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World Cup Schedule – Complete 2026 FIFA Match Dates & Fixtures
Quick Answer
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs June 11 to July 19 across 16 venues in USA (11 cities), Mexico (3 cities), and Canada (2 cities). The expanded 48-team tournament features 104 matches. The final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. All major US sportsbooks offer match betting throughout the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will last from June 11 to July 19 across 16 venues in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest tournament in World Cup history.
The opening match kicks off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the final taking place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey – these two, and all the other matches will be featured at some of the best World Cup 2026 betting sites.
This guide covers the complete World Cup 2026 schedule match by match, from the group stage through to the final, including venue assignments, kick-off times, and TV broadcast information.
Whether you're planning to attend, watch from home, or follow along with World Cup futures betting, you'll find everything you need below – including how each round works under the expanded 48-team format and which sportsbooks offer the best markets for every game.
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World Cup 2026 – Key Dates at a Glance
- Opening match: June 11, 2026 – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Final: July 19, 2026 – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Total matches: 104 across 39 days
- Host nations: USA (11 venues), Mexico (3 venues), Canada (2 venues)
World Cup 2026 Schedule & Match Dates
The FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule spans 39 days and 104 matches across three countries, making it the most expansive tournament in the competition's history.
For the first time, 48 nations will compete across six rounds – from an expanded group stage all the way through to the final at MetLife Stadium.
Below is a full breakdown of the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule by round, including key dates, venues, and what to watch for at each stage.
Group Stage Schedule (June 11–28)
The group stage runs from June 11 through June 28, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four:
- Each team plays three matches, with the top two from every group advancing automatically to the Round of 32.
- Eight best third-place finishers also progress, meaning 32 teams in total move through to the knockout rounds.
- With matches spread across 16 venues in three countries, US viewers can expect most kick-offs between 11am and 9pm ET, which is a significant advantage over previous tournaments held in Europe or Asia.
Early group stage fixtures will feature some of the tournament's biggest names, and with three matchdays per group, there’s high-quality soccer to follow daily for nearly three weeks straight.
For those looking to get involved early, World Cup groups betting offers markets on group winners, qualification odds, and head-to-head match betting from the very first kick-off on June 11.
Round of 32 (June 29 – July 2)
The Round of 32 is a brand new addition to the World Cup format, introduced specifically for the expanded 48-team tournament:
- All 32 teams that advance from the group stage – 24 group winners and runners-up plus the eight best third-place finishers – play single-elimination games over four days.
- Matches are decided over 90 minutes, with extra time and penalties used if scores are level at full time.
- There are no draws in the knockout rounds. This new round adds 16 matches to the overall schedule and means every knockout game carries immediate elimination stakes from the last day of June.
Round of 16 (July 3–6)
The Round of 16 marks the stage where the traditional knockout bracket takes shape, with 16 teams remaining:
- Fixtures run from July 3 through July 6, with matches split across multiple venues to manage scheduling across the three host nations.
- Expect the highest-profile matchups of the early knockout rounds here, as group winners from the stronger pools begin to meet.
- As with the Round of 32, all matches are single-elimination with extra time and penalties available if needed after 90 minutes.
Quarter-Finals (July 9–10)
Eight teams remain by the time the quarter-finals arrive on July 9 and 10. Venue assignments for this round will favor the larger-capacity stadiums, with SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and Gillette Stadium in Boston hosting.
Historically, the quarter-final stage produces some of the tournament's most memorable moments, and with the expanded format bringing more potential dark horses into contention, 2026 is unlikely to be any different.
Semi-Finals (July 14–15)
The two semi-finals take place on July 14 and 15, with the venues confirmed as AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta:
- Four teams compete for a place in the final – winners fight for the golden trophy while the losing teams play for the third-place spot.
- Historically, semi-final matches between evenly matched nations tend to be tightly contested, with several of the most iconic World Cup moments, including penalty shootouts and extra-time drama, occurring at this stage.
World Cup Final (July 19, 2026)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final takes place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey:
- With a capacity of 82,500 seats, it’s one of the largest venues ever to host a World Cup Final – the stadium is also home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets, previously hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.
- The third-place match is scheduled for July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, giving fans one final knockout fixture before the tournament's showpiece event the following day.
