Group stage fixtures by host city
The 48-team format means 72 group matches across 12 groups (A–L), with games staggered across time zones. Dallas (AT&T Stadium) and Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) host six matches each, while Vancouver’s BC Place gets five. Expect triple-headers on weekends – like June 14’s Mexico City, Houston, and Seattle clashes. Check /world-cup-2026-schedule for kickoff times in ET.
Knockout rounds and travel demands
Round of 32 starts June 29, with venues like Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium hosting back-to-back games. Teams advancing face brutal travel: a quarterfinalist could go from Toronto (July 4) to Phoenix (July 9) to Miami (July 14). The final on July 19 follows the third-place playoff in Inglewood, California – a potential 2,800-mile trip for one finalist.
Key dates beyond the matches
FIFA’s team base camp selections drop in late 2025, revealing training locations. The draw is December 2025 in Mexico City, locking groups and fixture order. Ticket ballots open after that – avoid /world-cup-2026-tickets scams by waiting for FIFA’s portal. VAR and semi-automated offsides will be used in all fixtures.
Related coverage
Frequently asked questions
How many matches are in World Cup 2026?+
104 total: 72 group stage, 32 knockout (including the new Round of 32).
Where is the 2026 World Cup final?+
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.
Do all host cities get knockout games?+
No. Only 11 of 16 host venues stage knockouts – Monterrey and Edmonton miss out.
What’s the earliest kickoff time for US viewers?+
10am ET (7am PT) for West Coast matches, like those in Santa Clara or Seattle.
How many rest days between games?+
Group stage teams get 3+ days; knockout sides get 4+ except the third-place playoff (2 days).