Football fans around the world are in for a treat as FIFA has unveiled the full match schedule for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This historic tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams, promising an unprecedented level of competition.
Key Fixtures and Venues
The opening match will take place at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June 2026, marking the first time a stadium has hosted three World Cup opening games. Meanwhile, the final will be held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on 19 July, ensuring a grand finale in North America.
Canada will host 13 matches, including group-stage games in Toronto and Vancouver. The US will stage the majority of fixtures, with high-profile venues such as Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and Dallas’ AT&T Stadium playing pivotal roles. Mexico, in addition to the opener, will host matches in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Tournament Highlights
- Expanded Format: The 2026 edition will feature 48 teams, up from 32, increasing the total number of matches to 104.
- Historic Venues: Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium to host World Cup matches in three different decades (1970, 1986, 2026).
- Regional Clusters: To minimise travel, teams will play group-stage matches within specific geographic zones.
With the schedule now confirmed, anticipation is building for what promises to be the biggest and most diverse World Cup in history.
