BREAKING: FIFA has just released the highly anticipated schedule for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, igniting excitement among soccer fans worldwide. The tournament will feature 104 matches across 11 U.S. cities, with games also taking place in Mexico and Canada.
The U.S. will host a staggering 78 matches, including all quarterfinal games. Key locations include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, kicking off at 3 p.m. EDT at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The excitement peaked during the group draw held on Friday, which featured notable figures including President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. FIFA officials emphasized the meticulous planning behind the schedule, with Chief Tournament Officer Manolo Zubiria stating, “We’ve tried to strike the right balance looking at preparation and recovery for teams across this massive footprint.”
While 48 teams will compete, six spots remain undecided, adding to the suspense as the tournament approaches. The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is set to play three group stage matches in June, facing Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of UEFA playoff C, which includes contenders Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo. The playoff matches are slated for March 2026.
Mark your calendars! The USMNT’s first game is against Paraguay on June 12 at 6 p.m. in Inglewood, California, followed by a noon kickoff against Australia in Seattle on June 19, and a 7 p.m. match against UEFA playoff winner at SoFi Stadium on June 25.
The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, with host Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City. The group stage will run until June 27, with matches scheduled daily across the host cities.
This World Cup is set to be the largest ever, spanning three countries and featuring diverse climatic conditions. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see how their teams will perform on this grand stage.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament approaches, including ticket sales and final team selections. The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is palpable, and the world is watching.
