UPDATE: The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup schedule has just been released, revealing a thrilling lineup of 104 matches across 11 cities in the United States, alongside games in Mexico and Canada. Soccer fans can now mark their calendars as the tournament approaches, with key matchups set to ignite excitement next summer.
Kickoff is slated for June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico will face South Africa. The United States will begin its campaign the following day, with the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) playing three crucial matches in the group stage.
The first game for the USMNT is against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, starting at 6 p.m. EDT on June 12. Following this, they will face Australia in Seattle on June 19 at noon EDT, and conclude group play against the winner of UEFA playoff C at home on June 25 at 7 p.m. EDT.
FIFA confirmed that a total of 78 matches will take place across the U.S., with all quarterfinals and later matches hosted in American cities. The final will be held at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, kicking off at 3 p.m. EDT on July 19, ensuring prime-time visibility for European audiences at 9 p.m.
In a dramatic reveal, the group stage draw took place on Friday before an audience that included prominent figures such as President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. FIFA’s chief tournament officer, Manolo Zubiria, emphasized the logistical challenges of coordinating such a vast tournament spanning three countries and various climates.
The tournament will feature a total of 48 teams, with six teams still to be determined. Excitement is building as fans eagerly anticipate the matchups and the atmosphere of the largest World Cup in history.
Here’s a quick look at the group stage schedule for the USMNT:
– **June 12, 2026**: USA vs. Paraguay – Inglewood, CA – 6 p.m. EDT
– **June 19, 2026**: USA vs. Australia – Seattle, WA – 12 p.m. EDT
– **June 25, 2026**: USA vs. UEFA playoff C winner – Los Angeles, CA – 7 p.m. EDT
The tournament will run until June 27, with knockout stages beginning on June 28. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the tournament approaches.
As anticipation builds, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a historic event, uniting fans across nations and showcasing the best of international soccer. Make sure to follow the developments closely as teams finalize their rosters and strategies leading up to this monumental occasion!
