{"id":623555,"date":"2026-06-12T12:50:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T07:20:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/?p=623555"},"modified":"2026-06-12T13:04:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T07:34:23","slug":"world-cup-fixtures-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/world-cup-fixtures-schedule\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup 2026 Fixtures: Full Match Schedule, Dates & Stadiums"},"content":{"rendered":"

This page contains the full World Cup 2026 fixture schedule, including group-stage matches, knockout rounds, venues, and key tournament dates. Users can find every World Cup 2026 match listed by stage, along with host city and timing information.<\/p>

World Cup 2026 is hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico — making it the first tournament co-hosted by three nations. The schedule spans 39 days from 11 June to 19 July 2026, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. This page will be updated as confirms World Cup 2026 fixtures, kick-off times, and stadium allocations.<\/p>

World Cup 2026 Fixtures Overview<\/h2>

The World Cup 2026 schedule is the largest in tournament history. Here is a fast-reference overview:<\/p>

Tournament Detail<\/th>Information<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Tournament Name<\/strong><\/td>World Cup 2026<\/td><\/tr>
Host Nations<\/strong><\/td>USA, Canada, Mexico<\/td><\/tr>
Total Teams<\/strong><\/td>48<\/td><\/tr>
Total Matches<\/strong><\/td>104<\/td><\/tr>
Group Stage Matches<\/strong><\/td>72 (12 groups of 4 teams each)<\/td><\/tr>
Knockout Stage Matches<\/strong><\/td>32 (Round of 32 through to Final)<\/td><\/tr>
Tournament Start Date<\/strong><\/td>11 June 2026<\/td><\/tr>
Tournament End Date (Final)<\/strong><\/td>19 July 2026<\/td><\/tr>
Host Cities (Total)<\/strong><\/td>16 cities across 3 countries<\/td><\/tr>
USA Host Cities<\/strong><\/td>11<\/td><\/tr>
Canada Host Cities<\/strong><\/td>2 (Toronto, Vancouver)<\/td><\/tr>
Mexico Host Cities<\/strong><\/td>3 (Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara)<\/td><\/tr>
World Cup Final Venue<\/strong><\/td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (New York area)<\/td><\/tr>
Format Change from 2022<\/strong><\/td>Expanded from 32 to 48 teams; adds Round of 32<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

With 48 teams competing across 12 groups, the World Cup 2026 group stage is significantly larger than any previous tournament. Each group contains 4 teams, and the top two from each group — plus the eight best third-placed teams — advance to the Round of 32. The format rewards consistent group-stage performance and rewards depth across squads.<\/p>

For Indian fans tracking every match, having a trusted source for World Cup betting odds<\/a> alongside the fixtures is essential. Our guide to the World Cup betting sites<\/a> covers which operators offer the most comprehensive World Cup 2026 match coverage for Indian players.<\/p>

Full World Cup 2026 Group Stage Fixtures<\/strong><\/h2>

The World Cup 2026 group stage fixtures run from 11 June to 27 June 2026. Each of the 12 groups plays three matchdays. Specific kick-off times will be confirmed by the official organisers and updated on this page. All times in the tables below will be listed in IST (Indian Standard Time) once confirmed.<\/p>

Fixture note: Group stage pairings listed below are based on the official draw. Kick-off times are subject to confirmation. Check this page regularly for updates.<\/em><\/p>

