FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule, Dates
FIFA has approved and published the FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule, which will start with the group stages on 11 June 2026 and end with the final on 19 July 2026. The schedule, in which 104 matches to be played have been approved, promises to be a long and entertaining season, a significant leap forward compared to the 64 matches played previously.
The increase in matches came as a result of FIFA expanding the team roster for the tournament from the previous 32 teams to 48 teams. It comes into play as an attempt to inspire global participation and opportunities for teams and players who have previously been unable to secure a place in major tournaments.
In the current format, there will be 48 teams in 12 groups of 4 teams each, playing a total of 72 matches in the group stage. From this stage, 32 teams will advance to the knockout stages, the winner of which will become the FIFA World Cup Champion.
Current champions Argentina have found their talisman in their captain Lionel Messi for their final season in 2022 and will be looking to repeat that success this year with Messi returning with a record 6th FIFA World Cup appearance.
FIFA 2026 Schedule and Important Dates
Tournament: Thursday, June 11 – Sunday, July 19, 2026
Group stage: 11–27 June
Round 32: June 28 – July 3
Round of 16: 4-7 July
Quarter finals: 9-11 July
Semi-finals: 14–15 July
3rd place: July 18 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Final: July 19 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
This article was written by Krea University student Arnav Madhura, who is interning at Deccan Chronicle.
