FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule

 During a live broadcast at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FIFA unveiled the schedule for the 2026 World Cup. The grand finale will take place in New York, New Jersey, on Sunday, 19 July 2026, while the opening match featuring the Mexican national team will be held at the renowned Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani remarked, “The FIFA World Cup 26 will be a watershed moment and one that will trigger massive football development in our region and worldwide. While each Host City is unique, they all have something in common – they are passionate about football and cannot wait to welcome the world in June and July 2026.”

FIFA mentioned in a press release, “Innovative match schedule ensures that three days of rest for teams is observed for 103 of the tournament’s 104 matches. Majority of matches to be played in three regionalised zones (east, central and west) to reduce travel for teams and fans.”

Canada, with its rich history of hosting top FIFA women’s and youth tournaments, including the successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™, will host its first FIFA World Cup.

The USA, following the record-setting 1994 edition, will host the FIFA World Cup for the second time. The USA has also successfully hosted two editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (1999 and 2003)