FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June and July — the first time in history that three nations have jointly hosted the tournament. Canada step into the hosting role for the first time, while the United States and Mexico serve as hosts for the second and third time respectively.

Argentina arrive as defending champions, chasing history. Only Italy and Brazil have ever retained the World Cup, and Lionel Scaloni's side will be determined to join that exclusive company. They have been drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Opening match: a rematch 16 years in the making

The tournament opens with a fitting callback to history: Mexico face South Africa — a rematch of the famous World Cup 2010 opener — at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. That first match kicks off on Thursday, June 11, at 1:00pm local time (8:00pm UK time).

For African football fans, the presence of Algeria and South Africa in this World Cup carries enormous significance. Algeria will face Argentina — the reigning champions — in Group J at Arrowhead Stadium. South Africa, meanwhile, open the entire tournament against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, a venue steeped in football folklore.

Key fixtures and final details

The knockout rounds begin on Sunday, June 28, with the first round of 32 match scheduled at SoFi Stadium. The 104-match tournament reaches its climax with the World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19. Kick-off for the final is at 3:00pm local time, or 8:00pm in the UK.

Mauricio Pochettino's United States open their campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday, June 12. Canada, under coach Jesse Marsch, face Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field on the same day.

England begin their World Cup 2026 journey against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17, at AT&T; Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Scotland, managed by Steve Clarke, open their Group C campaign against Haiti at Gillette Stadium near Boston on Saturday, June 13.

With 104 matches spanning three countries and multiple time zones, World Cup 2026 promises to be the most expansive edition of the tournament yet.