- The schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026 was unveiled.
- Final will be played in New York/New Jersey.
- Match pairing will be finalized next year.
During a live broadcast at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FIFA unveiled the schedule for the 2026 World Cup. The grand finale will take place in New York, New Jersey, on Sunday, 19 July 2026, while the opening match featuring the Mexican national team will be held at the renowned Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
In a similar fashion to Mexico, both Canada and the United States will play their three group-stage matches on their home turf. Canada’s journey will commence in Toronto on Friday, 12 June 2026, and the United States will begin their campaign in Los Angeles on the same day.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “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.”
He added, “I would like to thank our three host countries and 16 Host Cities for the unwavering commitment to staging a FIFA World Cup that will not only set new records but also leave an indelible legacy.”
FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani remarked, “The FIFA World Cup 26 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 Final Draw for the World Cup, which is expected to occur next year, will confirm match pairings and kick-off times. The bronze final will be hosted in Miami, while Dallas and Atlanta will stage the eagerly awaited semi-finals. Dallas, the city hosting the most matches at the event, will host nine matches.
FIFA mentioned in a press release, “Innovative match schedule ensures that three days of rest for teams is observed for 103 of the tournament’s 104 matches. Majority of matches to be played in three regionalised zones (east, central and west) to reduce travel for teams and fans.”
During the group stage, the last four matchdays will consist of six matches each day. All other group-stage matchdays will have four matches each day, spread across four kick-off times.
The Estadio Azteca Mexico City is set to make FIFA World Cup history by hosting the opening match for the third time, a first for any stadium.
Canada, with its rich history of hosting top FIFA women’s and youth tournaments, including the successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™, will host its first FIFA World Cup.
The USA, following the record-setting 1994 edition, will host the FIFA World Cup for the second time. The USA has also successfully hosted two editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (1999 and 2003).