If you’re wondering exactly when is FIFA World Cup 2026, mark your calendar for June 11, 2026. That’s when it all starts. The first whistle blows at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It’s huge. It’s the first time a stadium has ever hosted three opening matches.
The whole thing wraps up on July 19, 2026, with the final taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Honestly, this isn’t just another tournament. It’s basically a massive takeover of North America. We’re talking 48 teams instead of the usual 32. That means more games, more cities, and a whole lot of travel. If you’ve been used to the month-long sprint of previous Cups, get ready for a 39-day marathon.
The Massive Schedule: When is FIFA World Cup 2026 Happening?
The tournament is split across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Because it’s so spread out, FIFA has sort of grouped the games into regions to keep players from spending half their time on a plane.
Here is the basic timeline:
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- Opening Match: June 11 at Estadio Azteca.
- Group Stage: June 11 through June 27.
- Round of 32: June 28 to July 3 (Yep, a new round!).
- Round of 16: July 4 to July 7.
- Quarterfinals: July 9 to July 11.
- Semifinals: July 14 and July 15.
- Third-Place Playoff: July 18.
- The Final: July 19.
The US kicks things off on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Canada starts their journey the same day in Toronto. It’s gonna be wild.
Why the New 48-Team Format Changes Everything
Most fans are used to the 32-team setup we’ve had since 1998. That’s gone. Now, we have 12 groups of four teams.
Basically, the top two teams from each group move on. But here’s the kicker: the eight best third-place teams also make the cut. This leads into the brand-new Round of 32.
It means a team has to play eight matches to win the trophy instead of seven. More football? Great. More tired legs? Probably. FIFA originally thought about doing groups of three, but everyone hated that idea because the final group games wouldn't be played at the same time, which invites "strategic" (read: boring or rigged) results.
The expansion has opened the door for nations that rarely make it. We're seeing debuts from places like Uzbekistan and Jordan. It changes the stakes. You might think more teams waters down the quality, but it also means more "Cinderella stories" that make the World Cup so special.
Where the Matches are Actually Taking Place
You can’t talk about when is FIFA World Cup 2026 without talking about where you’ll be sitting. There are 16 host cities.
United States Venues
The US is doing the heavy lifting with 11 cities.
- New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium (The Final venue).
- Dallas: AT&T Stadium (Hosting a massive nine matches, including a semifinal).
- Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (The other semifinal spot).
- Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium.
- Miami: Hard Rock Stadium.
- San Francisco Bay Area: Levi's Stadium.
- Seattle: Lumen Field.
- Houston: NRG Stadium.
- Philadelphia: Lincoln Financial Field.
- Kansas City: Arrowhead Stadium.
- Boston: Gillette Stadium.
Mexico and Canada Venues
Mexico brings the history, and Canada brings the new energy.
- Mexico City: Estadio Azteca.
- Guadalajara: Estadio Akron.
- Monterrey: Estadio BBVA.
- Toronto: BMO Field.
- Vancouver: BC Place.
One thing to keep in mind: FIFA uses different names for some of these stadiums during the tournament because of sponsorship rules. Don’t be confused if you see "Dallas Stadium" instead of AT&T Stadium.
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Planning Your Trip: What You Need to Know Now
If you’re planning to attend, don’t wait. Tickets are usually handled through a lottery system on FIFA's official portal.
Flight prices are going to be insane. Especially if you’re trying to follow a specific team through the knockout rounds. Since the draw already happened in December 2025, we know where the big seeds are likely to land.
- Stay Central: If you can’t decide where to go, Dallas and Atlanta are huge hubs with the most matches.
- Check Passports: Make sure yours is valid through at least early 2027.
- Fan Zones: If you can't get tickets, every host city will have "FIFA Fan Festivals." These are free and honestly sometimes more fun than being in the nosebleeds.
The 2026 World Cup is going to be the biggest sporting event ever held. Period. 104 matches in total. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or just in it for the vibes, the summer of 2026 is going to be unforgettable.
Start looking into accommodation in secondary cities nearby. Instead of staying in downtown LA, look at Anaheim or Long Beach. For New York, look into northern New Jersey or even parts of Connecticut if you’re okay with a train ride.
Check the official FIFA ticketing portal regularly for "resale" windows. These are often the best way to snag a seat after the initial lottery madness settles down.