World Cup 2026 Schedule: Dates, Format, Host Cities & How to Predict Every Match
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest in history — 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations. Here is everything you need to follow the schedule, plus how to turn every fixture into a prediction.
Key dates at a glance
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 (23rd edition) |
|---|---|
| Dates | June 11 – July 19, 2026 |
| Opening match | June 11, 2026 — Mexico City |
| Final | July 19, 2026 — MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey |
| Hosts | United States, Canada, Mexico |
| Teams | 48 |
| Matches | 104 |
| Host cities | 16 |
The new 48-team format
2026 introduces a brand-new structure. The 48 qualified teams are split into 12 groups of four. Each team plays three group-stage matches. The top two from every group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to a 32-team knockout bracket.
From there the tournament runs as straight knockout football:
- Group stage — 72 matches across the 12 groups
- Round of 32 — knockouts begin
- Round of 16
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Third-place play-off and the Final on July 19
That adds up to 104 matches in total — 40 more than in 2022 — which means more than a month of near-daily football to follow and predict.
The 16 host cities
2026 is the first three-nation World Cup, with 16 stadiums spread across North America:
- United States (11): Atlanta, Boston (Foxborough), Dallas (Arlington), Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles (Inglewood), Miami, New York/New Jersey (East Rutherford), Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara), Seattle
- Mexico (3): Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
- Canada (2): Toronto, Vancouver
Because matches span multiple time zones, kickoff times can be confusing. Coin Cup anchors every kickoff to US Eastern Time — the host band where most matches are played — so predictions open and close on one shared clock.
How to predict every match (for free)
Knowing the schedule is step one. The fun is calling the results. Coin Cup preloads every confirmed fixture from the group stage through the final. For each match you:
- Pick a winner (or a draw) and stake virtual coins
- Watch live pari-mutuel odds shift as more fans join
- Bank payouts and climb the global, accuracy, and creator leaderboards
There is no real-money wagering and no cash-out — it is a free game built for fans who want skin in the game without the risk. New to forecasting? Start with our beginner's guide to predicting matches.
Play it free — predict every World Cup 2026 match
Coin Cup is a free soccer prediction game: stake virtual coins, ride live pari-mutuel odds, climb the global leaderboard. No real money, ever.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 World Cup start?
The opening match is June 11, 2026, and the final is July 19, 2026.
Where is the 2026 World Cup final?
At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (the New York/New Jersey host city).
How many teams play in 2026?
48 teams — the largest World Cup ever — playing a total of 104 matches.
Is there a free way to predict the matches?
Yes. Coin Cup is free on iOS and Android, with no real money involved.