- A Record Number of Groups: Twelve Groups of Four
- No More Ties: Immediate Penalty Shootouts
- Nine Days Between First Matches
- Traditional Knockout System Starts with the Round of 32
- A Total of 104 Matches
- Matches Across Three Host Nations
- Kick-off Times in Four Time Zones
- Key Locations for the 2026 World Cup
- Qualification Process
- Update: March 14, 2023 – Twelve Groups of Four
- Stay Updated
The anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is building, and football enthusiasts worldwide are eager to learn more about the tournament’s schedule.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be an extraordinary event with groundbreaking changes in its format and structure.
In this article, we will delve into the revised schedule, new features, and exciting updates for the 2026 World Cup.
A Record Number of Groups: Twelve Groups of Four
One of the most significant changes in the 2026 World Cup is the record number of groups. With an unprecedented 48 countries qualifying for the tournament, these teams are divided into twelve groups during the group stage, labeled A to L. Each group comprises four countries, marking a departure from previous World Cup group structures.
In this new format, the top two countries from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. This knockout stage will feature 32 national teams, initiating with the round of 32—an exciting first in World Cup history.
No More Ties: Immediate Penalty Shootouts
Another unique feature of the 2026 World Cup is the elimination of ties in group stage matches. If a group-stage match remains tied after 90 minutes of play, it will proceed directly to a penalty shootout, bypassing the traditional extra time. Please note that the initial plan to prevent ties in the group stage by having sixteen groups of three has been canceled as of March 14, 2023.
Nine Days Between First Matches
With a record-breaking 48 participating nations, there will be a nine-day gap between the first matches of different countries. Please be aware that this information is subject to change, as of March 14, 2023.
Traditional Knockout System Starts with the Round of 32
Following the group stage, the tournament will continue with the familiar knockout system, featuring the round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.
In case of a draw at the end of regular time, two 15-minute extra time halves will be played, with penalties deciding the winner if needed.
A Total of 104 Matches
The 2026 World Cup will showcase a total of 104 matches, a significant increase from previous editions, which featured a maximum of 64 matches.
The breakdown includes 72 group matches (in groups A to L), 16 round of 32 matches, 8 round of 16 matches, 4 quarterfinals, 2 semifinals, 1 match for third place, and, of course, the grand finale.
Matches Across Three Host Nations
To accommodate the massive tournament, the matches will be distributed across the three host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The original plan called for 60 matches in the United States, 10 in Canada, and 10 in Mexico. However, this distribution may be subject to change due to the shift from sixteen groups of three to twelve groups of four, as of March 14, 2023.
In the updated plan, 7 group matches, 2 round of 32 matches, and one round of 16 match will take place in both Canada and Mexico.
The United States will host 34 group matches, 12 round of 32 matches, 6 round of 16 matches, 4 quarterfinals, both semifinals, the third-place playoff, and the final match. Please note that this distribution may also change in the future.
Kick-off Times in Four Time Zones
The kick-off times for the 104 World Cup matches in 2026 will be determined based on the four different time zones in the North American host cities. These start times will be confirmed after the announcement of the final World Cup host cities.
Key Locations for the 2026 World Cup
While some host cities have been confirmed, others are still awaiting confirmation. The final match of the 2026 World Cup will be played in New York/New Jersey at the MetLife Stadium, though this is subject to change. The opening match is planned for Los Angeles (Rose Bowl) or Mexico City (Azteca Stadium), and the semifinals may take place in Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) and Dallas (AT&T Stadium). The list of 23 candidate host cities has been reduced to 16.
Qualification Process
The 48 participating countries will earn their spots through qualification matches held from 2023 to 2025 in six continental zones. This process will determine the final lineup of teams competing in the 2026 World Cup.
Update: March 14, 2023 – Twelve Groups of Four
FIFA announced a significant change on March 14, 2023: the 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin with twelve groups of four.
This alteration means that a total of 104 matches are scheduled for the World Cup in North America. The tournament will span 40 game days, starting on Sunday, May 31, 2026, with the opening match and concluding with the final on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
From the group stage, the numbers one, numbers two, and the eight best numbers three will advance to the next round, the round of 32.
This change reflects the dynamic nature of the tournament, with FIFA Council’s approval at the meeting held on March 14, 2023, in Kigali, Rwanda.
The original plan for sixteen groups of three has been officially canceled, and the World Cup will feature 48 countries for the first time.
This extended tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will last for eleven days longer than the previous World Cup in Qatar, with a total of 40 match days.
Stay Updated
As plans and schedules evolve, it’s essential to stay updated with the latest information regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The excitement is building for this historic tournament, and football fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting its arrival.