FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Schedule: Group Stage Dates and Host Cities

FIFA World Cup 2026: Group Stage, Match Dates, and Host Countries – Full Guide

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is one of the biggest football events in the world. Football fans from different countries are excited to know where the matches will be played and how the group stage works. In this blog, you’ll learn everything in simple words.

What is the World Cup Group Stage?

The group stage is the first round of the World Cup. Teams are divided into groups, and each team plays against the others in its group. The top teams from each group move to the next round called the knockout stage.

In 2026, there will be 48 teams instead of 32. These teams will be divided into 12 groups.

When Will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Be Played?

The World Cup will be played in:

📅 June 11, 2026 – July 19, 2026

These dates may slightly change, but the tournament will be held in summer 2026.

Where Will the World Cup Be Played?

The World Cup will be hosted by three countries:

United States

Canada

Mexico

This will be the first World Cup hosted by three different countries.

Famous Cities That Will Host Matches

Some of the major cities where matches will be played include:

New York

Los Angeles

Toronto

Mexico City

Dallas

Vancouver

Each city will have modern stadiums for fans to enjoy live matches.

How Many Matches Will Be Played?

There will be a total of 104 matches in the tournament. The final match will be played in the USA.

Why This World Cup Is Special

First World Cup with 48 teams

First hosted by three countries

More matches and more entertainment for fans

Final Words

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be one of the biggest football tournaments in history. The group stage will bring exciting matches, and fans from all over the world will enjoy the action from June to July 2026.