The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest edition in history, with 48 participating teams and a total of 104 matches played between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Wikipedia +2 TyC Sports +2
The tournament will be played in three host countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA +2 Roadtrips +2
The structure of the 2026 World Cup includes an initial group stage, followed by knockout rounds (round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, third-place match, and the final). Wikipedia +2 TyC Sports +2
Tournament structure
Group stage: 12 groups of 4 teams each. Wikipedia +2 TyC Sports +2
Round of 32 (first knockout round). Wikipedia +1
Round of 16
Quarter finals
Semifinals
Third place match
The final , which will determine the 2026 world champion. Wikipedia +2 ESPN.com.ar +2
Key dates for the 2026 World Cup
| Stage | Period / Estimated Date |
|---|---|
| Tournament begins | June 11, 2026 Wikipedia +1 |
| Group stage | From June 11 to 27, 2026 Wikipedia +2 TUDN +2 |
| Round of 32 | June 28 – July 3, 2026 Wikipedia +2 TyC Sports +2 |
| Round of 16 | July 4 – 7, 2026 Wikipedia +1 |
| Quarter finals | July 9 – 11, 2026 Wikipedia +1 |
| Semifinals | July 14 – 15, 2026 Wikipedia +1 |
| Third place | July 18, 2026 Wikipedia +1 |
| End | July 19, 2026 Wikipedia +2 ESPN.com.ar +2 |
How to check the official schedule
The tournament organizers, FIFA, have already published the official schedule with venues, dates, and general format. FIFA +2 Inside FIFA +2
The full match schedule will be available after the final draw and its official presentation, scheduled for December 6, 2025 , in a global broadcast from Washington DC. Inside FIFA +2 El Financiero +2
We recommend checking the official tournament section or reliable sports coverage websites as updates are published.
What makes this World Cup special?
This is the first edition with 48 participating teams . FIFA +2 Wikipedia +2
It will be played in three host countries — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — thus expanding its continental reach. FIFA +2 Roadtrips +2
It will feature a total of 104 matches , significantly expanding the football offering compared to previous editions. ESPN.com.ar +2 Wikipedia +2
It represents a historic opportunity for teams looking to debut or return to the World Cup, as well as offering a broader and more diverse experience for fans across the continent.
What can still change?
Although a preliminary schedule already exists, the final details—such as definitive groupings, exact match times, assigned stadiums, and time zones—will be confirmed after the final draw and the official fixture presentation. Inside FIFA +2 SI +2
Therefore, it is important to keep this article "alive": update it when the official forms, results and final venues are published.
Recommendations for readers in Colombia
Check local times — as the games will be played in different time zones across North America.
Please check official broadcast information, as it may vary depending on the country and TV/streaming provider.
Come back to this article when the final groups are announced; you'll find the complete, updated schedule here.