World Cup 2026 Fixtures and Schedule Confirmed After Uefa Play-Offs
The 2026 World Cup draw is now nearly complete, with fixtures locked in for the giant tournament that spans three nations and features an expanded format. Following dramatic Uefa play-offs, Czech Republic, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Turkey, and Sweden have advanced, while four-times champions Italy once again missed out, adding to the drama ahead of the event.
Expanded Format and Group Stage Details
For the first time, the World Cup will include 48 teams, split across 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group will progress automatically to the knockout stages, with the eight best third-placed teams also advancing to the round of 32. This new structure promises more matches and increased excitement for fans worldwide.
Key Fixtures for Home Nations
England have been drawn in Group L and will face Croatia in their opening game, a rematch of past encounters that adds historical tension. They will then take on Ghana and Panama in subsequent matches. Scotland, meanwhile, find themselves in a competitive Group C, where they will meet football giants Brazil, along with Morocco and Haiti, setting up challenging but thrilling contests.
Full Group Draw Overview
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
- Group B: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
- Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoff 2, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, FIFA Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Venues and Host Nations
The tournament will kick off at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium, a venue steeped in World Cup history. It was the site of Diego Maradona’s famous and infamous goals against England in 1986, as well as two classic finals: Brazil’s 4-1 win over Italy in 1970 and Argentina’s 3-1 extra-time victory against the Netherlands in 1986. Mexico and Canada will each host 13 games, while the United States will host 78 matches. From the quarter-finals onwards, all remaining games will be held in the US, culminating in the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Tournament Dates and Conclusion
The World Cup 2026 begins on 11 June in Mexico and concludes with the final on 19 July in New Jersey. This extended schedule allows for the increased number of matches and ensures a grand finale in one of the world’s most prominent sporting venues.
