World Cup 2026 Schedule: Key Dates From the Opening Match to the Final

6 Jun 2026

The 39-day, 48-team World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, opening with Mexico against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11. Co-hosts Canada and the USA begin on June 12, while Curacao become the smallest nation ever to appear at a World Cup on June 14. Cape Verde make their debut on June 15, and Argentina begin their title defence on June 16 against Algeria, with Lionel Messi starting his sixth World Cup. The tournament concludes with the final on July 19.