DOSE OF FOOTBALLWorld Cup 2026
The first-ever 48-team World Cup kicks off 11 June 2026 and runs to the final on 19 July. Here's the full schedule, the new format and host cities — plus everything you need to follow all 104 matches live.
2026 World Cup schedule
All times to be confirmed by FIFA. The group stage runs for just over two weeks before the expanded knockout rounds begin.
The new 48-team format
For the first time, 48 nations compete — 16 more than in Qatar 2022. The road to the final is longer, with an extra knockout round.
Groups of four
48 teams are drawn into 12 groups of four, each playing three group-stage matches.
Into the Round of 32
The top two from every group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a brand-new Round of 32.
Matches in total
The tournament grows from 64 to 104 matches across 16 cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Three host nations, 16 cities
The 2026 World Cup is the first hosted by three countries, with the bulk of matches — including the final — in the United States.
United States
11 host cities including New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and Miami. Hosts the final at MetLife Stadium.
Canada
Matches in Toronto and Vancouver — Canada's first time hosting the men's World Cup.
Mexico
Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. The Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium to host matches at three World Cups.
Live on Dose Of Football
Free, fast and ad-light. Track the whole tournament — every group, every knockout tie — in one place.
Live scores
Real-time scores and match events for every World Cup fixture as it happens.
Open live scores →Groups & standings
All 12 group tables, updated live, with who's qualifying and who's going home.
View groups →Knockout bracket
Follow the path to the final through the Round of 32, 16, quarters and semis.
See the bracket →Match predictions
Win/draw/loss probabilities and expected goals for every fixture, powered by form, xG and head-to-head.
Open a match →Top scorers & stats
The Golden Boot race, assists, clean sheets and player stats throughout the tournament.
View stats →Fixtures & calendar
Every upcoming match — and export your team's games straight to your calendar.
View fixtures →Travelling or blacked out? Don't miss kick-off.
A VPN lets you reach the match streams you already pay for, from wherever you are.
World Cup 2026 FAQ
When does the 2026 World Cup start?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The opening match kicks off on 11 June 2026 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Which countries are hosting the 2026 World Cup?
The tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, spread across 16 host cities in the three nations.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams — the largest World Cup ever — playing 104 matches in total, up from 32 teams and 64 matches in 2022.
How does the new 48-team format work?
The 48 teams are split into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a new Round of 32, followed by the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.
Where is the 2026 World Cup final?
The final is on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the New York metropolitan area.
Don't miss a single match
Live scores, group tables, the full knockout bracket and match predictions for World Cup 2026 — all free on Dose Of Football.
Open the live World Cup hub →