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World Cup 2026: Every fixture, date and kick-off time as 48-team tournament approaches

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa and runs through to the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, spanning 104 matches across 39 days — the largest tournament in history.

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World Cup 2026: Every fixture, date and kick-off time as 48-team tournament approaches
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here, with the expanded 48-team tournament opening on Thursday, June 11, when Mexico face South Africa, before concluding with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

This edition marks the first time the World Cup has featured 48 nations, producing a schedule of 104 matches played across 39 days — 40 more games than the Qatar 2022 tournament. Fixtures are spread across 16 venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The competing nations are divided into 12 groups of four teams. The top two sides from each group, plus the eight best third-placed finishers, advance to a new round of 32 before the competition moves into straight knockout format.

The groups were confirmed following the final draw in December, with the last qualifying places settled in March. All 48 nations, including England under head coach Thomas Tuchel, submitted their final 26-man squads ahead of the June 1 deadline.

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