2026 World Cup to Open in Mexico City on June 11 as 48-Team Tournament Unveils Full Fixture List

Key facts

• The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Mexico, USA, and Canada.
• Mexico hosts South Africa in the opening match at Mexico City on June 11 at 8pm UK time.
• The tournament features 48 teams and 104 matches, ending with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
• The round of 32 takes place from June 28 to July 3.
• The third-place play-off is scheduled for July 18.
• England and Scotland are among the qualified teams.
• All kick-off times are listed in UK time.

A Tournament of Historic Scale

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches across 37 days. The tournament kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa at 8pm UK time. The final is set for Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This marks the first time the World Cup will be hosted by three nations: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The expanded format introduces a round of 32, scheduled from June 28 to July 3, followed by the knockout stages. A third-place play-off, dubbed the 'Bronze final', will be held on July 18.

England and Scotland Among the 48 Qualified Teams

England and Scotland have both secured their places in the 2026 tournament, joining 46 other nations in the first 48-team World Cup. The qualification process concluded with all spots filled as of April 27, 2026. England's route to the final has been analyzed, with projections suggesting they could avoid the world's top three ranked teams until the semi-finals. Scotland's fixtures and potential path to the final have also been mapped out, offering hope for a deep run. The full schedule provides a day-by-day breakdown of the 37-day event, allowing fans to plan their viewing.

Key Dates and Venues

The tournament spans 37 days, from June 11 to July 19, with matches played across multiple venues in the three host nations. The opening match in Mexico City sets the stage, while the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will crown the champion. The round of 32 begins on June 28 and concludes on July 3, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the third-place play-off on July 18. All kick-off times are listed in UK time, ensuring clarity for British audiences. The schedule includes 103 matches leading up to the final, with each day featuring multiple games during the group stage and knockout rounds.

Format and Prize Money Details

The 2026 World Cup introduces a new format with 48 teams divided into groups, followed by a round of 32. This expansion increases the total number of matches from 64 to 104, making it the longest tournament in history. Prize money details have been released, though specific figures were not disclosed in the fixture announcement. The tournament will also feature new kits revealed for all participating teams, adding to the spectacle. The final list of qualified teams has been confirmed, marking the first time 48 nations will compete for the trophy.

What Lies Ahead for Fans and Teams

With the full fixture schedule now public, fans can begin planning their travel and viewing schedules. England and Scotland supporters will be particularly keen to track their teams' progress. The expanded format offers more opportunities for underdog stories, as smaller nations compete on the world stage. The tournament's conclusion at MetLife Stadium on July 19 promises a grand finale. As the countdown begins, teams will finalize their preparations, and host cities will ready their infrastructure. The 2026 World Cup is set to be a landmark event in football history.

The bottom line

• The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, hosted by three nations.
• The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with the final at MetLife Stadium.
• England and Scotland are among the qualified teams, with England potentially avoiding top-ranked teams until the semis.
• The round of 32 is a new addition, scheduled from June 28 to July 3.
• All kick-off times are listed in UK time for British audiences.
• The opening match sees Mexico face South Africa in Mexico City on June 11 at 8pm UK time.