From the opening ceremony to the final, here are the essential dates and matches to mark in your calendar for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, spanning 39 days of football across 16 cities. Here are the essential dates and matches to save in your calendar.
Opening Ceremony and Match
The tournament begins with the traditional opening ceremony followed by the first match of the competition. As co-host, the United States or Mexico is expected to participate in the opening match — an occasion that will be watched by hundreds of millions around the world.
Group Stage Window
All group stage matches take place over approximately the first three weeks of the tournament. With 48 teams in 12 groups, there will be group stage matches taking place simultaneously across multiple venues, creating a round-the-clock football festival for the opening weeks.
Round of 32
The new round of 32 marks the beginning of the knockout stage. The drama of elimination football begins here — every match from this point is win or go home.
Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals represent the stage where the tournament's hierarchy typically begins to establish itself. Traditional powerhouses and surprising upstarts meet to determine the final four.
Semifinals
Two semifinal matches, played across two days, determine who reaches the final. For the teams involved, these are the most significant matches they will ever play.
The Final: July 19, MetLife Stadium
The World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium will be the most watched sporting event of 2026. Over a billion television viewers and 82,500 fans in the stadium will witness history being made. Mark July 19, 2026 in your calendar now.
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