World Cup 2026 Dates & Key Information
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a landmark moment in football history – the first tournament to feature 48 teams, the first to be co-hosted by three nations, and the first to include a brand new Round of 32 knockout stage.
With 104 total matches played across 39 days, the scale of the competition dwarfs every previous edition of the tournament – check out some of the most important World Cup 2026 dates below:
Complete Tournament Timeline
- Opening match: June 11, 2026 – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Group stage: June 11–28, 2026
- Round of 32: June 29 – July 2, 2026
- Round of 16: July 3–6, 2026
- Quarter-finals: July 9–10, 2026
- Semi-finals: July 14–15, 2026
- Third-place match: July 18, 2026
- Final: July 19, 2026 – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
The 48-Team Format Explained
For the first time in World Cup history, 48 nations will compete for the most prestigious title in football – the expanded format sees teams divided into 12 groups of four, with each squad playing three group stage matches:
- The Group Stage: The top two finishers from each group advance automatically to the knockout rounds, joined by the eight best third-place finishers from across all 12 groups. That means 32 teams in total progress from the group stage, compared to 16 under the previous 32-team format used from 1998 through 2022.
- From Knockout Stage: The addition of the Round of 32 as a standalone knockout round is the most significant structural change. Rather than moving directly from the group stage to a Round of 16 as in previous tournaments, the 2026 edition introduces a full extra round of 16 matches, adding significant drama and extending the knockout phase by several days.
- Overall number of games: In total, the 2026 World Cup features 104 matches – a substantial increase from the 64 played at Qatar 2022 and France 1998.
Tickets & Travel for US-Based Fans
With 11 of the 16 venues located within the United States, the 2026 World Cup offers a rare opportunity for American fans to attend matches without international travel.
- Stadiums are spread across the country from Seattle and San Francisco on the West Coast to Boston, New York, and Philadelphia in the Northeast, with Miami, Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas covering the South.
- Official tickets are available through FIFA's ticketing platform, with hospitality packages also on offer through authorised resellers.
- Fans planning to attend multiple matches should factor in domestic travel time between venues – distances between US host cities can be significant, and flights or trains between cities like Seattle and Miami will require advance planning.
Hotel availability around match days in cities like New York and Los Angeles is expected to be limited, so early booking is strongly advised.
World Cup 2026 Fixtures by Venue
With 16 stadiums spread across three countries, the 2026 FIFA World Cup fixtures are distributed more widely than any previous tournament.
Each venue hosts a specific number of matches depending on its capacity, location, and role within the overall schedule, with the largest stadiums reserved for the latter knockout rounds.
Below is a breakdown of match assignments by stadium, including how many games each venue hosts and which rounds are played there.
Match Assignments by Stadium
The venues are not equal in terms of fixture load – MetLife Stadium in New Jersey carries the greatest prestige by hosting the final itself, making it the venue guaranteed to stage the absolute peak of the tournament.
AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta are assigned semi-final fixtures, while venues like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles reflect their status as among the largest and most modern facilities by hosting key quarter-final and early knockout matches.
Group stage matches are distributed across all 16 venues, ensuring every host city gets meaningful early-round football. Each stadium is expected to host between three and six matches in total across the tournament, with the exact fixture list confirmed following the group stage draw.
Matches Per Venue – Overview
| Venue | City | Capacity | Key Rounds Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, NJ | 82,500 | Group stage, R32, R16, Final |
| SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles, CA | 70,240 | Group stage, R32, QF |
| AT&T Stadium | Dallas, TX | 80,000 | Group stage, R32, R16, Semi-final |
| Hard Rock Stadium | Miami, FL | 65,326 | Group stage, R32, QF, Third-Place |
| NRG Stadium | Houston, TX | 72,220 | Group stage, R32, R16 |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA | 71,000 | Group stage, R32, R16, Semi-final |
| Lumen Field | Seattle, WA | 69,000 | Group stage, R32, R16 |
| Levi's Stadium | Santa Clara, CA | 68,500 | Group stage, R32, R16 |
| Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, MA | 65,878 | Group stage, R32, QF |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA | 69,796 | Group stage, R16 |
| BC Place | Vancouver, BC | 54,500 | Group stage, R32, R16 |
| BMO Field | Toronto, ON | 45,736 | Group stage, R32 |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | 87,523 | Group stage, R32, R16, Opening match |
| Estadio BBVA | Monterrey | 53,500 | Group stage, R32 |
| Estadio Akron | Guadalajara | 49,850 | Group stage |
Note: Exact round assignments per venue are subject to confirmation from FIFA ahead of the tournament.
