When Is the World Cup 2026? Dates, Venues, Schedule & Tickets
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11, 2026—the first tournament hosted by three nations. The final lands July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With dates, venues, and ticket phases now locked in, here’s what you need to know.
Dates: June 11 to July 19, 2026 ·
Host Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico ·
Host Cities: 16 total (11 USA, 3 Mexico, 2 Canada) ·
Teams: 48 ·
Stadiums: Multiple across North America
Quick snapshot
- Full knockout stage match schedule beyond group stage (Roadtrips)
- Exact final pricing tiers beyond estimates ($60–$6,730 range) (The World Cup Guide)
- Group draw date and complete match calendar for all 104 matches (FIFA)
- Ticket lottery Phase 1 opened September 10, 2025 (FIFA Official)
- Hospitality packages available since July 14, 2025 (The World Cup Guide)
- Qualifiers ongoing worldwide until tournament start (Wikipedia)
- Full schedule release on FIFA.com with fixtures and venues (FIFA)
- Group draw to determine matchups (Wikipedia)
- Additional ticket phases before tournament kickoff (FIFA)
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Dates | June 11 – July 19, 2026 |
| Host Nations | United States, Canada, Mexico |
| Number of Cities | 16 |
| Participating Teams | 48 |
| Final Venue | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey |
| Opening Match | June 11, 2026 — Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca |
| USMNT Opener | June 12, 2026 — USA vs Paraguay, SoFi Stadium |
| Canada Opener | June 12, 2026 — Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, BMO Field |
| Ticket Phase 1 (Visa) | September 10–19, 2025 |
| Ticket Phase 2 (Open) | October 27–31, 2025 |
When and where will the World Cup be in 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026 and runs through July 19, 2026—a 39-day tournament window. This marks the first time the event spans three host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The opening match pits Mexico against South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the US and Canada each playing their first games the following day on June 12.
Tournament dates
- June 11, 2026: Opening match — Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca (Roadtrips)
- June 12, 2026: US opener — USA vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood; Canada opener — Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field, Toronto (LA FWC26 Official)
- June 25, 2026: Group stage concludes (Roadtrips)
- July 19, 2026: World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Host countries overview
Three nations share hosting duties, with the US carrying the bulk of matches: 11 cities versus Mexico’s 3 and Canada’s 2. Each host nation plays its group stage matches in its own country, giving fans in all three countries local rooting interests. The expanded 48-team format means 104 total matches across the tournament, with the first World Cup ever to use three host nations.
What cities are holding the World Cup in 2026?
Sixteen cities across North America will host World Cup matches in 2026. The United States contributes the largest share, with 11 host cities spread from coast to coast. Mexico and Canada round out the tournament with 3 and 2 cities respectively.
US cities
The US host cities span major metropolitan areas: Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), San Francisco/Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), Boston area (Gillette Stadium), and Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium). Los Angeles alone will host 8 matches including the USMNT opener on June 12, 2026 against Paraguay.
Mexico and Canada cities
Mexico’s three host cities are Mexico City (Estadio Azteca, which hosts the opening match), Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Canada contributes Toronto (BMO Field) and Vancouver (BC Place), with Canada’s first match on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field.
With 11 of 16 cities in the US, American fans have the most access—but they also face the most logistics. Traveling between US cities is manageable; the challenge comes when following your team across all three countries during group stage.
What stadiums will be used in 2026?
The 2026 World Cup venues include some of North America’s most iconic stadiums. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California hosts the US opener on June 12 when the USMNT faces Paraguay. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will host the final on July 19, 2026, along with other high-profile matches including Brazil vs Morocco on June 13 and France vs Senegal on June 16.
