FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule and Key Dates

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest tournament in football history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.  

The competition kicks off on 11 June 2026 at the iconic Mexico City Stadium in Mexico and concludes with the final on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. 

For South African fans, the time difference may be a challenge, with many matches kicking off around midnight or in the early hours of the morning. But if there’s one thing soccer fans know, it’s that nothing keeps them away from the action when the World Cup comes around.  

Football is more than just a game, but a passion. That’s why Bet.co.za is here to keep you connected every step of the way, from the opening match to the final whistle. Follow us and be part of every moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026.  

Most Important Fixtures 

Below are some of the biggest and most exciting matches to look out for during the group stages. While every game plays a part in shaping the tournament, these are the fixtures expected to grab the attention of soccer enthusiasts around the world.  

Opening Match 

Mexico vs South Africa – 11 June 2026, 21:00 SAST 

This game is one for the books, yet again. It is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener where both teams ended with a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium, a game that remains one of the most iconic moments in South African football history. 

Host Nation Openers 

Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – 12 June 2026, 21:00 

USA vs Paraguay – 13 June 2026, 03:00 

Group Stage Matches 

• Brazil vs Morocco – 14 June 2026, 00:00 

• Belgium vs Egypt – 15 June 2026, 21:00  

• France vs Senegal – 16 June 2026, 21:00 

• Argentina vs Algeria – 17 June 2026, 03:00 

• Portugal vs DR Congo – 17 June 2026, 19:00 

• England vs Croatia – 17 June 2026, 22:00 

• Ghana vs Panama – 18 June 2026, 01:00  

• Czechia vs South Africa – 18 June 2026, 18:00 

• Germany vs Ivory Coast – 20 June 2026, 22:00  

• England vs Ghana – 23 June 2026, 22:00 

• South Africa vs South Korea – 25 June 2026, 03:00 

• Uruguay vs Spain – 27 June 2026, 02:00 

• Croatia vs Ghana – 27 June 2026, 23:00 

Knockout Stage 

• Round of 32: 29 June – 01 July 2026 

• Round of 16: 04 – 07 July 2026 

• Quarter-finals: 09 – 12 July 2026 

• Semi-finals: 14 – 15 July 2026 

We can safely say that the biggest moments in the tournament are usually around the knockout rounds. That is where most fun starts because it’s practically do or die for all the teams competing.  

Third-Place Play-Off 

18 July 2026 

The final chance for teams to finish on a high. 

FIFA World Cup 2026 Final 

19 July 2026 – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey 

Now this is the biggest match in world football, where the next world champion will be crowned.  

With football’s biggest stars competing across 16 stadiums in three countries, the 2026 World Cup promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable tournaments ever staged.