stages.
Additional Group Matches
The competition will continue with engaging fixtures in the following groups:
– **Group E**: Germany is set to face Curacao in Houston on June 14, followed by a notable match against Ivory Coast in Toronto on June 20.
– **Group F**: The Netherlands will take on Japan in Dallas on June 14, with Tunisia joining the fray in Monterrey.
– **Group G**: Belgium will compete against Egypt on June 15 in Seattle, with further matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Vancouver.
– **Group H**: Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde will occur in Atlanta on June 15, with Uruguay also starring in matches in Miami.
As the tournament progresses, fans can prepare for thrilling encounters, with each match contributing to the overall excitement of the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a significant milestone in the history of football, being the first to feature an expanded format with 48 teams. This change is expected to enhance the competitive nature of the tournament and increase global viewership.
For more details on the tournament, including ticket information and venue specifics, visit official FIFA channels or local news outlets. The anticipation builds as teams prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable summer of football.
