World Cup 2026 Schedule: Key Dates and Teams

The World Cup 2026 is poised to be a landmark event in soccer history, featuring 48 teams and 104 fixtures from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This tournament marks a significant expansion from the traditional 32-team format, promising an exciting array of matches for fans worldwide.

As teams vie for a coveted spot, six World Cup 2026 spots are available through qualifying play-offs, with four spots reserved for European teams and two through inter-confederational play-offs. The UEFA Path A final will see Bosnia-Herzegovina face Italy, while Path B will feature Sweden against Poland. Additionally, Path C will include Kosovo versus Turkey, and Path D will showcase Czech Republic against Denmark.

In the inter-confederation finals, DR Congo will compete against Jamaica, with Iraq and Bolivia also vying for a place in the tournament. The matches are set to kick off at 7:45pm for UEFA Path finals and 10pm for inter-confederation finals.

Fans can catch the action live on BBC and Amazon Prime Video, with pay-per-view games typically costing £2.49 per match. The excitement surrounding the World Cup is palpable, especially after the heartbreak experienced by Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland in their recent play-offs.

As the tournament approaches, observers are keenly awaiting the finalization of the qualifying teams and the complete match schedule. Details remain unconfirmed regarding some of the final fixtures and potential match-ups, making the anticipation even more thrilling for fans and players alike.