The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest tournament in football history, featuring 48 teams across three host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Fans around the world are already asking one key question: When does the World Cup start?
Below, we break down the official start date, schedule, locations, and everything you need to know about the next World Cup.
World Cup 2026 Start Date
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially kick off on June 11, 2026.
- Opening Match: June 11, 2026
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
- Final Match: July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
This marks the first World Cup where the opening game will take place in Mexico since 1986, adding historical significance to the kickoff.
Tournament Format & Duration
- Total Teams: 48 (expanded from 32)
- Host Countries: United States, Mexico, and Canada
- Total Matches: 104
- Tournament Duration: 39 days (June 11 – July 19, 2026)
The new 48-team format means more matches, more cities, and more chances for fans across North America to experience World Cup action live.
Where Will the World Cup Be Played?
The 2026 World Cup will be staged in 16 cities across North America. Some of the most notable venues include:
- Estadio Azteca – Mexico City, Mexico (Opening Match)
- MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (Final Match)
- SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles, California
- AT&T Stadium – Dallas, Texas
- BC Place – Vancouver, Canada
This will be the first time the World Cup is hosted in three countries.
Ticket Sales Timeline
Fans eager to attend matches should know that World Cup 2026 ticket presales started on September 10, 2025 for Visa cardholders with a FIFA ID.
Tickets will be distributed in phases, including:
- Presale lotteries (already live)
- General public sales (rolling out in 2026)
- Dynamic pricing depending on seat availability and demand
Why the 2026 World Cup Is Special
- First 48-team format in FIFA history
- Three host countries for the first time ever
- Iconic venues like Estadio Azteca and MetLife Stadium
- Largest fan base reach, with matches spread across North America
The start of the World Cup on June 11, 2026 will mark the beginning of what many expect to be the most exciting and commercially successful tournament ever.
Quick Facts: FIFA World Cup 2026 Start
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Match | June 11, 2026 | Mexico City (Estadio Azteca) |
| Tournament Duration | June 11 – July 19, 2026 | North America (16 cities) |
| Final Match | July 19, 2026 | East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium) |
| Ticket Presale | Began Sept. 10, 2025 | Visa presale draw |
Final Takeaway
The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on June 11, 2026, with the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and the final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With 48 teams, three host countries, and over a month of action, it will be the largest World Cup in history.
If you’re planning to attend, start preparing now — tickets are already rolling out, and travel arrangements will only get more competitive as the tournament approaches.