The FIFA World Cup 2026 is almost here and it is set to be the biggest international tournament yet, with more teams and more matches than ever before.
Starting on June 11th, the most prestigious tournament in world football will take place across three host nations, bringing together the best teams on the planet in a month-long battle for the ultimate glory.
Our FIFA World Cup 2026 guide answers all the key questions ahead of the tournament, from the format and qualified teams to fixtures, host cities, stadiums and important dates.
Whether you’re watching in the pub, following every match from home or making the trip across the Atlantic to support your nation, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
Where is the World Cup being held?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada.
It will be the first World Cup in history to be jointly hosted by three nations.
Matches will be played in 16 host cities spread across North America.
The selected cities are Toronto, Vancouver, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Of the 16 host cities, 11 are in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
While all three nations will host matches throughout the tournament, the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will all be played in the United States.
When is the World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin on Thursday June 11th 2026, with opening ceremonies taking place across the three host nations.
The tournament’s opening fixture will see Mexico take on South Africa, while the final will be played on Sunday July 19th 2026.
Over the course of 39 days, the world’s best teams will compete across North America in the largest World Cup ever.
Dates of each round of the World Cup:
- Group stage – June 11th to 27th
- Round of 32 – June 28th to July 3rd
- Round of 16 – July 4th to 7th
- Quarter-finals – July 9th to 11th
- Semi-finals – July 14th to 15th
- Third-place play-off – July 18th
- Final – July 19th
World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies
Ahead of the first matches of the tournament, the three host nations will celebrate their culture, history and identity through a series of interconnected opening ceremonies.
Each ceremony is scheduled to take place approximately 90 minutes before the host nation’s opening fixture, marking the start of what promises to be the biggest World Cup in history.
Canada and the United States are expected to host ceremonies lasting around 13 minutes, while Mexico’s opening celebration is set to run for approximately 16 minutes.
A number of internationally renowned artists are expected to perform across the three ceremonies, including J Balvin, Tyla, Maná, Belinda, Alejandro Fernández, Lila Downs and Los Ángeles Azules.
New FIFA World Cup 2026 Format Explained
As we already mentioned, this will be the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across a 39-day tournament.
From 1998 to 2022, football fans became familiar with a simple structure: 32 teams, eight groups of four, the top two from each group progressing and then straight into the round of 16.
For 2026, that format has changed significantly.
The expansion from 32 teams to 48 has received mixed reviews, but it will give more nations the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage and showcase their talent to the world.
With 48 teams involved, the number of groups has increased from eight to 12.
Each group will still contain four teams, but there is now an additional knockout round before the last 16.
Each team will still play three group-stage matches.
However, instead of the tournament being reduced from 32 teams to 16 after the group stage, it will now be cut from 48 teams to 32.
The top two teams from each group qualify automatically, accounting for 24 of the 32 places available in the new round of 32.
The remaining eight spots will be awarded to the best third-placed teams across all 12 groups.
In simple terms, the round of 32 will consist of:
- 12 group winners
- 12 runners-up
- 8 best third-placed teams
The third-placed teams will be ranked using the following criteria, in order:
- Points
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Team conduct score
- FIFA World Ranking
The four lowest-ranked third-placed teams will be eliminated, along with every nation that finishes fourth in their group.
After that, the tournament follows the familiar format, with the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place play-off and final all remaining unchanged.
Which Teams Have Qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 48 teams who have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Host Nations
United States, Mexico and Canada
UEFA
Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czechia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Türkiye
CONMEBOL
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay
CAF
Algeria, Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia
AFC
Australia, Iraq, IR Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan
CONCACAF
Curaçao, Haiti and Panama
FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups
Here are the FIFA World Cup 2026 groups – there are 12 groups labelled A-L featuring four teams in each group.
