2026 FIFA World Cup: Full Schedule and Broadcast Details

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup is officially on. For the first time in history, the tournament will be co-hosted by three nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – and will feature an expanded 48-team format. The schedule, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026, promises a month-long football festival across 16 state-of-the-art venues, from the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to the newly minted SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The expanded format marks a seismic shift in World Cup history. Twelve groups of four teams each will battle it out in the group stage, with the top two from each group plus eight best third-placed sides advancing to a new Round of 32 knockout phase. This means more matches, more drama, and more opportunities for underdog nations to make their mark. The final is set for July 19, with MetLife Stadium in New Jersey widely expected to host the showpiece.

For fans in North America, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see the world's best players on home soil. Matches will be spread across three time zones, with kickoff times tailored for global audiences. The group stage will feature three matchdays per group, ensuring every team gets a fair crack. With the tournament expanding, expect more nations from Africa, Asia, and Oceania to feature – a true global celebration.

How to watch? In the United States, Fox Sports and Telemundo will handle English and Spanish broadcasts respectively, with streams available on the Fox Sports app and Peacock. Canadian viewers will rely on CTV and TSN, while Mexican fans will tune into Televisa and Azteca. International broadcasters will be announced regionally as the tournament nears. The official FIFA+ platform will also offer live streams in select markets.

The 2026 World Cup isn't just a sporting event – it's a logistical marvel. Fans traveling between venues will need to navigate international borders, visa requirements, and long distances. Organizers are working on a unified ticketing system and fan zones across host cities. The expanded field also raises questions about competitive balance – will quality dilute or will we see new champions emerge? One thing's for sure: football's biggest stage just got bigger.