UPDATE: The eagerly awaited schedule for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup has just been released, revealing a thrilling lineup of matches across 11 U.S. cities, along with games in Mexico and Canada. This monumental tournament will feature a staggering 104 matches, with 78 games hosted in the U.S., including all quarterfinals onward.
Fans can now mark their calendars for a summer of soccer excitement, beginning on June 11, 2026, when co-host Mexico faces South Africa in Mexico City. The USA will kick off its World Cup journey on June 12 against Paraguay in Los Angeles at 6 p.m. PDT.
The final showdown is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. EDT in MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This prime-time kickoff will allow for optimal viewing in Europe and the UK, with times at 9 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively.
Earlier today, FIFA officially unveiled the group matchups, which were drawn in a star-studded event featuring notable figures, including former President Donald Trump and leaders from Mexico and Canada. Chief Tournament Officer Manolo Zubiria emphasized the extensive planning behind this vast tournament, stating, “It’s been a long night — or a short night. We’ve tried to strike the right balance looking at the preparation, the recovery that the teams have to do in this very large footprint.”
The USA’s matches will see them compete against Australia, Paraguay, and the winner of the upcoming UEFA playoff C, which will determine its final team in March 2026. The full lineup of the group stage runs until June 27, with the USA’s final group match occurring on June 25 in Los Angeles.
Here’s a snapshot of the USA’s group stage schedule:
– **June 12**: USA vs. Paraguay – Los Angeles, 6 p.m. PDT
– **June 19**: USA vs. Australia – Seattle, 12 p.m. PDT
– **June 25**: USA vs. Winner of UEFA playoff C – Los Angeles, 7 p.m. PDT
The excitement is palpable as teams finalize their rosters and strategies in the lead-up to this historic event. With 48 teams competing across three nations, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the most significant in history.
What’s Next? Soccer fans should stay tuned as the tournament approaches, with the final playoff spots being determined in March 2026. The anticipation is building, and the world will be watching as the countdown to the World Cup begins.
For more details on match locations and times, keep an eye on FIFA’s official channels and local sports updates. This is not just a sporting event; it’s a showcase of global unity and competition, and it’s happening soon!