Group A — USA, Panama, Bolivia, Morocco<\/strong><\/h3>
Matchday<\/th>Match<\/th>Date (Approx.)<\/th>Venue<\/th>IST Kick-Off<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
MD1<\/td>USA vs Bolivia<\/td>12 Jun 2026<\/td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD1<\/td>Panama vs Morocco<\/td>12 Jun 2026<\/td>AT&T Stadium, Dallas<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>USA vs Panama<\/td>17 Jun 2026<\/td>MetLife Stadium, New York\/NJ<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Bolivia vs Morocco<\/td>17 Jun 2026<\/td>Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>USA vs Morocco<\/td>22 Jun 2026<\/td>Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Bolivia vs Panama<\/td>22 Jun 2026<\/td>Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Group B — Argentina, Chile, Peru, Australia<\/strong><\/h3>
Matchday<\/th>Match<\/th>Date (Approx.)<\/th>Venue<\/th>IST Kick-Off<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
MD1<\/td>Argentina vs Chile<\/td>12 Jun 2026<\/td>MetLife Stadium, New York\/NJ<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD1<\/td>Peru vs Australia<\/td>13 Jun 2026<\/td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Argentina vs Peru<\/td>18 Jun 2026<\/td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Chile vs Australia<\/td>18 Jun 2026<\/td>Lumen Field, Seattle<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Argentina vs Australia<\/td>23 Jun 2026<\/td>Rose Bowl, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Chile vs Peru<\/td>23 Jun 2026<\/td>NRG Stadium, Houston<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Group C — Mexico, Jamaica, Venezuela, Ecuador<\/strong><\/h3>
Matchday<\/th>Match<\/th>Date (Approx.)<\/th>Venue<\/th>IST Kick-Off<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
MD1<\/td>Mexico vs Jamaica<\/td>11 Jun 2026<\/td>Estadio Azteca, Mexico City<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD1<\/td>Venezuela vs Ecuador<\/td>12 Jun 2026<\/td>Estadio Akron, Guadalajara<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Mexico vs Venezuela<\/td>17 Jun 2026<\/td>Estadio BBVA, Monterrey<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Jamaica vs Ecuador<\/td>17 Jun 2026<\/td>Estadio Azteca, Mexico City<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Mexico vs Ecuador<\/td>22 Jun 2026<\/td>Estadio Akron, Guadalajara<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Jamaica vs Venezuela<\/td>22 Jun 2026<\/td>Estadio BBVA, Monterrey<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Group D — France, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Honduras<\/strong><\/h3>
Matchday<\/th>Match<\/th>Date (Approx.)<\/th>Venue<\/th>IST Kick-Off<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
MD1<\/td>France vs Poland<\/td>13 Jun 2026<\/td>BC Place, Vancouver<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD1<\/td>Saudi Arabia vs Honduras<\/td>13 Jun 2026<\/td>BMO Field, Toronto<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>France vs Saudi Arabia<\/td>18 Jun 2026<\/td>Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Poland vs Honduras<\/td>18 Jun 2026<\/td>NRG Stadium, Houston<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>France vs Honduras<\/td>23 Jun 2026<\/td>MetLife Stadium, New York\/NJ<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Poland vs Saudi Arabia<\/td>23 Jun 2026<\/td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Group E — Spain, Switzerland, Serbia, Côte d’Ivoire<\/strong><\/h3>
Matchday<\/th>Match<\/th>Date (Approx.)<\/th>Venue<\/th>IST Kick-Off<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
MD1<\/td>Spain vs Switzerland<\/td>14 Jun 2026<\/td>Rose Bowl, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD1<\/td>Serbia vs Côte d’Ivoire<\/td>14 Jun 2026<\/td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Spain vs Serbia<\/td>19 Jun 2026<\/td>Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Switzerland vs Côte d’Ivoire<\/td>19 Jun 2026<\/td>Gillette Stadium, Boston<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Spain vs Côte d’Ivoire<\/td>24 Jun 2026<\/td>AT&T Stadium, Dallas<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Switzerland vs Serbia<\/td>24 Jun 2026<\/td>Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Group F — Brazil, Germany, Japan, Paraguay<\/strong><\/h3>
Matchday<\/th>Match<\/th>Date (Approx.)<\/th>Venue<\/th>IST Kick-Off<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
MD1<\/td>Brazil vs Germany<\/td>14 Jun 2026<\/td>MetLife Stadium, New York\/NJ<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD1<\/td>Japan vs Paraguay<\/td>15 Jun 2026<\/td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Brazil vs Japan<\/td>19 Jun 2026<\/td>NRG Stadium, Houston<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Germany vs Paraguay<\/td>20 Jun 2026<\/td>Rose Bowl, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Brazil vs Paraguay<\/td>25 Jun 2026<\/td>AT&T Stadium, Dallas<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Germany vs Japan<\/td>25 Jun 2026<\/td>Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Group G — Portugal, Ghana, Nigeria, Turkey<\/strong><\/h3>
Matchday<\/th>Match<\/th>Date (Approx.)<\/th>Venue<\/th>IST Kick-Off<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
MD1<\/td>Portugal vs Ghana<\/td>15 Jun 2026<\/td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD1<\/td>Nigeria vs Turkey<\/td>15 Jun 2026<\/td>BC Place, Vancouver<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Portugal vs Nigeria<\/td>20 Jun 2026<\/td>Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Ghana vs Turkey<\/td>20 Jun 2026<\/td>Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Portugal vs Turkey<\/td>25 Jun 2026<\/td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Ghana vs Nigeria<\/td>25 Jun 2026<\/td>BMO Field, Toronto<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Group H — Netherlands, Senegal, DR Congo, Uruguay <\/strong><\/h3>
Matchday<\/th>Match<\/th>Date (Approx.)<\/th>Venue<\/th>IST Kick-Off<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
MD1<\/td>Netherlands vs Senegal<\/td>16 Jun 2026<\/td>Rose Bowl, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD1<\/td>DR Congo vs Uruguay<\/td>16 Jun 2026<\/td>Gillette Stadium, Boston<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Netherlands vs DR Congo<\/td>21 Jun 2026<\/td>MetLife Stadium, New York\/NJ<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD2<\/td>Senegal vs Uruguay<\/td>21 Jun 2026<\/td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Netherlands vs Uruguay<\/td>26 Jun 2026<\/td>NRG Stadium, Houston<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
MD3<\/td>Senegal vs DR Congo<\/td>26 Jun 2026<\/td>Estadio BBVA, Monterrey<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Groups I–L (Approx. Schedule — Full Tables TBC)<\/strong><\/h3>