Key stadium list
- SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA): US opener vs Paraguay, plus Iran vs New Zealand June 15, and multiple group and knockout matches (SoFi Stadium Official)
- Estadio Azteca (Mexico City): Opening match Mexico vs South Africa, June 11
- MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ): Final July 19, plus Brazil vs Morocco, France vs Senegal
- BMO Field (Toronto): Canada opener vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, June 12
- AT&T Stadium (Dallas): Netherlands vs Japan June 14, England vs Croatia June 17
Capacity and locations
SoFi Stadium, which houses the NFL’s Rams and Chargers, seats approximately 70,000 for World Cup matches. MetLife Stadium—one of the NFL’s largest venues—will host the final with similar capacity. Estadio Azteca is one of the world’s most storied football venues with a capacity exceeding 80,000. BMO Field in Toronto, home to Toronto FC, has been expanded for the tournament.
Los Angeles will be the place to start your FIFA World Cup 2026 experience, hosting eight matches including the USMNT opening match against Paraguay on June 12, 2026.
The implication: with three of the world’s largest stadiums anchoring the tournament, organizers have sized the event for record-breaking attendance—but fans should expect premium demand at SoFi and MetLife especially.
What city is the World Cup final in 2026?
The 2026 World Cup Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, located in the New York metropolitan area. This marks the first time the final has been held at a US stadium since 1994, when the Rose Bowl in Pasadena hosted the championship. MetLife Stadium is home to the NFL’s Giants and Jets and regularly hosts major sporting events and concerts.
Final stadium details
MetLife Stadium sits in East Rutherford, New Jersey, part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The venue seats approximately 82,500 for football and soccer events, making it one of the largest stadiums in North America. It hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 and will host several group matches in addition to the final, including Ecuador vs Germany on June 25 and other high-profile fixtures.
Host city confirmation
The New York/New Jersey host committee officially confirmed the venue in 2022 when FIFA announced the host city assignments. The metropolitan area offers extensive infrastructure for international visitors, including three major airports (JFK, Newark, LaGuardia) and public transit connections to Manhattan and beyond.
How expensive are World Cup tickets?
Ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup follows a dynamic model that adjusts based on demand and remaining inventory, according to FIFA officials. General admission tickets reportedly range from approximately $60 for group stage matches up to $6,730 for the final—though exact pricing tiers for each match category remain somewhat unclear pending final release.
Ticket price ranges
- General tickets: From ~$60 for group matches; top price tiers for knockout matches and final reach $6,730 (The World Cup Guide)
- Hospitality packages: Starting at $1,350 USD per match as of July 2025, with multi-match packages available (The World Cup Guide)
- Resale (SeatGeek estimates): Estadio Azteca June 11 tickets starting around $2,771; SoFi Stadium June 12 starting around $1,051 (SeatGeek Resale)
Factors affecting cost
Several factors influence ticket prices: match significance (group vs knockout vs final), seat location within each stadium, and market demand. FIFA has stated that prices will adapt based on demand and remaining inventory. Team-specific tickets are only available for group matches. In Mexico, residents can exchange tickets rather than resell them on the open market. Each host nation plays group matches in its own country, meaning Mexico, US, and Canada fans can attend their team’s group stage at home venues.
Dynamic pricing means early buyers may find better deals than those who wait. FIFA plans to adjust prices based on demand and remaining inventory—so if you have flexibility, comparing prices across phases could save hundreds on group stage tickets.
What this means: fans who lock in tickets during Phase 1 or Phase 2 lotteries are likely to pay less than those scrambling during later phases when inventory thins out.
How to buy World Cup 2026 tickets
FIFA is running ticket sales in multiple phases, with the first lottery window having opened on September 10, 2025. Fans must register at FIFA.com/tickets to create a FIFA ID before participating in any ticket sales.
Sales phases
- Phase 1 (Visa holders lottery): September 10–19, 2025 — First draw application window opened on September 10, 2025 (FIFA Official)
- Phase 2 (Open lottery): October 27–31, 2025 — Open to all fans, not just Visa cardholders
- Random Ticket Bond (RTB) marketplace: Closes November 13, 2025 — RTBs are convertible to tickets (The World Cup Guide)
- Hospitality: Already on sale since July 14, 2025 — Packages start at $1,350 per match
Official purchasing channels
All official tickets must be purchased through FIFA.com/tickets. Kansas City officials urge fans to register at this site for official sales notifications. The platform requires creating a FIFA ID, which serves as your account for ticket applications, purchases, and notifications about future phases. Resale is allowed in most countries, with Mexico residents using a ticket exchange system instead.
