UPDATE: The official schedule for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup has just been released, igniting excitement among soccer fans across the globe. With 104 matches set to unfold across 11 U.S. cities, alongside venues in Mexico and Canada, fans can now plan their summer around this monumental event.
The tournament, the largest in World Cup history, will feature 78 games in the United States, including all matches from the quarterfinals onward. The World Cup final is slated for 3 p.m. EDT on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, strategically timed for prime-time viewing in Europe.
The draw for the group stages took place just yesterday, attended by notable figures including former President Donald Trump and current leaders from Mexico and Canada. FIFA’s Chief Tournament Officer, Manolo Zubiria, emphasized the meticulous planning that has gone into balancing travel, recovery, and competition across the tournament’s vast footprint.
For the USA, the path is now clear. The national team will face Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of UEFA playoff C, which includes Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo. The playoff outcomes will be finalized in March 2026.
The USA’s group stage matches are as follows:
– **June 12, 2026**: USA vs. Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – kickoff at 6 p.m. local time
– **June 19, 2026**: USA vs. Australia at Lumen Field, Seattle – kickoff at noon local time
– **June 25, 2026**: USA vs. UEFA playoff C at SoFi Stadium – kickoff at 7 p.m. local time
The tournament kicks off on **June 11, 2026**, with co-host Mexico playing against South Africa in Mexico City. The group stage will run until **June 27**, generating a month of thrilling competition.
Here’s a snapshot of the initial matches:
– **June 11**: Mexico vs. South Africa – Mexico City
– **June 12**: Canada vs. UEFA playoff A – Toronto
– **June 13**: Brazil vs. Morocco – New York/New Jersey
The excitement is palpable as fans gear up for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament. With the largest World Cup ever, spanning three nations and 16 cities, the atmosphere will be electric.
Following the group stage, knockout rounds will commence on June 28, 2026, culminating in the final showdown on July 19, 2026. As more teams secure their spots, anticipation will only grow.
Stay tuned for further updates as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup continues!
