2026 World Cup Group Stage Schedule (Full Fixture List)
How the 2026 Group Stage Works
48 Teams, 12 Groups
For the first time, 48 nations compete across 12 groups of four teams each. Every team plays three group matches.
Who Advances
The top two finishers from each group advance automatically. The eight best third-place teams also qualify — a new feature in 2026 — giving 32 teams in the Round of 32.
Key Dates to Know
Opening Match
The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The host nation Mexico plays the opening game.
Final
The World Cup Final is scheduled for July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Time Zone Guide
EDT vs BST
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) is 5 hours behind UTC; British Summer Time (BST) is 1 hour ahead of UTC, so EDT = BST minus 6 hours.
Best Kick-off Times
Most matches kick off at 3 PM or 6 PM EDT, which translates to 8 PM or 11 PM BST — ideal for European viewers.
| Stage | Date Range | Matches | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 11 – July 2 | 36 | Every team plays 3 matches |
| Round of 32 | July 4 – July 9 | 16 | New in 2026 format |
| Round of 16 | July 11 – July 14 | 8 | Traditional knockout begins |
| Quarterfinals | July 15 – July 16 | 4 | Last eight standing |
| Semifinals | July 17 – July 18 | 2 | Four nations remain |
| Final | July 19 | 1 | MetLife Stadium, NJ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup group stage?
There are 36 group-stage games across 12 groups of four teams each.
Which countries are hosting the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first tournament with three host nations.
How many teams advance from the group stage?
32 teams advance: the top two from each group (24 teams) plus the eight best third-place finishers.
When does the 2026 World Cup start?
The opening match is June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.