World Cup 2026 Schedule: Key Matches & Dates
The World Cup 2026 will be an exciting tournament with 48 teams competing for the ultimate title. Here’s the complete schedule, with all matches, dates, and locations, to help you set up your fantasy soccer team and follow every critical moment.
Overview of the Schedule
The tournament kicks off on June 8, 2026, and concludes with the final on July 3, 2026. Matches will be held in state-of-the-art stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Group Stage
The group stage includes 12 groups of four teams each. Every team plays the others in its group, and the top two teams from each group, along with the best eight third-placed teams, advance to the knockout rounds.
Key Dates for the Group Stage:
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Opening Match: June 8, 2026
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Last Group Match: Around June 24, 2026
Knockout Rounds
The knockout rounds begin with the Round of 32 and lead up to the grand finale. Each match is win-or-go-home, making these rounds intense and ideal for fantasy soccer matchups.
Knockout Round Dates:
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Round of 32: June 26 – June 29, 2026
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Round of 16: July 1 – July 2, 2026
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Quarterfinals: July 4 – July 5, 2026
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Semifinals: July 7, 2026
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Final: July 3, 2026
The Grand Finale
The World Cup 2026 final will take place on July 3, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in New York. This is the pinnacle of the tournament, where the top two teams will compete for the championship title.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the World Cup 2026 start?
The tournament begins on June 8, 2026.
How many teams are competing in this World Cup?
A total of 48 teams will participate in the World Cup 2026.
Where will the final match be held?
The final match is scheduled at the MetLife Stadium in New York, USA.
Keep this schedule handy to follow every important match of the World Cup 2026 and maximize your fantasy soccer picks throughout the tournament.