Team Specific Tickets are only available for group matches—meaning if you want to attend knockout rounds, you’ll need to purchase general tickets through the lottery system rather than through your national federation’s team-specific allocation.
Key timeline
The critical dates and deadlines for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are as follows:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 10, 2025 | First ticket draw application window opened (Visa holders) |
| October 27–31, 2025 | Phase 2 lottery (open to all) |
| November 13, 2025 | RTB marketplace closes |
| June 11, 2026 | Tournament opening match — Mexico vs South Africa |
| June 12, 2026 | USMNT opener vs Paraguay; Canada opener vs Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| June 25, 2026 | Group stage concludes |
| July 19, 2026 | World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium |
What we know and what we don’t
Confirmed
- Tournament dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026
- 16 host cities across USA (11), Mexico (3), Canada (2)
- 48 teams participating
- Final venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- US opener: June 12, 2026 at SoFi Stadium
- Opening match: June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca
- First ticket lottery opened September 10, 2025
Unclear
- Complete knockout stage schedule beyond group stage
- Exact ticket pricing tiers beyond estimates
- Group draw date and specific matchups
- Full schedule for all 104 matches
- Phase 4 ticket sales details after November 2025
What officials are saying
“Los Angeles will be the place to start your FIFA World Cup 2026 experience as we prepare to welcome eight matches, including the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) opening match vs. Paraguay on June 12, 2026.”
— LA FWC26 Official Site (Host City Authority)
“Tickets will be released in phases, with the first draw application window opening on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.”
— FIFA Official (Official Organizer)
“We will adapt prices as per the demand we see, as per the remaining inventory.”
— FIFA Representative (via The World Cup Guide)
Summary
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, spanning 16 cities across three countries for the first time in tournament history. With 48 teams and 104 matches, fans face a more complex logistical landscape than previous tournaments—but also more options for watching their national team play at nearby venues. American fans should register at FIFA.com/tickets, apply early in lottery phases, and monitor dynamic pricing as inventory tightens closer to the tournament—the difference between Phase 1 and last-minute purchases could mean hundreds of dollars saved on group stage tickets.
Related reading: What Channel Is the Ballon d’Or Ceremony On
The 2026 World Cup runs June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in three nations, featuring the MetLife final and tickets from $60, as in this detailed schedule overview.
Frequently asked questions
When does the World Cup 2026 start and finish?
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026 with Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
How many teams in World Cup 2026?
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams, expanded from the 32-team format used since 1998. This is the first World Cup with three host nations sharing the tournament.
When is the World Cup 2026 group draw?
The specific date for the group draw has not been confirmed in official sources yet. FIFA typically conducts the draw several months before the tournament, so fans should monitor FIFA.com for announcements.
What are World Cup 2026 qualifiers?
Qualifiers are ongoing worldwide as national teams compete for the remaining slots in the 48-team tournament. The hosts (USA, Canada, Mexico) are automatically qualified; the other 45 spots are filled through continental qualifying competitions.
How to buy World Cup 2026 tickets?
Register at FIFA.com/tickets to create a FIFA ID, then participate in lottery phases. Phase 1 (Visa holders) ran September 10–19, 2025. Phase 2 opens October 27–31, 2025 to all fans. Hospitality packages are already available starting at $1,350 per match.
Which countries are hosting World Cup 2026?
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. The US has 11 host cities, Mexico has 3, and Canada has 2. Each host nation plays group stage matches in its own country.
What is the World Cup 2026 format?
With 48 teams (expanded from 32), the format includes a new 48-team group stage followed by knockout rounds leading to the final on July 19, 2026. The expansion means more matches overall—104 total across the tournament.
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