Group A
Mexico, Czech Republic, South Africa and South Korea
Group B
Canada, Switzerland, Qatar and Bosnia Herzegovinia
Group C
Morocco, Brazil, Scotland and Haiti
Group D
Paraguay, USA, Australia and Turkiye
Group E
Ecuador, Germany, Ivory Coast and Curacao
Group F
Japan, Tunisia, Netherlands and Sweden
Group G
Egypt, Belgium, Iran and New Zealand
Group H
Uruguay, Spain, Saudi Arabi and Cape Verde
Group I
Norway, France, Senegal and Iraq
Group J
Austria, Argentina, Algeria and Jordan
Group K
Colombia, Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo
Group L
Croatia, England, Ghana and Panama
FIFA World Cup 2026 Fixtures and Match Schedule
Not sure what to watch and when to watch them?
We have broken down each and every round and fixture, including where and when to watch them (BST).
Group Stage
Thursday 11th June 2026
A: Mexico vs South Africa (8pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Friday 12th June 2026
A: South Korea vs Czech Republic (3am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
B: Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (8pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Saturday 13th June 2026
D: USA vs Paraguay (2am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
B: Qatar vs Switzerland (8pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
C: Brazil vs Morocco (11pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Sunday 14th June 2026
C: Haiti vs Scotland (2am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
D: Australia vs Turkiye (5am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
E: Germany vs Curacao (6pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
F: Netherlands vs Japan (9pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Monday 15th June 2026
E: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador (12am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
F: Sweden vs Tunisia (3am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
H: Spain vs Cape Verde (5pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
G: Belgium vs Egypt (8pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
H: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay (11pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Tuesday 16th June 2026
G: Iran vs New Zealand (2am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
I: France vs Senegal (8pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
I: Iraq vs Norway (11pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Wednesday 17th June 2026
J: Argentina vs Algeria (2am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
J: Austria vs Jordan (5am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
K: Portugal vs DR Congo (6pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
L: England vs Croatia (9pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Thursday 18th June 2026
L: Ghana vs Panama (12am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
K: Uzbekistan vs Colombia (3am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
A: Czech Republic vs South Africa (5pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
B: Switzerland vs Bosnia Herzegovina (8pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
B: Canada vs Qatar (11pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Friday 19th June 2026
A: Mexico vs South Korea (2am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
D: USA vs Australia (8pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
C: Scotland vs Morocco (11pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Saturday 20th June 2026
C: Brazil vs Haiti (1:30am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
D: Turkey vs Paraguay (4am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
F: Netherlands vs Sweden (6pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
E: Germany vs Ivory Coast (9pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Sunday 21st June 2026
E: Ecuador vs Curacao (1am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
F: Tunisia vs Japan (5am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
H: Spain vs Saudi Arabia (5pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
G: Belgium vs Iran (8pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
H: Uruguay vs Cape Verde (11pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Monday 22nd June 2026
G: New Zealand vs Egypt (2am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
J: Argentina vs Austria (6pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
I: France vs Iraq (10pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Tuesday 23rd June 2026
I: Norway vs Senegal (1am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
J: Jordan vs Algeria (4am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
K: Portugal vs Uzbekistan (6pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
L: England vs Ghana (9pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Wednesday 24th June 2026
L: Panama vs Croatia (12am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
K: Colombia vs DR Congo (3am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
B: Switzerland vs Canada (8pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
B: Bosnia Herzegovina vs Qataer (8pm ITV 4, ITV X)
C: Morocco vs Haiti (11pm BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
C: Scotland vs Brazil (11pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Thursday 25th June 2026
A: South Africa vs South Korea (2am BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
A: Czech Republic vs Mexico (2am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
E: Curacao vs Ivory Coast (9pm BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
E: Ecuador vs Germany (9pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Friday 26th June 2026
F: Japan vs Sweden (12am BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
