World Cup 2026 schedule: full fixtures, groups, host cities and TV guide
Complete World Cup 2026 schedule with fixtures, group line-ups, host stadiums and broadcast details for the 48‑team tournament running June 11–July 19, 2026.
The World Cup 2026 schedule is now set as the 48‑team tournament kicks off on June 11 and runs through the final on July 19, 2026 in New York. The expanded format raises the number of matches to 104 across three host countries — the United States, Mexico and Canada — and introduces a new single‑match round of 32. Fans can follow every fixture in Central European Summer Time; the schedule includes all group matches, the new Sechzehntelfinale and the complete knockout calendar.
Opening match and early results
Mexico opened the tournament in Mexico City on June 11 with a 2–0 win over South Africa, marking the start of the largest World Cup field to date. The opening days produced a string of fixtures across North America as cities balanced high temperatures and packed stadiums. Early results are already reshaping group standings and setting up key clashes for the second round of matches.
Germany in Group E and scheduled match dates
Germany were drawn into Group E and face Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in the group phase, according to the official schedule. The German team’s group fixtures are set for June 14 in Houston (Germany v Curaçao, 19:00 CEST), June 20 in Toronto (Germany v Ivory Coast, 22:00 CEST) and June 25 in New York (Ecuador v Germany, 22:00 CEST). Should Germany win the group, the schedule places them in a Sechzehntelfinale tie that could match them with a third‑placed side from another pool before potential clashes with high‑ranked opponents in the later knockout rounds.
Groups A–L and notable early matchups
The tournament features twelve groups, from Group A in Mexico to Group L, which includes England and Croatia. Notable pairings in the group stage include Brazil with Morocco and Scotland in Group C, France alongside Norway in Group I, and a summer rematch of Argentina and Austria in Group J. The expanded format means the eight best third‑placed teams across all groups also advance to the new round of 32, adding a layer of suspense to several final group fixtures.
Knockout calendar and the new Sechzehntelfinale (Round of 32)
The World Cup 2026 schedule introduces a single‑match Sechzehntelfinale (Round of 32) in late June, with fixtures across Los Angeles, Boston, Houston and other host cities from June 28 to July 4. Winners of those matches move into a traditional 16‑team knockout bracket that runs through quarterfinals, semifinals and the final on July 19. The condensed knockout window concentrates decisive matches over two weeks and creates tighter travel demands for teams moving between venues in three countries.
Host cities, 16 stadiums and time‑zone implications
Matches are staged at 16 stadiums: eleven in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada, including the Azteca in Mexico City and the Toronto stadium. Stadium capacities range from approximately 45,000 in Toronto to roughly 94,000 in Dallas, and kick‑off times are listed in Central European Summer Time to aid international viewers. Time differences across venues — generally six to nine hours behind CEST — mean many matches are scheduled for evening viewing in Europe and require advance planning for fans following live.
Broadcast rights and where to watch in Germany
Broadcast distribution of the World Cup 2026 schedule splits between public and pay platforms: ARD and ZDF hold rights to a majority of the free‑to‑air matches, while a comprehensive paid service streams all fixtures. In Germany, 60 of the 104 matches are carried by the public broadcasters, and a commercial streaming option provides access to every game. Live streams are available via the respective broadcasters’ apps and platforms, with the pay service offering a full tournament package for viewers who want every fixture.
The World Cup 2026 schedule delivers an unprecedented volume of matches across three countries, expanding the global tournament’s footprint while introducing a new knockout round that will affect preparation and tactics. Supporters should consult local listings for final kick‑off times and carrier details as the group stage unfolds and the competition progresses toward the July 19 final in New York.