What the Fixture Distribution Means for Fans
For fans planning to attend the World Cup, preparation regarding which venues host which rounds is essential. For group stage fixtures, the spread across all 16 venues means there is meaningful football in every host city from June 11 onwards.
Cities like Houston, Atlanta, and Miami will each host multiple group stage matches across the opening fortnight, giving local fans several opportunities to attend without travelling far.
If you're targeting knockout football specifically, your options narrow significantly, with only a handful of stadiums hosting quarter-final matches or beyond. MetLife, AT&T Stadium, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are the venues to prioritise if late-round tickets are the goal.
World Cup fixtures at this scale also create substantial betting volume at every round, with match betting markets opening well in advance of each fixture across all major US sportsbooks.
World Cup Host Cities & Venues
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosted across 16 venues in three countries, spanning a combined landmass larger than any previous tournament.
The United States leads with 11 host cities, while Mexico contributes three venues and Canada two, creating a genuinely tri-national competition for the first time in World Cup history.
Here is a full breakdown of World Cup host cities:
US Venues (11 Cities)
The United States hosts the majority of the 2026 World Cup fixtures, with 11 stadiums spread from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast region.
All 11 are existing NFL or MLS stadiums, each adapted for international football with temporary seating and pitch configurations where required – make sure to check out World Cup USA schedule before locking in tickets for any of them:
- MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (Capacity: 82,500): Home of the New York Giants and New York Jets. MetLife Stadium is the tournament's showpiece venue, hosting early knockout rounds and the World Cup Final on July 19. Located just outside New York City, it is one of the most accessible major stadiums in the country via public transport and is expected to draw the largest global television audience of any venue.
- SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles, California (Capacity: 70,240): One of the newest and most technologically advanced stadiums in the world, SoFi opened in 2020 and is home to the LA Rams and LA Chargers. It hosts quarter-final fixtures, reflecting its status as the premier venue on the West Coast.
- AT&T Stadium – Dallas, Texas (Capacity: 80,000): Home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium is one of the largest venues in the tournament and hosts semi-final matches. Its central location within the US makes it a natural hub for fans travelling from across the country.
- Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida (Capacity: 65,326): Home of the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium hosted the 2020 Copa América Final and brings proven experience staging major international football. It hosts group stage, Round of 32, quarter-finals, and the third-place match.
- NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas (Capacity: 72,220): Home of the Houston Texans, NRG Stadium is a fully enclosed, air-conditioned venue – a significant advantage given Houston's summer heat and humidity. It hosts group stage through to Round of 16 matches.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia (Capacity: 71,000): Home of Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons, Mercedes-Benz Stadium continues Atlanta's rich soccer tradition built on its 1996 Olympic legacy. It hosts group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, and semi-final fixtures.
- Lumen Field – Seattle, Washington (Capacity: 69,000): Home of the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Seahawks, Lumen Field is known for one of the loudest atmospheres in American sport. It hosts group stage, Round of 32, and Round of 16 matches.
- Levi's Stadium – Santa Clara, California (Capacity: 68,500): Home of the San Francisco 49ers, Levi's Stadium serves the San Francisco Bay Area market and hosts group stage, Round of 32, and Round of 16 fixtures.
- Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts (Capacity: 65,878): Home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, Gillette Stadium serves the Boston market and hosts group stage, Round of 32, and quarter-final matches.
- Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Capacity: 69,796): Home of the Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field hosts group stage and Round of 16 fixtures, serving one of the most football-passionate cities on the East Coast.
Mexico Venues (3 Cities)
Mexico's three World Cup venues carry enormous historical significance, with Estadio Azteca in particular representing one of the most iconic football stadiums on the planet.
