The 2026 World Cup is almost here, and it's shaping up to be the most exciting tournament in history. For the first time since 1994, the United States will host matches—but this time, we're sharing the spotlight with Canada and Mexico. With 48 teams, 104 matches, and a brand-new format, there's a lot to get excited about. Here's everything you need to know to gear up for the action.
When and Where to Watch
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11, when Mexico takes on South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The U.S. gets its first taste of action the very next day, Friday, June 12, facing Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The group stage runs through June 27, with a brief rest day on July 8 before the quarterfinals begin. The grand finale is set for Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Match Times and Schedules
Kickoff times will range from noon ET to midnight ET, so there's a match for every time zone. From June 13 to June 23, you'll get four games a day. The excitement ramps up during the group finales (June 24–27), with six matches daily. Mark your calendars—you won't want to miss a moment.
A Truly Historic World Cup
This is the first World Cup ever to be co-hosted by three nations. Canada (two cities) and Mexico (three cities) will each host 13 games, while the U.S. takes the lead with 78 matches across 11 cities—including every knockout game from the quarterfinals onward. With 48 teams (up from 32 in 2022), this is the biggest World Cup ever, featuring 40 more matches than the previous tournament.
How the Format Works
The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four. After round-robin play, the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-place teams. But here's a key change: the first tiebreaker is no longer goal difference. Instead, it's head-to-head results, followed by head-to-head goal difference and goals scored. If teams are still tied, officials will look at overall group goal difference, total goals scored, and finally, disciplinary points (a system for yellow and red cards).
USMNT Players to Watch
As the U.S. looks to make a deep run, keep an eye on rising stars and seasoned veterans. Christian Pulisic remains the creative spark, while Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams bring energy and grit in midfield. Young talents like Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun could be breakout performers. Defensively, Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest offer pace and versatility. This squad has the depth and talent to surprise the world—and they'll need every fan's support.
Whether you're tuning in from the stands or your living room, the 2026 World Cup promises unforgettable moments. Get ready to cheer, celebrate, and maybe even shed a tear—because this summer, soccer takes center stage like never before.