FIFA World Cup 2026: Live Scores, Schedule, Groups & Teams
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on June 11, 2026 with Mexico facing South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It is the first World Cup with 48 teams and the first hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico — across 16 host cities, with the final on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. Follow every match live below and back your nation with 24 Sports.
Upcoming World Cup 2026 Matches
Auto-updatingWorld Cup 2026 key facts
| Dates | June 11 – July 19, 2026 |
| Host countries | United States, Canada, Mexico (16 host cities) |
| Teams | 48 national teams (first 48-team World Cup) |
| Matches | 104 across 39 days |
| Format | 12 groups of 4 → Round of 32 → knockout to the final |
| Opening match | Mexico vs South Africa — June 11, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Final | July 19, 2026 — MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey |
| Defending champions | Argentina (2022 winners) |
World Cup 2026 group tables
All 12 groups update live as matches finish. The top two in each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to the new Round of 32.
World Cup 2026 Groups
How does the 48-team World Cup format work?
The 2026 World Cup expands from 32 to 48 teams. Teams are drawn into 12 groups of four; each team plays three group games. The top two from every group qualify for the knockout phase, joined by the eight best third-placed sides — creating a brand-new Round of 32. From there it is straight knockout: Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Where is the World Cup 2026 being played?
Matches are spread across 16 cities in three countries:
- United States (11): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle
- Mexico (3): Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
- Canada (2): Toronto, Vancouver
Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium to stage matches at three World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026), and Mexico the first nation to host three times.
Follow every World Cup 2026 match
- World Cup hub — fixtures, results and all group tables in one place.
- All 48 World Cup teams — squads, fixtures and form for every nation.
- Live scores — every tournament game in real time.
- Upcoming fixtures — plan your matchdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the World Cup 2026 start and end?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It opened with Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and the final is at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 19.
Where is the World Cup 2026 being held?
The 2026 World Cup is hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. Matches are played in 16 host cities — 11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico and 2 in Canada.
How many teams are in the World Cup 2026?
48 national teams — the biggest World Cup ever and the first to expand from 32. They are split into 12 groups of four, with the top two plus the eight best third-placed teams reaching the new Round of 32.
How many matches are played at the 2026 World Cup?
104 matches in total across 39 days, up from 64 at the 32-team tournaments — the most games ever played at a single World Cup.
Who are the defending World Cup champions?
Argentina, who beat France on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar. They arrive in 2026 looking to defend the title.
Can I bet on World Cup 2026 matches?
Yes. 24 Sports offers match winners, group betting, top goalscorer and outright winner markets across the whole tournament. You must be 18 or older — please gamble responsibly.
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