- Estadio Azteca – Mexico City (Capacity: 87,523): Estadio Azteca hosts the tournament's opening match on June 11, 2026 – a fitting honor for a stadium that has hosted two previous World Cup Finals (1970 and 1986) and witnessed some of the greatest moments in football history, including Diego Maradona's Hand of God and Goal of the Century in 1986. It is the largest venue in the 2026 tournament by capacity.
- Estadio BBVA – Monterrey (Capacity: 53,500): Home of CF Monterrey, Estadio BBVA is a modern, purpose-built football stadium that opened in 2015. It hosts group stage and Round of 32 matches, bringing World Cup football to northern Mexico for the first time since 1986.
- Estadio Akron – Guadalajara (Capacity: 49,850): Home of Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), Estadio Akron is located in one of Mexico's most passionate football cities. It hosts group stage fixtures, continuing Guadalajara's long association with World Cup football.
Canada Venues (2 Cities)
Canada will have two FIFA World Cup 2026 venues representing the country's growing football infrastructure and the rising profile of the sport domestically, following the Canadian men's national team's qualification for Qatar 2022:
- BC Place – Vancouver, British Columbia (Capacity: 54,500): Home of the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Place is a covered stadium in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It hosts group stage, Round of 32, and Round of 16 matches, and its retractable roof provides weather protection during the early stages of the tournament.
- BMO Field – Toronto, Ontario (Capacity: 45,736): Home of Toronto FC, BMO Field is the smallest venue in the 2026 tournament by capacity but sits in Canada's largest city and one of North America's most cosmopolitan markets. It hosts group stage and Round of 32 fixtures.
World Cup TV Schedule & How to Watch
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, American viewers are in a uniquely advantageous position compared to previous tournaments.
Rather than waking up at 3am for a European or Middle Eastern kick-off, most World Cup game times will fall within standard daytime and early evening hours across all US time zones, making this one of the most accessible tournaments in recent memory for domestic audiences.
US Broadcast Rights
The 2026 World Cup TV schedule will be broadcast in the United States across two primary television partners:
- Fox Sports holds the English-language broadcast rights, meaning matches will air across Fox and FS1 depending on scheduling.
- Telemundo and its streaming partner Peacock hold Spanish-language rights, providing full tournament coverage for Spanish-speaking audiences across the country.
For cord-cutters, streaming options are available through both the Fox Sports app and Peacock, allowing fans to watch every match without a traditional cable subscription.
Exact streaming package details and any subscription requirements are expected to be confirmed closer to the tournament, so checking both platforms directly ahead of June 2026 is advisable.
Kick-Off Times by US Time Zone
Because venues are spread across multiple time zones within the US alone, kick-off times will vary depending on which stadium is hosting. As a general guide:
| ET (Eastern Time) | CT (Central Time) | MT (Mountain Time) | PT (Pacific Time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 12:00 PM | 11:00 AM |
| 5:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
Most group stage matches at US venues are expected to kick off between 11am and 9pm ET.
Games hosted in Mexico City may skew slightly earlier due to the time zone difference, while Canadian venues in Vancouver (PT) and Toronto (ET) fall within the same range as their US counterparts.
Confirmed match times for individual fixtures will be released by FIFA – for the latest scheduling updates, Fox Sports and Telemundo will carry full fixture listings as they are confirmed.
Watching and Betting Together
One of the advantages of matches falling during standard daytime hours is the ability to follow live betting markets in real time without the fatigue factor that comes with late-night or early-morning kick-offs.
Most major sports betting apps offer full in-play markets throughout each match, meaning you can monitor odds shifts, next goal markets, and player prop updates as the action unfolds.
For the best experience combining live viewing with in-play betting, check out the top sports betting apps available in your state.
How to Bet on World Cup Matches
Check Sportsbook Availability in Your State
The 2026 FIFA World Cup generates more betting volume than almost any other sporting event on the calendar – sections below will show you everything you need to know about World Cup betting across all major US sportsbooks.
- For a full walkthrough of markets, odds formats, and tournament-specific strategy, see our dedicated guide on how to bet on World Cup matches.
- If you want to build a broader understanding of football wagering before the tournament begins, additional soccer betting resources are also available.
Match Betting by Round
The type of betting market available changes depending on which round a match falls in, and understanding that distinction is essential before placing any wager.
