FIFA World Cup 2026: Match Schedule, Fixtures & Stadiums
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a groundbreaking event in the history of football. For the first time, the tournament will be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This edition will also feature an expanded format, with 48 teams competing across 16 cities. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Tournament Overview
- Start Date: June 11, 2026
- End Date: July 19, 2026
- Total Matches: 104
- Format: 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of 4
- Knockout Stage: Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Third-Place Match, World Cup Wiki+1
Host Cities & Stadiums
The 2026 World Cup will be held across 16 cities in the three host countries:
United States (11 Cities)
- Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Boston – Gillette Stadium
- Dallas – AT&T Stadium
- Houston – NRG Stadium
- Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium
- Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium
- Miami – Hard Rock Stadium
- New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium (Final)
- Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field
- San Francisco Bay Area – Levi's Stadium
- Seattle – Lumen Field YouTube+2YouTube+2FIFA+20The Guardian+20AP News+20
Mexico (3 Cities)
- Guadalajara – Estadio Akron
- Mexico City – Estadio Azteca (Opening Match)
- Monterrey – Estadio BBVA
Canada (2 Cities)
- Toronto – BMO Field
- Vancouver – BC Place
Match Schedule & Fixtures
The full match schedule, including dates, times, and venues, will be released after the official draw, which is scheduled to take place on December 5, 2025, in Las Vegas. However, the general structure is as follows:CBSSports.com
Group Stage
- Dates: June 11–27, 2026
- Format: 12 groups of 4 teams each
- Advancement: The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stage.
Knockout Stage
- Round of 32: June 28–July 3, 2026
- Round of 16: July 4–7, 2026
- Quarterfinals: July 9–11, 2026
- Semifinals: July 14–15, 2026
- Third-Place Match: July 18, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- Final: July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey TalkSport+5 World Cup 5AP News +5
Ticket Information
Tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be available through the official FIFA website and authorized sellers. Given the high demand, it's advisable to register for updates and purchase tickets early to secure your spot at the matches.
How expensive are World Cup tickets in 2026
Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will vary based on several factors, including seating category, match stage, venue, and whether you choose general admission or premium hospitality packages.
General Admission Ticket Pricing
FIFA has not yet released the official pricing for general admission tickets for the 2026 World Cup. However, based on previous tournaments and early reports, fans can expect a range of prices:
- Category 1 (Premium Seating): These are the most expensive tickets, offering the best views and amenities. For the 2022 World Cup, Category 1 tickets ranged from $618 for the opening match to $1,607 for the final. Similar pricing is anticipated for the 2026 tournament. The Sun+1TheTicketLover
- Category 2 & 3 (Standard Seating): These tickets offer good seating options at more affordable prices. Prices for these categories ranged from $55 to $426 in 2022. The 2026 prices are expected to be in a similar range, depending on the match and demand. TheTicketLover
- Category 4 (Budget Options): These are the most affordable tickets, starting at $11 for the 2022 World Cup. They are ideal for fans on a budget who still want to experience the World Cup atmosphere. TheTicketLover
Hospitality Packages
For those seeking an enhanced experience, FIFA is offering premium hospitality packages, which include additional amenities such as exclusive lounges, premium seating, and gourmet catering. These packages can be quite costly:The Sun+2Houston Chronicle+2
- Premium Packages: Prices for these packages can reach up to $24,850, depending on the venue and level of service. Houston Chronicle
- Luxury Bundles: In cities like New York/New Jersey, which will host the final at MetLife Stadium, the most extravagant packages are available for approximately $73,200. The Sun
Dynamic Pricing Model
FIFA plans to implement a dynamic pricing system for the 2026 World Cup, where ticket prices will fluctuate based on demand. This means that prices for high-demand matches, such as the final, could be significantly higher than for less popular games. This system is similar to pricing models used for major events like concerts and the Super Bowl.
Ticket Sales Timeline
- General Sales Start: The general ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup are scheduled to begin on September 10, 2025. beIN SPORTS
- Hospitality Packages: Premium hospitality packages are already available for purchase. These can be obtained through FIFA's official ticketing platform or authorized sellers. Tour 2026 Info + 2The Sun+2
Tips for Purchasing Tickets
- Create a FIFA Account: Before the sales begin, ensure you have a FIFA account set up on their official website. FIFA 2026+1
- Register Interest: Sign up for notifications to receive updates on ticket sales and availability. FIFA 2026+1
- Plan Ahead: Determine which matches and seating categories you are interested in to act quickly when tickets become available. TheTicketLover
- Consider Hospitality Packages: If you're looking for an enhanced experience, explore the available hospitality packages, but be prepared for higher costs. Houston Chronicle
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to visit FIFA's official ticketing website: fifa.com/tickets.
Which city will host the 2026 World Cup final
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.
MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, is one of the largest stadiums in the United States and has previously hosted major international soccer matches, making it a fitting venue for the World Cup final. (AP News) (The Guardian)
How to get world cup tickets in 2026
Getting tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will follow FIFA’s official ticketing process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Create a FIFA Account
- Visit the official FIFA website: fifa.com/tickets
- Register for a FIFA account. You’ll need an email address, personal details, and sometimes proof of identity.
2. Sign Up for Updates
- Once registered, subscribe to ticketing notifications.
- FIFA will send updates on ticket sale dates, match categories, and availability.
3 Ticket Sale Phases
FIFA usually sells tickets in phases:
- Random Selection Draw (Lottery)
- Fans can apply for tickets during this phase.
- Tickets are allocated randomly if demand exceeds supply.
- First-Come, First-Served Sales
- Tickets are sold in real time.
- This phase usually opens after the lottery phase ends.
- Last-Minute Sales
- Remaining tickets are sold closer to match dates.
- Popular matches may sell out quickly.
4. Choose Your Match & Category
- Decide which matches you want to attend.
- Select your preferred ticket category:
- Category 1: Premium seating
- Category 2 & 3: Standard seating
- Category 4: Budget options
- Prices vary depending on match stage, category, and stadium.
5. Consider Hospitality Packages
- For a premium experience, FIFA offers hospitality packages including
- Exclusive lounges
- Gourmet catering
- Premium seating
- These can be purchased directly via FIFA or authorized partners.
6. Payment & Confirmation
- Payments are made online using credit/debit cards.
- Keep a confirmation email; this will serve as your ticket until you receive the digital ticket or card.
7 Digital or Physical Tickets
- Tickets will likely be delivered digitally via your FIFA account.
- Some packages may include a physical ticket or fan ID.
Official Sources
- FIFA Ticketing Page: fifa.com/tickets
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Guide: wc2026fifa.com
What is the capacity of the New York/New Jersey stadium
MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has an official seating capacity of 82,500, making it the largest stadium in the NFL. This expansive venue is scheduled to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
For certain events, such as the Super Bowl or major concerts, the stadium's capacity can be expanded to accommodate up to 87,157 spectators. footyvar.com
The stadium features a seating arrangement across four levels: Lower Bowl, Mezzanine, Upper Bowl, and Club Level. Additionally, it offers over 200 luxury suites and more than 10,000 club seats, providing a premium experience for attendees. Soccer Destinations + 3 TFC Stadiums + 3WorldCupRadar+3
MetLife Stadium has hosted numerous significant events, including Super Bowl XLVIII and matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With its substantial capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, it is well-equipped to handle the influx of fans expected for the 2026 World Cup final. Wikipedia
Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a historic event, featuring an expanded format and matches across three countries. With 48 teams competing in 16 cities, it's set to be the largest and most inclusive World Cup to date. Whether you're planning to attend in person or follow the action from home, it's an event that no football fan will want to miss. TalkSportCovers.com