FIFA recently disclosed the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026, revealing some exciting details about the upcoming tournament. The final match will be held in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July 2026, while the inaugural match featuring the Mexican national team is scheduled to take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
Similar to Mexico, the national teams of Canada and the United States will have the opportunity to play their three group-stage matches on home turf. Canada will kick off their campaign in Toronto on Friday, 12 June 2026, while the United States will begin their journey on the same day in Los Angeles.
The full schedule for the tournament was unveiled live and is now available for review on FIFA.com and FIFA+. Additionally, access to the match schedule can be found here.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement, stating, “The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality that will take shape in the form of 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico, and the USA. From the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca to the spectacular final in New York New Jersey, players and fans have been at the core of our extensive planning for this game-changing tournament.”
FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani also commented on the significance of the World Cup 2026, saying, “The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a watershed moment and one that will trigger massive football development in our region and worldwide. While each Host City is unique, they all have something in common – they are passionate about football and cannot wait to welcome the world in June and July 2026.”
The tournament’s match schedule has been designed to minimize travel for teams and fans, while also maximizing the number of rest days between fixtures. This aims to enhance the playing conditions of matches and ensure that fans have shorter travel times when following their teams.
The schedule has been devised in consultation with key stakeholders, including national team coaches and technical directors. Match pairings and kick-off times will be confirmed following the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is expected to take place toward the end of 2025.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be an extraordinary event that will not only break records but also leave a lasting legacy. The commitment and passion of the host countries and cities will undoubtedly contribute to making this tournament a game-changing experience for players and fans alike.
