World Cup 2026 Schedule: Dates, Stages & Fixtures

If your question is when is the World Cup 2026, the short answer is simple: the tournament starts on Thursday, June 11, 2026 and ends on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Between those dates, FIFA schedules 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This page is built for readers who want the calendar shape first, then want the next step. Use it to understand stage order, rest windows, and the biggest date checkpoints before moving to the fixture table, the How to Watch guide, and the Ticket Guide.

If you came here from a German search, see the WM 2026 Spielplan bridge guide for a shorter overview before the full fixture table.

World Cup 2026 stage calendar at a glance

Start here if you want the cleanest stage-by-stage calendar view before opening fixtures, standings, watch, or ticket pages.

Key World Cup 2026 dates fans should save

If your goal is quick planning, these are the World Cup dates that matter most for travel, viewing setups, and ticket decisions.

Group stage calendar: June 11 to June 27

The group stage lasts 17 days and accounts for 72 of the tournament's 104 matches. Every team plays three matches, and those fixtures are spread across 12 groups from Group A to Group L. FIFA has already confirmed that the tournament opens with Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City Stadium on June 11, then continues the next day with Canada's opener in Toronto and the United States' opener in Los Angeles.

For fans, this is the busiest and most useful part of the calendar. It is where you compare kickoff windows, choose priority days, and decide whether to follow a single team or move across the bracket. Keep the fixture table open alongside the watch guide open as well if you are planning around multiple time zones.

Knockout stage calendar: June 28 to July 19

The knockout phase begins immediately after the group stage, starting with the new Round of 32 on June 28. That extra round is one of the biggest calendar changes in the 48-team format. From there, the tournament moves into the Round of 16 from July 4 to July 7, quarterfinals on July 9 and July 10, semifinals on July 15 and July 16, the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19.

The practical takeaway is that the calendar tightens once the bracket becomes clearer. If you are buying travel, hospitality, or higher-demand seats, the ticket guide matters much more in this section of the tournament because match value and price pressure rise quickly.

How to use this calendar for streaming, tickets, and travel

A good planning page should not stop at dates. Use the group-stage window to mark must-watch teams, host nation matches, and one or two likely swing games per day. Then use the knockout dates to decide where you need certainty. If you are watching from the United States, sort your setup early with the How to Watch page. If you are planning stadium attendance, compare match dates and host-city logistics with the Ticket Guide.

• Use the fixture table when you need every match, venue, and pairing.
• Use the How to Watch guide when your main question is TV, streaming, or free options.
• Use the Ticket Guide when your main question is sales phases, purchase safety, and seat value.

FAQ

When is the World Cup 2026?

The 2026 World Cup starts on Thursday, June 11, 2026 with the opening match in Mexico City.

When does the knockout stage begin?

The knockout stage begins on Sunday, June 28, 2026 with the Round of 32.

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026 in New York New Jersey Stadium.

Where can I see every World Cup 2026 fixture?

Use the fixture table for the complete list of matches, dates, venues, and pairings.

What is the best way to plan around time zones and matchdays?

Start with your must-watch teams, then map the official dates against your local viewing hours. If you are watching instead of traveling, pair this page with the How to Watch guide. If you are attending in person, compare the same dates against the Ticket Guide.