The 2026 World Cup is the biggest ever staged: 48 teams instead of 32, and 104 matches instead of 64. It opened today, June 11, with Mexico against South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and runs through to the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Tournament stages
| Stage | Dates | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Group stage (12 groups of 4) | June 11 to June 27 | 72 |
| Round of 32 | June 28 to July 3 | 16 |
| Round of 16 | July 4 to July 7 | 8 |
| Quarter finals | July 9 to July 11 | 4 |
| Semi finals | July 14 and July 15 | 2 |
| Third place match | July 18 | 1 |
| Final, MetLife Stadium | July 19 | 1 |
The new format means the top two from each of the 12 groups advance, joined by the eight best third placed teams. That extra Round of 32 is why the knockout phase feels longer this time.
Kickoff times by region
Matches are played across four North American time zones, so kickoff times scatter more than usual. As a rough anchor for a 3pm Eastern kickoff:
- UK and Ireland: 8pm
- Central Europe: 9pm
- Gulf states: 11pm
- East Asia: 4am next day
- Australia (AEST): 5am next day
European and African viewers have it easiest this tournament. Asia and Australia get the early alarms, which makes on demand replays genuinely important. Free replay access by country is covered in our country by country guide.
The host cities
Sixteen cities share the tournament: eleven in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada. The US hosts every match from the quarter finals onward. Mexico City's Estadio Azteca earned the opener, its third World Cup opening after 1970 and 1986, a record no other stadium holds.
Frequently asked questions
When is the World Cup 2026 final?
Sunday July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
How many matches are in World Cup 2026?
104 matches across 39 days, the most in World Cup history, with 48 teams in 12 groups.
Where can I watch the matches?
It depends on your country. Our free streams guide lists every confirmed broadcaster and which ones cost nothing.