When Does World Cup 2026 Start?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The opening match is Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, kicking off at 3:00 PM ET.
Note: Schedule subject to change. Check the official FIFA schedule for the latest updates.
Opening day
Two matches open the tournament on June 11: Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City, followed by South Korea vs Czechia in Guadalajara. The group stage then runs through June 27.
Full timeline
- Jun 11: Tournament begins (opening match)
- Jun 11–27: Group stage
- Jun 28 – Jul 3: Round of 32
- Jul 4–7: Round of 16
- Jul 9–11: Quarter-finals
- Jul 14–15: Semi-finals
- Jul 18: Third-place match
- Jul 19: Final
Get the Printable PDF Schedule
Download the full FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule in your time zone, plus the bracket and match tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date does the World Cup 2026 start?
June 11, 2026.
What is the first match?
Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
When does it end?
The final is on July 19, 2026.