- Group Stage (June 11–28)
- Group stage matches are three-way markets, meaning you can bet on either team to win or the match to end in a draw.
- Draws are a genuine and common outcome at this stage – particularly in evenly matched groups – so the three-way market reflects that reality.
- Moneyline odds, Asian spread, and totals (over/under goals) are all widely available across every group stage fixture from day one.
- Knockout Rounds (June 29 – July 19)
- Once the tournament reaches the Round of 32 and beyond, the format shifts. Knockout matches can still be offered as three-way markets covering 90 minutes of regulation play, but many sportsbooks also offer two-way markets that account for extra time and penalties as part of the result.
- It is worth checking which format a sportsbook is using before placing a bet – a draw at 90 minutes in a knockout game does not mean the match is over, and some books settle bets at full time while others run through to the final whistle of extra time or penalties.
- Odds shift significantly through the tournament as teams' form becomes clearer, injury news emerges, and the bracket narrows. A team that opens the tournament at long odds to win a given match can look very different by the time the quarter-finals arrive.
Live Betting During Games
Live betting is where the 2026 World Cup really comes into its own for US-based bettors. With most matches kicking off during daytime or early evening hours, live betting markets are accessible without the scheduling challenges of previous tournaments held overseas.
- The best sportsbooks for live soccer betting – particularly bet365 and FanDuel – offer extensive in-play markets throughout each match, updating in real time as the action develops.
- Key live markets to watch include next goal scorer, next team to score, total goals, corners, and cards.
- More granular prop markets such as shot on target counts and possession-based lines are also available on premium platforms during high-profile fixtures.
One particularly useful tool when assessing live betting value is the implied probability calculator, which converts odds into percentage probabilities in real time, helping you quickly assess whether a market represents value as odds shift mid-match.
Best Sportsbooks for Match Betting
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All seven major US sportsbooks offer comprehensive World Cup match betting markets, but there are meaningful differences in the depth of coverage, live betting experience, and promotional offers available per fixture:
- FanDuel leads the field for live in-game betting on World Cup matches, with one of the most responsive in-play platforms available and a strong selection of same-game parlay options per fixture. Read the full FanDuel review for more detail.
- BetMGM offers strong match betting markets across all rounds, with the added benefit of MGM Rewards integration for regular bettors. See the full BetMGM review for bonus availability.
- DraftKings combines live betting with an extensive range of game props per match, making it one of the better options for bettors who want to go beyond the standard moneyline. Full details in the DraftKings review.
- bet365 is the standout option for fans who want to combine live streaming with in-play betting, offering live coverage of World Cup matches directly within the app alongside real-time markets.
- Caesars brings match-specific promotions and same-game parlay options to every fixture.
- Fanatics rewards consistent match betting through their FanCash system, where a portion of every wager earns redeemable credit – a useful ongoing benefit across a 104-match tournament.
- theScore Bet integrates live match tracking directly alongside betting markets, making it one of the more immersive options for fans who want to follow the action and bet simultaneously.
Payment Methods Comparison
Choosing the right payment method can make a meaningful difference to your overall sportsbook experience, particularly during a long tournament like the World Cup where you may be making multiple deposits and withdrawals across 39 days of football.
The table below compares deposit and withdrawal options across all seven featured sportsbooks.
| Payment Method | Processing Time (Withdrawals) | Best For | Typical Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal / Venmo | 24 to 48 hours | Fast and secure transactions | $5 - $10 |
| Online Banking (ACH) | 1 to 3 business days | Direct bank transfers | $5 - $10 |
| Debit Cards | Varies by platform | Instant deposits | $5 - $10 |
| Bank Transfers / Checks | Up to 10 business days | Large withdrawals | Varies |
Key things to know before depositing:
- Minimum deposits vary across platforms but are generally low – most major sportsbooks set their minimum at between $5 and $10, making it straightforward to get started without a large upfront commitment. FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM all accept deposits from $10, while bet365 has one of the lowest minimums in the market.
- For withdrawals, speed is often the deciding factor. PayPal is widely available across most major sportsbooks and typically processes withdrawals within 24 to 48 hours. Venmo, where available, offers near-instant withdrawal speeds and is an increasingly popular option among US bettors.
