Honestly, if you're looking for the opening kickoff whistle today, January 14, 2026, you're going to be waiting a while. The actual FIFA World Cup 2026 doesn't start until June 11. I know, it's kinda confusing with all the "World Cup" headlines flying around lately. But there is a massive reason why everyone is asking about who is playing today.
We are currently in the absolute "danger zone" for fans trying to secure their spot for the summer. Yesterday was the deadline for the third phase of the FIFA random selection draw. If you missed that window, you're basically at the mercy of the resale market or the next first-come, first-served phase.
But just because the big show in North America is months away doesn't mean there's a lack of "World Cup" action. Right now, as we speak, teams are grinding through continental championships and youth tournaments that basically serve as the audition for the 2026 roster.
Who is Playing Today for the World Cup Prep and Major Tournaments
If you turn on your TV today, you aren't seeing Messi or Mbappe in the United States or Mexico just yet. Instead, the football world is focused on Morocco.
Today is a massive day for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). We just saw a heavyweight clash between Morocco and Nigeria in the semifinals. It was a 0-0 nail-biter that went all the way to a 4-2 penalty shootout victory for the hosts, Morocco. Why does this matter for the World Cup? Because Morocco is one of the 48 teams that have already booked their ticket for the 2026 tournament. Seeing them perform under this kind of pressure in Rabat gives us a massive clue about their potential to repeat that legendary 2022 run.
Here is a quick look at the "World Cup" level action happening in this January window:
✨ Don't miss: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
- AFCON Semifinals: Morocco vs. Nigeria (Just finished) and Senegal vs. Egypt.
- Youth Prospects: The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is actually kicking off tomorrow, January 15, in Zimbabwe and Namibia. I mention this because "World Cup" search traffic always spikes for both sports this time of year.
- Club Preparations: Major MLS stadiums like Lumen Field in Seattle and BMO Field in Toronto are literally undergoing renovations today to meet FIFA's grass requirements. Seattle Reign FC even had to move their home matches to Spokane because of these World Cup preparations.
The 2026 World Cup Schedule: Who Plays When?
Since you're clearly eager to know about the matchups, let's talk about the real deal. The 2026 tournament is a beast—104 matches across 16 cities. It's the first time we’re seeing 48 teams instead of 32.
The tournament opener is set for June 11, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The home team, Mexico, will be taking on South Africa. If you’ve ever seen a match at the Azteca, you know that place is going to be vibrating.
Later that same day, South Korea plays a UEFA playoff winner in Guadalajara. It's a double-header to kick off a month of chaos.
The Opening Week Lineups
If you're planning your watch parties or travel, the first few days are packed.
On June 12, the USMNT makes its debut at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles against Paraguay. That is easily one of the most coveted tickets of the entire group stage. Canada also gets their turn that day in Toronto against a UEFA playoff winner.
🔗 Read more: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
The heavy hitters start rolling in shortly after. On June 13, Brazil faces Morocco in New Jersey. That's a rematch of the 2022 quarterfinal vibe that everyone is dying to see. Then on June 14, Germany takes on Curaçao in Houston, while the Netherlands plays Japan in Dallas.
Why the January Window is Actually Critical
You might think who is playing today for the world cup doesn't matter since the qualifiers are mostly wrapped up. Wrong.
There are still six spots up for grabs. These will be decided in the inter-confederation playoffs in March. Teams like Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Haiti are in the mix for their first-ever appearances. The scouts are out in full force today watching these regional matches because the final rosters are far from settled.
Where the 2026 Matches are Happening
We aren't just talking about one country anymore. This is a continental takeover.
In the U.S., cities like Kansas City are expecting over 600,000 visitors. Local businesses are already stocking up on yerba mate because they know Argentina is playing there early on.
💡 You might also like: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
The final? That’s going down on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
If you are trying to track "who is playing today" because you want to see specific stars, keep an eye on the injury reports for the domestic leagues. Today, NBA and European club soccer are in full swing, and every time a player like Christian Pulisic or Vinícius Júnior takes a hard tackle, the collective breath of their home nations stops.
How to Get Ready for the 2026 Kickoff
Stop waiting for the schedule to find you. If you want to be there, you need to be proactive.
First, check your email if you entered the FIFA ticket draw that closed yesterday. The notification period is usually a few weeks out. If you didn't get in, start looking at the official hospitality packages. They are expensive, but they’re the only guaranteed way to get a seat right now without risking a scam on a third-party site.
Second, if you're traveling from outside the U.S., Mexico, or Canada, look at your visa situation today. The B2 visa wait times for the U.S. can be legendary (in a bad way), and you don't want to be stuck with a ticket and no way to get past customs.
Lastly, follow the AFCON and Asian Cup results. The teams playing today are the ones who will be making life miserable for the "favorites" come June.
Check the official FIFA website for the next "first-come, first-served" ticket window, which is expected to open shortly after the draw results are processed.