When does the World Cup start?

The numbers

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 11, 2026, and will run until July 19, 2026. This tournament marks a significant expansion in the competition, featuring 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32 teams that participated in earlier editions.

The event will be hosted across three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the USA, making it a historic occasion as it is the first time the World Cup will be held in three different countries simultaneously. The opening match is scheduled to take place in Mexico City, while the final will be held at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York-New Jersey.

The tournament will consist of a total of 104 matches, spanning 38 days. The group stage matches will occur from June 11 to June 27, 2026, followed by the round of 32 from June 28 to July 3, 2026. The quarter-finals are set for July 9 to July 11, 2026, with the semi-finals scheduled for July 14 and July 15, 2026. The third-place play-off will take place on July 18, 2026.

Among the notable aspects of this World Cup is that Curacao has qualified, making it the smallest nation to participate in the tournament’s history. This edition will also see an additional 16 teams compared to the previous tournament held in Qatar in 2022.

As the tournament approaches, observers are keen to see how the expanded format will affect the dynamics of the competition and the overall experience for fans. The excitement is palpable as nations prepare to compete on this grand stage.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final match date and specific venues for all matches, but the anticipation continues to build as the kickoff date draws closer.