- Bank transfers and physical checks remain available on most platforms but carry significantly longer processing times – sometimes up to 10 business days – so they are best avoided if quick access to funds is a priority.
- Online banking methods such as ACH transfers sit in the middle ground, generally processing within one to three business days and available across all seven sportsbooks featured here.
- Debit cards are universally accepted for deposits but withdrawal availability varies by platform, so checking your preferred sportsbook's cashier page directly is always advisable before committing to a payment method.
Calculator Tools
Making sense of World Cup betting odds is easier with the right tools. Use the links below to access our free calculators before and during the tournament:
- Parlay calculator – Work out potential returns across multiple World Cup match bets combined into a single parlay wager
- Odds converter – Convert between American, decimal, and fractional odds formats instantly, useful when comparing lines across different sportsbooks
- Implied probability calculator – Convert any odds into a percentage probability to quickly assess market value on any World Cup fixture
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 World Cup start?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, with the opening match taking place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tournament runs through to July 19, 2026, when the final is held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In total, the competition spans 39 days and features 104 matches across 16 venues in three host nations.
Where is the 2026 World Cup being held?
The 2026 World Cup is hosted across three countries – the United States, Mexico, and Canada – making it the first tri-hosted World Cup in the tournament's history. The USA contributes 11 host cities, Mexico provides three venues, and Canada hosts matches across two cities, for a total of 16 venues. Key US cities include New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, and Philadelphia.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 104 total matches, a significant increase from the 64 matches played at Qatar 2022. The breakdown by round is as follows: 48 group stage matches, 16 in the Round of 32, eight in the Round of 16, four quarter-finals, two semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and the final. The expansion from 32 to 48 teams is the primary driver of the increased match count.
What channel is the World Cup on?
In the United States, the 2026 World Cup will be broadcast in English on Fox Sports, with matches split across Fox and FS1 depending on scheduling. Spanish-language coverage is available on Telemundo, with streaming provided through Peacock. Cord-cutters can access matches via the Fox Sports app and Peacock without a traditional cable subscription. Exact channel assignments per fixture will be confirmed closer to the tournament.
What time do World Cup games kick off?
For matches hosted at US venues, expect kick-offs between approximately 11am and 9pm ET, covering morning, afternoon, and evening slots across the tournament. Fixtures at Mexican venues may start slightly earlier due to time zone positioning, while Canadian venues in Vancouver and Toronto fall within the same general window as US stadiums. Confirmed kick-off times for individual matches will be released by FIFA following the group stage draw in late 2025.
Which US cities are hosting World Cup matches?
Eleven US cities are hosting World Cup matches in 2026: New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), San Francisco/Santa Clara (Levi's Stadium), Boston/Foxborough (Gillette Stadium), and Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field). MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosts the tournament final on July 19.
Can I bet on individual World Cup matches?
Yes – all major US sportsbooks offer match betting markets for every World Cup fixture. Available markets include moneyline (match result), spread, totals (over/under goals), and a wide range of player and match props. Live in-play betting is also available during matches across most platforms, allowing you to place bets as the action unfolds. Market availability may vary by state depending on local sports betting regulations.
What are the key dates for the 2026 World Cup?
The key dates for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are as follows: the opening match on June 11 in Mexico City, the group stage running June 11–28, the Round of 32 from June 29 – July 2, the Round of 16 from July 3–6, quarter-finals on July 9–10, semi-finals on July 14–15, the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Where is the World Cup 2026 final?
The 2026 World Cup Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. The stadium has a capacity of 82,500 and serves as the home ground for both the New York Giants and New York Jets. It is one of the most prominent sporting venues in the United States and previously hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.
How does the 48-team World Cup format work?
The 2026 World Cup uses an expanded 48-team format for the first time in tournament history. The 48 participating nations are divided into 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three group stage matches. The top two finishers from each group advance automatically to the knockout rounds, joined by the eight best third-place finishers from across all 12 groups – bringing the total number of teams progressing to 32. Those 32 teams then compete in the newly introduced Round of 32 before the traditional Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final follow in sequence. The expanded format increases the total match count from 64 to 104 compared to the previous 32-team structure.
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Sports betting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup should be an enjoyable part of following the tournament. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.
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