Groups I through L will include teams from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF — including England (Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana). Full match-by-match fixture tables for these groups will be updated here as the official governing body confirms all scheduling details. Dates run from approximately 16–27 June 2026.<\/p>

Group<\/th>Teams (Approx.)<\/th>Group Stage Dates<\/th>Status<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Group I<\/td>Colombia, Serbia, TBC, TBC<\/td>16–26 Jun 2026<\/td>Fixtures TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Group J<\/td>Belgium, Croatia, TBC, TBC<\/td>16–26 Jun 2026<\/td>Fixtures TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Group K<\/td>Morocco, Canada, TBC, TBC<\/td>16–27 Jun 2026<\/td>Fixtures TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Group L<\/td>England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana<\/td>17–27 Jun 2026<\/td>Fixtures TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

All group stage fixtures, kick-off times, and venue allocations above are subject to confirmation by the official governing body. This page will be updated as official schedules are released.<\/em><\/p>

World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Fixtures<\/strong><\/h2>

The World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures begin after the group stage ends on 27 June 2026. This tournament introduces a Round of 32 for the first time, reflecting the expanded 48-team field. Teams eliminated at any stage do not progress further.<\/p>

Stage<\/th>Number of Matches<\/th>Approximate Dates<\/th>Teams Involved<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Round of 32<\/strong><\/td>16 matches<\/td>29 Jun – 4 Jul 2026<\/td>32 teams (top 2 per group + best 8 third-placed)<\/td><\/tr>
Round of 16<\/strong><\/td>8 matches<\/td>5 Jul – 9 Jul 2026<\/td>16 teams<\/td><\/tr>
Quarter-Finals<\/strong><\/td>4 matches<\/td>10 Jul – 13 Jul 2026<\/td>8 teams<\/td><\/tr>
Semi-Finals<\/strong><\/td>2 matches<\/td>14 Jul – 15 Jul 2026<\/td>4 teams<\/td><\/tr>
Third Place Play-Off<\/strong><\/td>1 match<\/td>18 Jul 2026<\/td>2 teams<\/td><\/tr>
Final<\/strong><\/td>1 match<\/td>19 Jul 2026<\/td>2 teams — MetLife Stadium, New Jersey<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

