World Cup 2026 Dates, Fixtures & Full Schedule (UK Time)

22

Zoë Jayne Beard

Published Date: June 6, 2026 12:29 PM

World Cup 2026 Dates, Fixtures & Full Schedule (UK Time)

If you’re already counting down the days until World Cup 2026 kicks off, you’re definitely not the only one.

The biggest World Cup in football history gets underway on 11 June 2026 and runs right through to the Final on 19 July 2026. For the first time ever we’ll have 48 teams, 104 matches and more than a month of wall-to-wall football across the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Whether you’re planning your summer around England’s fixtures, looking for a dark horse to follow or simply trying to work out which matches will have you staying up until silly o’clock, we’ve got everything you need right here.

World Cup 2026 At A Glance

Before we get stuck into the fixtures, here’s the quick version.

Detail Information
Tournament Dates 11 June – 19 July 2026
Host Nations USA, Canada & Mexico
Teams 48
Matches 104
Opening Match 11 June 2026
Final 19 July 2026
Format 12 Groups of 4 Teams

It’s going to be bigger, longer and packed with more football than any World Cup we’ve seen before.

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When Does World Cup 2026 Start?

If you’re planning holidays, booking days off work or warning your family that you’ll be unavailable for most of June and July, these are the dates you need.

Note: Full match-by-match fixtures and UK kick-off times will be added once FIFA confirms the final tournament schedule following the group-stage draw.

Stage Dates
Group Stage 11 June – 27 June
Round of 32 28 June – 3 July
Round of 16 4 July – 7 July
Quarter-Finals 9 July – 11 July
Semi-Finals 14 July – 15 July
Third Place Play-Off 18 July
World Cup Final 19 July

One of the biggest changes this time around is the new Round of 32. More teams means more knockout football, and we’re certainly not complaining about that.

World Cup 2026 Group Stage Schedule

The group stage runs from 11 June to 27 June and is where the road to World Cup glory begins.

The 48 qualified nations will be split into 12 groups of four teams, with each side playing three matches. The top two teams from every group progress automatically, while the eight best third-placed teams also advance to the knockout rounds.

With more teams involved than ever before, expect plenty of drama, a few surprise results and at least one underdog that captures the imagination of football fans around the world.

Matchday 1
11 June – 17 June

Matchday 2
18 June – 22 June

Matchday 3
23 June – 27 June

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FAQs

  • When does World Cup 2026 start?

    The tournament starts on 11 June 2026.

    When is the World Cup 2026 Final?

    The Final takes place on 19 July 2026.

    How many teams are playing at World Cup 2026?

    A record 48 nations will compete.

    How many matches will be played?

    There will be 104 matches throughout the tournament.

    Which countries are hosting World Cup 2026?

    The United States, Canada and Mexico.

    What UK channels will show World Cup 2026?

    Coverage is expected to be shared between BBC and ITV.

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