FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Guide: Groups, TV channels and how to watch
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is ready to make history. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 nations competing across three host countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico. The expanded format means more matches, more stars and more opportunities for football fans around the world to witness unforgettable moments.
With the opening match fast approaching, supporters are already planning how to follow their favourite teams through what promises to be the largest World Cup ever staged.
Here is everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule, broadcast information, host cities, groups and tournament structure.
A historic World Cup across three nations
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks several major milestones:
- First World Cup hosted by three nations
- First tournament featuring 48 teams
- Expanded knockout stage featuring a Round of 32
- Record 104 matches
- 16 host cities across North America
The tournament officially begins on June 11 and concludes with the final on July 19.
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026
United States Broadcast Coverage
English-language coverage: FOX, FS1
Spanish-language coverage: Telemundo, Universo
Streaming Options
Fans can stream matches through: Fox ONE (English), Peacock (Spanish), and Telemundo digital platforms. Broadcast availability may vary by region.
What time do World Cup matches start?
Because matches are spread across multiple time zones in North America, kickoff times vary throughout the day. Most games are scheduled between 12:00 PM ET and 12:00 AM ET
This scheduling ensures global audiences can follow the action while accommodating fans across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups
Group A
Mexico
South Africa
Czechia
South Korea
Group B
Canada
Switzerland
Qatar
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group C
Haiti
Morocco
Scotland
Brazil
Group D
United States
Australia
Paraguay
Turkey
Group E
Germany
Ecuador
Ivory Coast
Curaçao
Group F
Netherlands
Sweden
Tunisia
Japan
Group G
Belgium
Iran
Egypt
New Zealand
Group H
Spain
Saudi Arabia
Uruguay
Cape Verde
Group I
France
Iraq
Norway
Senegal
Group J
Algeria
Austria
Jordan
Argentina
Group K
DR Congo
Uzbekistan
Colombia
Portugal
Group L
England
Ghana
Croatia
Panama
How does the new World Cup format work?
The expanded format changes the qualification from the group stage. Each group contains four teams. Teams advance by:
- Finishing first or second in their group
OR - Ranking among the eight best third-placed teams
A total of 32 teams will advance to the knockout rounds. The knockout phase begins with the newly introduced Round of 32 before progressing through Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals and Final
Key opening matches to watch
June 11
- Mexico vs South Africa
Group A - South Korea vs Czechia
Group A
June 12
- Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group B - United States vs Paraguay
Group D
June 13
- Brazil vs Morocco
Group C - Haiti vs Scotland
Group C
June 16
- France vs Senegal
Group I - Argentina vs Algeria
Group J
These opening fixtures feature several title contenders, including Brazil, France and defending world champions Argentina.
Storylines to watch
Several major narratives could define the tournament:
Lionel Messi's Final World Cup?
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is expected to make his sixth World Cup appearance and could become the first player to win consecutive World Cup titles since Brazil's legendary teams of the 1950s and 1960s.
Kylian Mbappé chasing records
France star Kylian Mbappé enters the tournament just four goals behind Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record.
Expanded Opportunities for Emerging Nations
With 48 teams participating, countries making rare World Cup appearances have greater opportunities to make history.
North America takes centre stage
The tournament will showcase football's rapid growth across the United States, Canada and Mexico, setting the stage for what FIFA expects to be the most-watched sporting event ever.
The Biggest World Cup Ever
With more teams, more matches and more host cities than any previous edition, FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to redefine international football.
From Messi's final quest for glory to Mbappé's pursuit of records and the emergence of new football nations, the tournament is set to deliver a month of unforgettable football across North America.
For fans around the world, the countdown is almost over.
SportsLigue
