FIFA Unveils 2026 World Cup Schedule

The official World Cup ball - the 'Tronda'

FIFA to reveal 2026 World Cup match schedule in live broadcast on Saturday, featuring 104 matches across US, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA's post-draw match allocation process aims to create optimal conditions for players and supporters...”

FIFA will unveil the updated match schedule for the 2026 World Cup in a live global broadcast from Washington on Saturday. This event will take place nearly 24 hours after the final draw determines the tournament's 12 groups of four. The broadcast, set for 12:00 p.m. EST (18:00 CET), will confirm venues and kick-off times for all 104 matches of the expanded 48-team tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico next June and July. FIFA President Gianni Infantino will lead the presentation, alongside former players, with representatives from the 42 teams already qualified and those still in contention expected to attend.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino will lead the presentation for the 2026 World Cup draw, alongside former players and representatives from qualified teams. However, Iran has announced it will boycott the event, citing visa restrictions imposed by the United States.

The boycott stems from the U.S. denying visas to several Iranian officials, including Football Federation President Mehdi Taj. Iran claims the decision is “non-sporting” and has notified FIFA, which has promised to address the issue.

The 2026 World Cup draw is scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and will feature 48 teams competing in 12 groups. Iran has already qualified for the tournament, marking its seventh appearance.

Updated match schedule to be unveiled live in Washington DC on 6 December

⚽️ Full reveal of match venues and kick-off times to take place the day after the Final Draw, at 12:00 EST

⚽️ FIFA President and FIFA Legends to analyse match-ups in the presence of representatives from… pic.twitter.com/IY41RF3Ht1

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) December 1, 2025

FIFA's post-draw match allocation process aims to create optimal conditions for players and supporters, allowing viewing across multiple time zones. The final version of the schedule will be confirmed in March, once the remaining six qualification spots are filled through FIFA and European playoffs.

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, hosted by 16 cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Almost two million tickets have already been sold for the tournament, making it a highly anticipated event.