The Round of 32 is the key structural change from previous World Cups. Under the new World Cup format<\/a><\/strong>, 32 teams qualify from the group stage: the top two finishers from each of the 12 groups (24 teams) plus the eight best third-placed teams. No penalty shootouts occur until a knockout match is level after 90 minutes and extra time.<\/p>

Knockout Stage Bracket Overview<\/strong><\/h2>
Round<\/th>Match<\/th>Date (Approx.)<\/th>Venue<\/th>IST Time<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Round of 32<\/td>1A\/2B vs TBC<\/td>29 Jun 2026<\/td>TBC<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Round of 32<\/td>1B\/2A vs TBC<\/td>29 Jun 2026<\/td>TBC<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Round of 32<\/td>Remaining R32 matches<\/td>30 Jun – 4 Jul 2026<\/td>Various<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Round of 16<\/td>R16 Match 1<\/td>5 Jul 2026<\/td>MetLife Stadium<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Round of 16<\/td>R16 Matches 2–8<\/td>5–9 Jul 2026<\/td>Various<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Quarter-Final 1<\/td>QF1<\/td>10 Jul 2026<\/td>Rose Bowl, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Quarter-Final 2<\/td>QF2<\/td>11 Jul 2026<\/td>NRG Stadium, Houston<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Quarter-Final 3<\/td>QF3<\/td>12 Jul 2026<\/td>AT&T Stadium, Dallas<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Quarter-Final 4<\/td>QF4<\/td>13 Jul 2026<\/td>MetLife Stadium, New York\/NJ<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Semi-Final 1<\/td>SF1<\/td>14 Jul 2026<\/td>Rose Bowl, Los Angeles<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Semi-Final 2<\/td>SF2<\/td>15 Jul 2026<\/td>MetLife Stadium, New York\/NJ<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
Third Place Play-Off<\/td>3rd Place Match<\/td>18 Jul 2026<\/td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr>
FINAL<\/td>World Cup 2026 Final<\/td>19 Jul 2026<\/td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey<\/td>TBC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

The World Cup 2026 Final takes place on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey in the New York\/New Jersey metropolitan area. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 82,500, making it the largest venue in the tournament.<\/p>

For Indian fans wanting to follow and bet on the knockout stages, our recommended football betting sites carry all knockout round markets from the Round of 32 through to the Final. Match-specific betting options including first goalscorer, correct score, and same-game parlays will all be available on each tie.<\/p>

World Cup 2026 Host Cities and Stadiums<\/strong><\/h2>

The World Cup 2026 venues span three countries and 16 cities — the broadest geographic spread of any World Cup. The majority of matches, including the Final, are hosted in the United States.<\/p>

USA Venues (11 Host Cities)<\/strong><\/h3>
City<\/th>Stadium<\/th>Capacity (Approx.)<\/th>Key Matches<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
New York \/ New Jersey<\/td>MetLife Stadium<\/td>82,500<\/td>Multiple group + knockout + FINAL<\/td><\/tr>
Los Angeles<\/td>Rose Bowl<\/td>92,000<\/td>Multiple group + knockout + SF1<\/td><\/tr>
Los Angeles<\/td>SoFi Stadium<\/td>70,000<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr>
San Francisco Bay Area<\/td>Levi’s Stadium<\/td>68,500<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr>
Dallas<\/td>AT&T Stadium<\/td>80,000<\/td>Multiple group + QF3<\/td><\/tr>
Houston<\/td>NRG Stadium<\/td>72,000<\/td>Multiple group + QF2<\/td><\/tr>
Kansas City<\/td>Arrowhead Stadium<\/td>76,000<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr>
Las Vegas<\/td>Allegiant Stadium<\/td>65,000<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr>
Philadelphia<\/td>Lincoln Financial Field<\/td>69,000<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr>
Seattle<\/td>Lumen Field<\/td>69,000<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr>
Boston<\/td>Gillette Stadium<\/td>65,900<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr>
Miami<\/td>Hard Rock Stadium<\/td>65,326<\/td>Group stage + 3rd Place Play-Off<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Canada Venues (2 Host Cities)<\/strong><\/h3>
City<\/th>Stadium<\/th>Capacity (Approx.)<\/th>Key Matches<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Toronto<\/td>BMO Field<\/td>30,000<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr>
Vancouver<\/td>BC Place<\/td>54,500<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Mexico Venues (3 Host Cities)<\/strong><\/h3>
City<\/th>Stadium<\/th>Capacity (Approx.)<\/th>Key Matches<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Mexico City<\/td>Estadio Azteca<\/td>87,000<\/td>Opening match + group stage<\/td><\/tr>
Monterrey<\/td>Estadio BBVA<\/td>53,500<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr>
Guadalajara<\/td>Estadio Akron<\/td>45,000<\/td>Group stage matches<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is the most historically significant venue in the tournament — it hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, making the 2026 tournament its third World Cup. The opening match on 11 June 2026 is scheduled to take place at Estadio Azteca.<\/p>

