FIFA, the governing physique of world soccer, has launched the schedule for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, that includes a complete of 104 matches with 48 groups competing throughout 16 cities in america, Mexico, and Canada.
The ultimate match will happen on the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 16, 2026.
MetLife Stadium, recognized for internet hosting NFL groups the New York Giants and New York Jets, will make historical past by staging the head fixture of the World Cup. FIFA introduced this determination on their official web site, stating, “The enduring New York/New Jersey venue was awarded the respect of internet hosting the showpiece fixture, which can convey the curtain down on probably the most inclusive FIFA match ever.”
Opened 14 years in the past
Opened 14 years in the past, MetLife Stadium beforehand hosted the ultimate of the 2016 Copa America Centenario when Chile triumphed over Argentina in a penalty shootout. The stadium has additionally been graced by famend musical performers reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift.
Moreover, FIFA revealed that the Azteca Stadium in Mexico Metropolis will host the opening match of the match on Thursday, June 11, 2026, marking its third event because the venue for a FIFA World Cup opener. Canada’s inaugural match, on Friday, June 12, will happen at Toronto’s BMO Area, whereas the USA’s opening sport on the identical day might be held at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, house to the NFL’s LA Rams.
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Mexico, because the host nation, will provoke the match of their capital metropolis, with the Azteca Stadium kick-starting the proceedings. Mexico’s group stage matches will all be performed on house soil, together with one at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday, June 18, and one other on the Azteca on Wednesday, June 24.
House benefit all through the group stage
Canada may even take pleasure in house benefit all through the group stage, with BC Place in Vancouver internet hosting their second and third group fixtures on Thursday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 24, respectively.
The USA will be part of the roster of host nations for the group stage, and Lumen Area in Seattle would be the venue for his or her second fixture on Friday, June 19, adopted by their remaining group match at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, June 25.
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From the quarter-final spherical onward, the match will solely shift to america, with matches set to happen in Los Angeles, Kansas Metropolis, Miami, and Boston. The semi-finals might be hosted by Dallas and Atlanta, Miami will accommodate the third-place comfort remaining, and Philadelphia will stage a round-of-16 match on July 4, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The 2026 World Cup guarantees to be a spectacle, that includes 104 matches, an expanded format from the normal 64 video games, and the participation of 48 groups, up from 32.
