Question 1

When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start?

Accepted Answer

The FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament opens on 11 June 2026 with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tournament spans 38 days across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The final match takes place on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. All 104 group stage, knockout, and final matches will be played during this period, with venues distributed across multiple cities in all three host nations.

Question 2

How do I see World Cup 2026 kickoff times in my timezone?

Accepted Answer

Select your favorite team from the homepage and every match kickoff time will automatically display in your local timezone. You can adjust your timezone at any time using the timezone picker next to the match schedule. The site supports all major timezones worldwide, converting UTC kickoff times to your specific location. This ensures you never miss a match regardless of where you are in the world. Each city's watch page also shows local kickoff times for finding venues in your area.

Question 3

How many matches are there at the 2026 World Cup?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 104 matches total. This includes 72 group stage matches (divided across 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three matches), followed by 32 knockout matches. The knockout stage includes: 16 Round of 32 matches (8 teams from each group), 8 Round of 16 matches, 4 quarter-finals, 2 semi-finals, 1 third-place play-off match, and 1 final. This expanded tournament format from the traditional 64 matches reflects the new 48-team format.

Question 4

Why are kickoffs so late in Europe?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 World Cup is hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, spanning multiple time zones. Local afternoon and evening kickoff times across North America (optimal for live attendance and regional television) translate to late evening and overnight hours in Europe. For example, matches scheduled for 3 PM local time in Mexico City or 1 PM in the western US result in 8 PM to 4 AM kickoffs across the UK and Central European Time. The UK government has announced extended licensing hours for pubs and bars to accommodate these late-night matches.