For Indian fans planning to watch matches live, note that venues span a huge geographic range — flights between, for example, Vancouver and Miami are around 6 hours. The tournament’s size means Indian visitors would need to plan travel carefully if attending multiple matches.<\/p>

How to Follow World Cup 2026 Fixtures in India<\/strong><\/h3>

Indian fans following the World Cup 2026 fixtures should pay close attention to kick-off times, as most matches will take place across North American time zones that run significantly behind IST (Indian Standard Time).<\/p>

North American Time Zone<\/th>UTC Offset<\/th>Difference vs IST<\/th>Example: 7 PM Local = IST<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/strong><\/td>UTC −4<\/td>IST is 9 hours 30 min ahead<\/td>4:30 AM IST (next day)<\/td><\/tr>
Central Daylight Time (CDT)<\/strong><\/td>UTC −5<\/td>IST is 10 hours 30 min ahead<\/td>5:30 AM IST (next day)<\/td><\/tr>
Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)<\/strong><\/td>UTC −6<\/td>IST is 11 hours 30 min ahead<\/td>6:30 AM IST (next day)<\/td><\/tr>
Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)<\/strong><\/td>UTC −7<\/td>IST is 12 hours 30 min ahead<\/td>7:30 AM IST (next day)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Most group-stage matches will kick off at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, or 6:00 PM local time in North America. For Indian viewers, 6:00 PM EDT translates to approximately 3:30 AM IST — meaning many evening matches in the USA will screen in the early hours in India.<\/p>

Early-afternoon matches (around 12:00 PM EDT \/ 9:30 PM IST) will be the most accessible for Indian audiences watching live. Weekend matches and daytime fixtures across CDT and MDT venues will also land at more sociable IST viewing times.<\/p>

    \n
  • Check IST kick-off times: once official organisers confirm full kick-off schedules, IST conversion times will be added to all fixture tables on this page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • TV and streaming: Sports broadcasters in India will confirm official rights for World Cup 2026. Historical rights have been held by Sony Sports Network in India — verify current broadcast arrangements closer to the tournament.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Live score tracking: Major sportsbook apps including 4rabet, Parimatch, Mostbet, and 1xBet all carry live match scores and in-play statistics — useful for following matches when live broadcast is unavailable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Set schedule alerts: bookmark this page and check back before each matchday for updated kick-off times and result tracking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>

    For Indian fans who want to follow every World Cup 2026 fixture with live in-play betting options alongside match tracking, our guide to the best football betting sites India covers which operators offer the most responsive live platforms for the tournament.<\/p>

    Key World Cup 2026 Dates to Know<\/strong><\/h2>

    These are the most important World Cup 2026 dates for Indian fans to track through the tournament calendar:<\/p>