F: Tunisia vs Netherlands (12am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
D: Paraguay vs Australia (3am ITV 4, ITV X)
D: Turkey vs USA (3am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
I: Norway vs France (8pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
I: Senegal vs Iraq (8pm ITV 4, ITV X)
Saturday 27th June 2026
H: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (1am ITV 4, ITV X)
H: Uruguay vs Spain (1am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
G: Egypt vs Iran (4am BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
G: New Zealand vs Belgium (4am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
L: Croatia vs Ghana (10pm ITV 4, ITV X)
L: England vs Panama (10pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Sunday 28th June 2026
K: Colombia vs Portugal (12:30am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
K: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan (12:30am BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
J: Algeria vs Austria (3am BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
J: Jordan vs Argentina (3am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Round of 32
Sunday 28th June 2026
South Africa vs Canada (8pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Monday 29th June 2026
Brazil vs Japan (6pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Germany vs Paraguay (9:30pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Tuesday 30th June 2026
Netherlands vs Morocco (2am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Ivory Coast v Norway (6pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
France v Sweden (10pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Wednesday 1st July 2026
Mexico vs Ecuador (2am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
England vs DR Congo (5pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Belgium vs Senegal (9pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Thursday 2nd July 2026
USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovinia (1am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Spain vs Austria (8pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Friday 3rd July 2026
Portugal vs Croatia (12am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Switzerland vs Algeria (4am BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Australia vs Egypt (7pm BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website)
Argentina vs Cape Verde (11pm ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Saturday 4th July 2026
Colombia vs Ghana (2am ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player)
Round of 16
Saturday 4th July 2026
R16 M1 (6pm TBC)
R16 M2 (10pm TBC)
Sunday 5th July 2026
R16 M3 (9pm TBC)
Monday 6th July 2026
R16 M4 (1am TBC)
R16 M5 (8pm TBC)
Tuesday 7th July 2026
R16 M6 (1am TBC)
R16 M7 (5pm TBC)
R16 M8 (9pm TBC)
Quarter Finals
Thursday 9th July 2026
QF M1 (9pm TBC)
Friday 10th July 2026
QF M2 (8pm TBC)
Saturday 11th July 2026
QF M3 (10pm TBC)
Sunday 12th July 2026
QF M4 (2am TBC)
Monday 13th July 2026
REST DAY
Semi Finals
Tuesday 14th July 2026
SF M1 (8pm TBC)
Wednesday 15th July 2026
SF M2 (8pm TBC)
Third Place Play-off
Saturday 18th July 2026
TPPO (10pm TBC)
Final
Sunday 19th July 2026
World Cup Final (8pm TBC)
(Schedule will be updated with tv listings throughout the tournament)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Favourites
It wouldn’t be the World Cup without the favourites.
While opinions will always differ, usually with a healthy dose of bias thrown in, there are several standout nations expected to challenge for glory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
From reigning European champions Spain to defending world champions Argentina, the tournament is packed with elite teams capable of going all the way.
Here are the nations many fans and pundits expect to be in contention for football’s biggest prize.
Spain
The reigning European champions are looking to add a second star to their shirt at this year’s World Cup and boast some of the world’s most exciting players.
Despite being only 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is considered the star of the Spain squad this summer and will undoubtedly have the eyes of the footballing world on him as he embarks on his first World Cup campaign.
While the Barcelona prodigy has the spotlight firmly on him, there is an array of talent and a well-balanced squad beyond the teenage sensation.
Former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is expected to dominate the centre of the pitch.
Although injuries have plagued the Manchester City midfielder in recent times, there is no doubt he will be pulling the strings if Spain embark on a successful tournament.
Yamal’s Barcelona teammate Pedri is also one to keep an eye on at the World Cup.
The 23-year-old has plenty to offer Spain, although, like Rodri, he has struggled with injuries this season.
The European champions head into the tournament without a recognised striker, meaning Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams could play an even bigger role in Spain’s attack.
Williams scored six goals and registered seven assists in limited game time for the La Liga side this season.
However, like many of his compatriots, injuries have restricted his opportunities throughout the campaign.
On paper, Spain have all the ingredients needed to go all the way.
However, with injuries affecting several of their key players, fitness could prove decisive if they are to achieve their World Cup dream.
France
Ranked third in the FIFA World Rankings, France have plenty to live up to when they head to the World Cup this summer.
Didier Deschamps will lead Les Bleus into what is expected to be his final tournament in charge, and they arguably possess the strongest squad depth of any nation in the competition.
