World cup 2026 dates

The wait is finally over, and the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be the biggest edition in the tournament's history, will begin on June 12 (IST) and conclude with the final on July 20 (IST), featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The expanded format introduces 12 groups of four teams each, replacing the previous structure of eight groups. The top two teams from every group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will advance to the knockout stage, creating a new Round of 32 before the traditional Round of 16.