FIFA World Cup Schedules

Understanding the 2026 FIFA Schedule

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to blow minds with its brand-new format and expanded roster of teams. The familiar structure of 32 teams in eight groups is a thing of the past as we usher in a thrilling era of 48 teams competing for glory.

Let’s rewind a bit. Since France ’98, we’ve grown accustomed to the tried and tested format of the fifa world cup schedule, but change is in the air.

The 2026 World Cup will feature a whopping 48 teams, with 45 nations qualifying alongside the three host countries. Host countries were determined to not need qualifying.

In the past, the fifa world cup schedule spanned around 32 days (or 29 in Qatar 2022), but now, it might extend to a minimum of 35 days to accommodate the expanded 104-game extravaganza, although the timeline is subject to change.

As for this upcoming soccer tournament, be sure to mark your calendars for June and July 2026. The 23rd FIFA World Cup will captivate fans for five thrilling weeks, starting from mid-June. With 48 nations battling it out, you can expect fierce competition, jaw-dropping goals, and moments that will go down in football history. It’s also a great opportunity for World Cup betting enthusiasts to explore the exciting part of World Cup betting odds.

The US is participating as one of the hosts, which makes the USA FIFA World Cup Schedule all the more intense and eagerly awaited! In fact, keep tuned with us for any news regarding the upcoming World Cup game schedule!

New Format For 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule

Why is this expansion happening? This is the largest expansion in World Cup history. The tournament started with a modest number of nations, ranging from 13 to 16, back in the early editions. As the tournament grew in popularity and global participation, the World Cup standings became a crucial factor in determining the teams that qualify for this prestigious event.

Over the years, it gradually increased to 24 teams in Spain ’82 and then 32 teams in France ’98. And now, we’re witnessing a 50% leap from 32 to 48 teams, making it quite a challenge for any single country to host such a massive event, which is why several hosts were chosen.

2026 World Cup Locations

Now, let’s talk about the host cities. The United States, Canada, and Mexico have come together to host this football fiesta in a United Bid that outranked any other bidding countries. 

Not every notable city was selected nor impressive venues made the cut. Despite the strong bids, cities like Washington D.C. and Baltimore, along with the iconic Rose Bowl, were not chosen.  Either way… Let the countdown begin!

  • New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
  • Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
  • Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
  • San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium)
  • Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
  • Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
  • Seattle (Lumen Field)
  • Houston (NRG Stadium)
  • Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
  • Kansas City, Missouri (Arrowhead Stadium)
  • Boston/Foxborough (Gillette Stadium)
  •  Toronto
  •  Vancouver
  • Guadalajara
  • Mexico City
  • Monterrey

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America promises to be an extraordinary spectacle, as 48 nations vie for glory. The tournament kicks off with an unprecedented number of groups, a new format with twelve groups (A to L) containing four countries each in the thrilling group stage.

This remarkable World Cup schedule sets the stage for an intense and unforgettable journey with top-notch teams competing for a momentous place in football history.

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2022 Qatar World Cup Schedule

The 2022 Qatar World Cup schedule featured a month-long tournament filled with thrilling FIFA World Cup matches. The tournament started on November 20 and concluded on December 18, 2022.

  • The knockout stage began on December 3 with matches including the Netherlands vs USA, Argentina vs. Australia, France vs Poland, and England vs Senegal.
  • The quarterfinals of the World Cup matches, held on December 9 and 10, showcased exciting encounters including Croatia vs Brazil, Netherlands vs Argentina, Morocco vs Portugal, and England vs France.
  • The semifinals occurred on December 13 and 14, with Argentina facing Croatia and France playing against Morocco.
  • On December 17, the losers of the semifinals competed in the third-place playoff match at Khalifa International Stadium.
  • The tournament concluded with the final match on December 18 at Lusail Stadium, where the winners of the semifinals competed for the championship title and Argentina was crowned as the World Cup Champion.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup matches captivated fans worldwide with fierce competition, unforgettable moments, and passion for the beautiful game.

All matches were held in various stadiums across Qatar, including Al Bayt Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Lusail Stadium, and more. The FIFA World Cup schedule featured matches at different times to accommodate viewers worldwide.

The tournament witnessed significant achievements, such as the presence of teams from all continents in the round of 16 for the first time in FIFA World Cup schedule history. Qatar’s national football team, as the host country, participated in the tournament for the first time and played against Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands in the group stage.

2022 FIFA Matches Schedule - Groups

FIFA World Cup - Rounds

2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule FAQS

How many teams will participate in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup will feature a total of 48 teams, including 45 qualifying nations and the three host countries.

Why is the tournament expanding to 48 teams?

The expansion is happening to provide more opportunities for teams to participate and increase the global reach and inclusivity of the World Cup.

When will the 2026 World Cup take place?

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place in June and July of 2026, spanning approximately five weeks.

Where will the World Cup games be held?

The World Cup games will be held across various host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as part of the United Bid.

Which cities and venues were not selected for the World Cup?

Notable cities and venues that were not chosen for the World Cup include Washington D.C., Baltimore, and the Rose Bowl.
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