Do you remember that thrill when another great football holiday was approaching? This feeling grew for weeks, and we, the fans, followed every news, every leak with bated breath. Well, let's be honest, we are never indifferent to the FIFA World Cup, right? What if I told you that the upcoming World Cup in 2026 will be more than just another tournament? It will be a historic event spanning three countries, with an unprecedented number of teams and matches.
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Imagine a journey across North America - from the shiny skyscrapers of New York, through the sunny beaches of Los Angeles, to the bustling streets of Mexico and the peaceful landscapes of Canada. This is what the World Cup will look like in 2026. For the first time in history, as many as 48 teams will fight for the most prestigious trophy in football, playing a staggering 104 matches in 16 host cities.
This article is your personal guide. You will find out where exactly the most important matches will take place, what the plans are for each of the 16 cities and, most importantly, where the grand final will take place. Get ready for a gripping story about a logistic megaproject and a football spectacle that will provide unforgettable emotions to fans from all over the world. If you are football lovers who want to be up to date with every information about the upcoming tournament, you have come to the right place.
Dream Final: Where will the most important match of the tournament be played?
Every tournament has its culminating moment - that one match that will be remembered forever in football history. In 2026, the heart of world football will beat the hardest in New York - or rather in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. It is there, at the monumental New York New Jersey Stadium, that the final clash for the world champion title will take place.
This modern facility, opened in 2026, is home to two NFL teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Its impressive capacity and infrastructure make it the perfect place for such a monumental event. The final tournament draw is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Can you imagine this atmosphere, these lights, this roar of the crowd in the heart of one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world?
Broadcast Schedule - How to Watch the World Cup 2026?
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, soccer fans in the United States will be in for a real treat. FOX Sports, as it announces, intends to organize its largest ever production and broadcast of the World Cup. All 104 matches will be shown live, divided on FOX (69 matches) and FS1 (35 matches).
Moreover, each match will be available live on the FOX One platform and the FOX Sports application, both in live streaming and on demand. Something that will surely please many fans is the fact that a record 40 matches - more than a third of the entire tournament - will be broadcast in prime time. Of these, 21 matches will be broadcast on FOX and 19 on FS1. This is something that really allows you to feel the scale of this undertaking!
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Now let's move on to the meat, i.e. to the cities that will host this football festival. Get ready for a real mosaic of cultures, landscapes and stadiums.
Atlanta, Georgia - 8 Matches
Atlanta Stadium, a huge arena in the southern USA, will be the venue for as many as eight matches. There will be five matches in the group stage, including clashes such as Spain vs. Cape Verde and Mexico vs. Haiti. Later, the Atlanta stadium will host one round of 32 match (July 1, 12:00 ET), one round of 16 match (July 7, 12:00 ET) and, most importantly, one of the semi-finals (July 15, 15:00 ET). This city has an appetite for big football!
Boston, Massachusetts - 7 Games
Historic Boston, with its unique charm, prepares Boston Stadium for seven shows. Among the five group stage matches, it is worth mentioning Haiti vs. Scotland and England vs. Ghana. Then, on June 29 at 4:30 p.m. ET, the city will witness one match of the 1/32 finals, and on July 9 at 4:00 p.m. ET, one of the quarterfinals. Who knows, maybe this is where a new legend will be born?
Dallas, Texas - 9 Matches
Dallas, a city with a big heart and even bigger stadiums, will hold the record for the number of matches - as many as nine! There are five matches in the group stage, including the Netherlands vs. Japan and England vs. Croatia. But that's not all. The Dallas stadium will also host two round of 32 matches: June 30 at 1:00 p.m. ET and July 3 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Texans love sports, so the atmosphere will be hot.
Guadalajara, Mexico - 4 Matches
In Guadalajara, Mexico, at Estadio Guadalajara, we will see four group stage matches. Mexico will face South Korea there on June 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET, which will certainly warm up the local fans. Colombia will play against DR Congo, and Uruguay will play against Spain. Mexico welcomes the world of football with open arms!
Houston, Texas - 7 Matches
Houston, another Texas giant, has prepared the Houston Stadium for seven exciting matches. The five group stage matches, including Germany vs. Curaçao and Portugal vs. DR Congo, are sure to draw crowds. In addition, there is one match of the 1/32 finals (June 29, 1:00 p.m. ET) and one 1/8 final match (July 4, 1:00 p.m. ET). Houston, we have a problem... a problem with too much emotion!
Kansas City, Missouri - 6 Matches
The stadium in Kansas City will witness six matches, including four from the group stage, which promise to be fascinating, for example Argentina vs. Algeria. Later, on July 3 at 21:30 ET, the city will host one match of the 1/32 finals. Will the local BBQ be as spicy as the competition on the pitch?