Kylian Mbappé is one of the favourites for the Golden Boot and is just one part of the incredible attacking threat France possess, which could prove to be their biggest strength at this World Cup.
Bundesliga winner and Champions League semi-finalist Michael Olise could be one of the most talked-about players at the tournament if he can replicate his club form on the international stage.
After scoring 22 goals and registering 31 assists in 52 appearances for Bayern Munich this season, the 24-year-old could further strengthen his Ballon d’Or credentials if he plays a key role in helping Les Bleus secure a third World Cup title.
England
Led by Thomas Tuchel, England remain one of the favourites to win the World Cup this summer despite having lifted the trophy only once, back in 1966.
Gareth Southgate’s near-misses during his time as Three Lions manager have kept England firmly in the conversation when it comes to adding a second star to their shirt.
England sit fourth in the FIFA World Rankings and boast an exceptional squad from back to front, although questions remain over whether they have the mentality to finally get over the line.
Captain Harry Kane enjoyed another remarkable season for Bayern Munich, scoring a staggering 61 goals in all competitions.
For that reason alone, he will be among the leading contenders for the World Cup Golden Boot.
Beyond their all-time top scorer, England can call upon Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, while Premier League title winning Arsenal trio Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze provide quality throughout the midfield and attacking threat.
Defensively, Tuchel has plenty of options available, including Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, Chelsea’s Reece James and Manchester City’s Marc Guehi.
While Tuchel’s squad selection has divided opinion since its announcement, there is a strong blend of experience, winning mentalities and fresh perspectives throughout the group, making England difficult to ignore as genuine contenders.
Brazil
Brazil have struggled to reassert their dominance on the international stage since winning the World Cup in 2002, and this summer they will be aiming to end that long wait for football’s biggest prize.
Ranked sixth in the FIFA World Rankings, the Seleção have managed just one semi-final appearance in their last five World Cup campaigns.
However, with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, there is hope that his experience and winning mentality can guide Brazil back to the summit.
As always, there are several household names in Brazil’s squad this summer.
Premier League winner Gabriel is expected to be a key figure in Ancelotti’s defence alongside back-to-back Champions League winner Marquinhos.
Further forward, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Barcelona’s Raphinha will put their La Liga rivalry aside as they combine to spearhead Brazil’s attack.
Like Spain, Brazil have a squad packed with talent, leadership and proven winners.
If Ancelotti can work his magic, there is every reason to believe they can challenge for the trophy.
Portugal
There is no doubt that Portugal deserve to be in the conversation when discussing the favourites for the World Cup, especially after their Nations League triumph over Spain last summer.
While Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate the headlines, there is plenty to be excited about beyond the 41-year-old talisman.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes enjoyed a much-improved campaign and was named Premier League Player of the Season, while fellow midfielder Vitinha secured his second Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain last month.
Portugal reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and head into this year’s tournament with an impressive blend of experienced stars and emerging talent.
With quality throughout the squad and a core group of players entering their peak years, Portugal have every chance of making a deep run in the competition.
Argentina
The reigning World Cup champions arrive at the tournament with an advantage few others can claim, but can they become the first nation in more than 60 years to successfully defend the trophy?
Lionel Messi will once again lead his country on what could be the final international tournament of one of the most remarkable careers football has ever seen.
The 38-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and could strengthen his claim even further by leading Argentina to another World Cup triumph.
Beyond their talisman, Argentina boast elite quality throughout the squad, including Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández and Internazionale striker Lautaro Martínez.
Should Argentina retain their crown, they would become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Pelé’s Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962.
The Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026 Is On
With 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be unlike anything football fans have experienced before.
From the new format and new opportunities for multiple nations, to the world’s biggest stars battling for the prestigious trophy, there is no shortage of storylines to follow over the coming weeks.
Whether you’re backing one of the favourites, supporting an underdog or simply enjoying the spectacle for what it is, the World Cup always delivers unforgettable moments.
Check back throughout the tournament as we’ll continue updating this guide with the latest fixtures, results, standings and stay tuned for more World Cup content.
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