The 2026 FIFA World Cup is weeks away from beginning and promises to be the largest sporting event in FIFA history. This tournament will be the first jointly organized by 3 countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Additionally, it will mark the debut of the new expanded format with 48 participating teams. This guarantees a record number of 104 matches over a month of competition.
The event will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. As confirmed by the television network FOX Sports, all matches will be broadcast live through FOX and FS1 in the U.S. market. This media deployment aims to ensure that fans can follow every minute of the group stage and knockout rounds. This way, no one will miss any of the action.
The majority of matches will be played in the United States, the country that will assume the largest operational burden of the event. Of the 104 scheduled matches, 78 will be played in U.S. territory. In contrast, the venues located in Mexico and Canada will each host 13 matches. This arrangement makes the United States the absolute epicenter of the tournament, especially in the decisive stages.
What Venues Will Host Matches in the United States?
FIFA selected 11 American cities to host the tournament. These include markets with a strong soccer tradition and significant Latin communities, such as Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Houston. Additionally, matches will be played in Atlanta, Boston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the New York and New Jersey region.
The most important match of the tournament will also be held on U.S. soil. The World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium. This stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and home to NFL teams, was chosen to crown the champion. The event will air starting at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s opening ceremony will be held at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. On June 11, the Mexican team will debut against South Africa at 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time. This opening match can be watched for free on the streaming platform called Tubi, according to plans announced by the television network.
When Does the United States Team Play?
The U.S. team is part of Group D and already knows its opponents for the first phase. The national team will begin its campaign against Paraguay on June 12 at 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time. This match will be held at the Los Angeles Stadium.