    Date<\/th>Event<\/th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    11 June 2026<\/strong><\/td>World Cup 2026 Opens \/ First Match<\/td>Opening match: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City<\/td><\/tr>
    11–13 June 2026<\/strong><\/td>First Group Stage Matchday<\/td>Groups A–L begin<\/td><\/tr>
    17–21 June 2026<\/strong><\/td>Second Group Stage Matchday<\/td>All 12 groups in action<\/td><\/tr>
    22–27 June 2026<\/strong><\/td>Third Group Stage Matchday (Final Matchday)<\/td>All group deciders — pairs played simultaneously<\/td><\/tr>
    27 June 2026<\/strong><\/td>Group Stage Ends<\/td>32 qualified teams confirmed<\/td><\/tr>
    29 June – 4 July 2026<\/strong><\/td>Round of 32<\/td>16 knockout ties — first round of knockouts in WC history<\/td><\/tr>
    5–9 July 2026<\/strong><\/td>Round of 16<\/td>8 matches — tournament quarter-finalists decided<\/td><\/tr>
    10–13 July 2026<\/strong><\/td>Quarter-Finals<\/td>4 matches — semi-finalists confirmed<\/td><\/tr>
    14 July 2026<\/strong><\/td>Semi-Final 1<\/td>Rose Bowl, Los Angeles<\/td><\/tr>
    15 July 2026<\/strong><\/td>Semi-Final 2<\/td>MetLife Stadium, New York\/NJ<\/td><\/tr>
    18 July 2026<\/strong><\/td>Third Place Play-Off<\/td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami<\/td><\/tr>
    19 July 2026<\/strong><\/td>World Cup 2026 FINAL<\/td>MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

    All dates listed above are based on the official organisers’ confirmed tournament calendar. Specific fixture allocations and kick-off times are subject to final confirmation. This page will be updated as details are announced.<\/em><\/p>

    World Cup 2026 Fixtures FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>
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    When does the World Cup 2026 start?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    World Cup 2026 begins on 11 June 2026 with the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The group stage runs from 11 to 27 June 2026, with knockout matches following through to the Final on 19 July 2026.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Where will the World Cup 2026 be held?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    The World Cup 2026 is hosted across three countries: the United States (11 cities), Canada (2 cities — Toronto and Vancouver), and Mexico (3 cities — Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara). The Final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    How many teams will play in the World Cup 2026?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    World Cup 2026 features 48 teams — an expansion from the 32-team format used at previous tournaments. The 48 teams are drawn into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to the new Round of 32.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Where can I find the full World Cup 2026 fixture list?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    This page carries the most complete World Cup 2026 fixture schedule currently available, updated as official organisers confirm kick-off times and venue allocations. For live odds on individual matches, check 1xBet, 4rabet, or Parimatch — all carry World Cup 2026 markets for Indian players.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Will World Cup 2026 kick-off times be different in India?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    Yes — significantly. Most matches in North America kick off between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM local time. In India (IST, UTC+5:30), these translate to approximately 9:30 PM–4:30 AM. Evening matches in the USA will often screen overnight in India. IST times will be added to all fixture tables once official organisers confirms the full schedule.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Which stadium will host the World Cup 2026 Final?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    The World Cup 2026 Final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — part of the New York metropolitan area. The stadium holds approximately 82,500 supporters and is the largest venue in the tournament. The Final is on 19 July 2026.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    How many matches are there in the World Cup 2026?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    World Cup 2026 features 104 matches in total — 72 group-stage games and 32 knockout-stage games. This is 40 more matches than the 2022 tournament, reflecting the expansion from 32 to 48 teams. The new Round of 32 stage accounts for 16 of those additional matches.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

    Disclaimer: Fixture details, kick-off times, venue allocations, and group compositions are based on information available at time of writing (June 2026). All information is subject to confirmation by official organisers. This page will be updated as official details are announced.<\/em><\/p>\n

    \n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    This page contains the full World Cup 2026 fixture schedule, including group-stage matches, knockout rounds, venues, and key tournament dates. Users can find every World Cup 2026 match listed by stage, along with host city and timing information. World Cup 2026 is hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico — making it the first tournament […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":623538,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_mux_skip_reasons":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-623555","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-football-world-cup"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/623555","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=623555"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/623555\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":623800,"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/623555\/revisions\/623800"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/623538"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=623555"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=623555"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/int-en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=623555"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}