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The Hollywood aura and the California sun are waiting for the Los Angeles Stadium, which will be the arena for eight matches. The host USA will play there on June 12 at 9 p.m. ET against Paraguay, and then again on June 25 at 10 p.m. ET against Turkey. This is a great opportunity to see the American national team in action. Additionally, two round of 32 matches (June 28 and July 2) and one quarterfinal (July 10, 12:00 ET). Los Angeles promises a real spectacle.
Mexico, Mexico - 5 Matches
The stadium in Mexico City, a city with a rich football history, will host five matches. Mexico will play two group stage matches there - on June 11 at 15:00 ET against South Africa and on June 24 at 21:00 ET against the Czech Republic. The atmosphere will certainly be electrifying! Additionally, one match of the 1/32 finals (June 28) and one 1/8 final match (July 5, 8:00 p.m. ET) will complete the football feast.
Miami, Florida – 7 Matches
Miami's Sunny Stadium will host seven matches. In the group phase, we will see such giants as Brazil (vs. Scotland on June 24 at 6:00 p.m. ET) and Uruguay (vs. Saudi Arabia on June 15 at 6:00 p.m. ET). Later, on July 3 at 6:00 p.m. ET, the round of 32 match will be played there. Will the hot climate of Miami affect the style of play?
Monterrey, Mexico – 4 Matches
The stadium in Monterrey, another Mexican point on the map, will be the arena for four matches. Three group stage matches, including Tunisia vs. Sweden, and one round of 32 match (June 29 at 9 p.m. ET). It's the perfect place to feel the authentic Mexican passion for football.
New York/New Jersey, USA – 8 Matches
New York Stadium New Jersey, in addition to the final, will host seven other matches. The five group stage matches, including Brazil vs. Morocco and France vs. Senegal, promise to be exciting. In addition, one match of the 1/32 finals (June 30 at 17:00 ET), one match of the 1/8 finals (July 5 at 16:00 ET), and of course, the Grand Final on July 19 at 15:00 ET. It will be epic!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 6 Games
Six games will be played in historic Philadelphia, at Philadelphia Stadium. Five in the group stage, including Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador and Brazil vs. Haiti, promise plenty of excitement. Then, on July 4 at 5 p.m. ET, the round of 16 match will be played there. Patriotic Philadelphia is sure to provide an amazing atmosphere.
San Francisco Bay Area, California - 6 Games
San Francisco, with its iconic bridge, will host six games at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Five group stage matches, including Qatar vs. Switzerland, and one round of 32 match (July 1 at 8 p.m. ET). The picturesque bay will witness the big ball.
Seattle, Washington - 6 Matches
Cooler, but equally beautiful Seattle Stadium is preparing for six matches. Four group stage matches, including USA vs. Australia and Belgium vs. Egypt, plus one match each of the Round of 32 (July 1 at 4:00 p.m. ET) and the Round of 16 (July 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET). Rainy weather won't stop the excitement!
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Canada is also joining the football madness! We will see six matches at the Toronto Stadium. The Canadians will play their first match of the tournament there, on June 12 at 3 p.m. ET against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and on June 20 at 4 p.m. ET Germany vs. Côte d'Ivoire. Later, on July 2 at 7:00 p.m. ET, the round of 32 match will be played there. Do you think that hockey's dominance will give way to football for a while?
Vancouver, Canada - 7 Matches
Seven matches will be played in Vancouver, at BC Place. Canada will be there on June 18 at 6:00 p.m. ET, playing against Qatar, and then on June 24 at 3:00 p.m. ET against Switzerland. In addition, there are five group stage matches, one 1/32 final (July 2 at 11 p.m. ET) and one 1/8 final (July 7 at 4 p.m. ET). Stunning views and exciting football - what more could you want?
Expert Tips - What You Should Know
- Plan Ahead: With 104 matches spread across three countries, logistics will be key. If you're thinking about traveling, book your flights and accommodation as soon as possible. Prices will definitely go up.
- Pay attention to Time Zones: Remember that matches will be played in different time zones (ET, CT, PT). Check the broadcast times carefully so you don't miss any match.
- Follow Team Ireland: Even if we don't qualify straight away, keep your fingers crossed and follow the play-offs. With additional places, the chance to participate is greater!
- Get to know the New Format Regulations: 48 teams is the new format of the tournament. Familiarize yourself with the rules for the group stage (12 groups of 4 teams) and the knockout stage, which will be extended to the round of 32.
- Use Official Apps: Apps like the FOX Sports App will be essential for tracking scores, schedules, and watching matches live or on-demand. Install them in advance.
- Experience Multiculturalism: This is a unique opportunity to combine your passion for football with learning about the diverse cultures of Canada, Mexico and the United States. Don't limit yourself to the stadium!
- Safety First: If you are planning a trip, always check local safety rules and guidelines, especially in such large crowds.