World Cup 2026 schedule: key dates and stage-by-stage timeline
The 2026 World Cup runs for just over five weeks. Here’s the shape of the schedule and the dates that matter.
Key dates at a glance
| Stage | Approximate dates (2026) |
|---|---|
| Opening match (Mexico City) | June 11 |
| Group stage | June 11 – late June |
| Round of 32 | Late June – early July |
| Round of 16 | Early July |
| Quarter-finals | Mid July |
| Semi-finals | Mid July |
| Final (MetLife Stadium) | July 19 |
Exact match days are set by FIFA’s official schedule; the table shows the stage-by-stage shape.
How the rhythm feels
- Fast start. With 48 teams, the opening 10–12 days are packed — multiple games a day as all 12 groups play their fixtures.
- A breather, then knockouts. Once the round of 32 begins, it’s win-or-go-home all the way to the final.
- One month, one champion. From the Mexico City opener to the New Jersey final, it’s just over five weeks.
Planning your viewing
With games spread across time zones and 16 host cities, pick your windows and prioritise — see our guide to following the tournament. You won’t catch all 104 matches, and that’s fine.
Before any fixture, ask Mom’s Stake for an honest read — form, the matchup, what to watch for.
FAQ
When does the 2026 World Cup start and finish?
It runs from June 11, 2026 (opening match in Mexico City) to the final on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium near New York.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The final is on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
How long is the 2026 World Cup?
A little over five weeks — from June 11 to July 19, 2026 — across 104 matches in three host countries.
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