World Cup 2026 begins in June with 104 games across 16 cities
The wait is over. The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicks off on 11 June, with Mexico and Canada opening the most expanded tournament in the history of the competition – now with 48 teams spread across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The final is scheduled for 19 July, at the New York New Jersey Stadium, in East Rutherford.
The format that changes everything
For the first time, the World Cup features 48 participants – a leap from the 32 teams of previous editions. There are 104 matches in total, a number never seen at any previous World Cup. The group stage runs from 11 to 26 June, with simultaneous games in different time zones and arenas spread from Vancouver to Miami, from Monterrey to Boston.
The geographical distribution is unprecedented. Three countries co-host the tournament, and matches take place in stadiums ranging from BC Place, in Vancouver, to the imposing New York New Jersey Stadium – the stage for both the opening of Group C, with Brazil and Morocco facing each other on 13 June, and the grand final.
Brazil, Argentina and Portugal already in action in the first week
The main teams take to the field early. Brazil debut on the 13th against Morocco, in New York, and are in Group C alongside Scotland and Haiti. Argentina open Group J on the 16th against Algeria, in Kansas City. Portugal take the field on the 17th against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Houston, the same day England beat Croatia 4-2 in Dallas.
The United States national team feature in one of the most emphatic results of the opening: 4-1 over Paraguay in the first round, on the 12th, in Los Angeles. Germany also catch the eye – seven goals against Curaçao on the 14th, in Houston, a message sent early to their Group E rivals.
What to expect from the decisive rounds
The group stage closes with simultaneous double rounds from 24 June, when entire groups play at the same time – the classic format to avoid result-fixing combinations. From there, the knockout stage defines those who qualify for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and, finally, the 19 July decider.
With three host nations, two of them automatically qualified and a third – Mexico – in fine form after the win over South Africa in the opener, the 2026 edition promises an unprecedented level of local interest. For the 16 countries of the Americas that gain expanded spots in this new format, it is also the biggest window of opportunity the continent has ever had at a World Cup.
