2026 World Cup: launch date, format, groups, stadiums and broadcasters—everything you need to know

World Cup 2026 Today at 06:14

Mohamed Rek

News Editor

11.06.26 15:00 World Cup

Mexico

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South Africa

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The 2026 World Cup is gearing up to make history. Jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this 23rd edition of the tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026, and features a groundbreaking format with 48 national teams competing, up from 32 in previous editions.

With 104 matches scheduled across 16 host cities in the three organizing countries, this edition promises to be the most ambitious ever staged by FIFA. Opening match date, new tournament format, group compositions, selected stadiums, and broadcast channels: here’s the essential info you need to know about the 2026 World Cup.

An expanded format for a historic edition

For the first time ever, the World Cup will bring together 48 teams. The squads will be divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 32.

The opening match

The tournament curtain-raiser will see Mexico face South Africa at the legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT.

2026 World Cup groups

• Group A: South Korea, Czech Republic, Mexico, South Africa

• Group B: Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Qatar

• Group C: Morocco, Scotland, Brazil, Haiti

• Group D: Australia, Turkey, United States, Paraguay

• Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao

• Group F: Netherlands, Tunisia, Japan, Sweden

• Group G: Egypt, Iran, Belgium, New Zealand

• Group H: Uruguay, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde

• Group I: Senegal, Norway, France, Iraq

• Group J: Algeria, Austria, Argentina, Jordan

• Group K: Colombia, Uzbekistan, Portugal, DR Congo

• Group L: England, Panama, Croatia, Ghana
  
  

2026 World Cup stadiums

FIFA has selected 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico to host matches for the 2026 World Cup.

In Mexico, matches will be played in Mexico City at the iconic Azteca Stadium, as well as in Guadalajara and Monterrey. In Canada, Toronto and Vancouver will also host tournament fixtures.

In the United States, games will take place in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup?

For television coverage in the Middle East and North Africa, Qatari network beIN SPORTS holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup.

In sub-Saharan Africa, New World TV has the main broadcast rights, while SuperSport will offer comprehensive coverage through its pay-TV packages. In South Africa, the public broadcaster SABC will show several matches free-to-air, complemented by digital coverage from SportyTV.

Globally, several major broadcasters will air the tournament, including BBC and ITV in the United Kingdom, ARD and ZDF in Germany, M6 and W9 in France, FOX and Telemundo in the United States, and RAI Sport in Italy.

2026 World Cup: dates, groups, full schedule and broadcast channels

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