Historic 48-team format sets stage for group-stage clashes across U.S., Mexico, and Canada; Spain, France, England learn opening fixtures.
FIFA has announced the complete match schedule for the 2026 World Cup, finalizing the group-stage roadmap for the tournament’s expanded 48-team format. The draw, held in Washington, sets up a series of high-profile opening matches and potential knockout-round blockbusters.
Defending champions Argentina will launch their campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, followed by Group J encounters with Austria and Jordan in Dallas.
Fresh from their European Championship triumph, Spain will begin their quest in Atlanta’s climate-controlled stadium, facing newcomers Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, before a decisive match against Uruguay in Guadalajara.
England, drawn in Group L, start against Croatia in Dallas before traveling to face Ghana in Boston and Panama at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. A first-place finish could see them return to Atlanta for the round of 32.
France, placed in Group I, will compete entirely in the U.S. Northeast, taking on Senegal, an intercontinental playoff winner, and Norway.
Five-time champions Brazil open against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, with subsequent Group C matches against Haiti in Philadelphia and Scotland in Miami.
For the first time, the draw separated the four highest-ranked nations—Argentina, Spain, France, and England—preventing them from meeting until the semifinals. This protection sets up a potential Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo quarterfinal if Argentina and Portugal advance from their sections.
The month-long tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, opens on June 11 with Mexico versus South Africa at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the event’s unprecedented scale, comparing it to “104 Super Bowls in one month.” With 16 additional teams and an extra knockout round, the 2026 World Cup promises a broader and more intense global spectacle.
