April 2, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 104 matches played across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final set for July 19 in New York, according to the official schedule released Tuesday.
Tournament Structure and Key Dates
The expanded tournament will begin with a group stage running from June 11 to June 27, 2026, featuring 72 matches. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout round of 16, which will take place from June 28 to July 3.
Quarterfinals are scheduled for July 9–11, followed by the semifinals on July 14 and 15. The third-place match will be held on July 18, one day before the final at MetLife Stadium in New York. This marks the first time the World Cup will be hosted jointly by three nations, with matches distributed across North America.
Germany’s Group Stage Matches and Venues
Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, has been drawn into Group E alongside Curaçao, Ecuador, and the Ivory Coast. Their group stage matches will be played in Houston, Toronto, and New York, offering a diverse geographic spread for fans traveling to support the team.
The tournament’s 16 host cities include major hubs such as Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Toronto, ensuring widespread accessibility for spectators. With 104 matches—the most in World Cup history—the event will test the logistical capabilities of the tri-nation hosting model.