FIFA World Cup 2026: Full Schedule of 104 Matches; Check Dates, India Timings, Teams, Format and Fixtures

The countdown to the biggest football event on the planet has begun. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, ushering in more than a month of non-stop football action across North America. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament promises to be unlike any previous edition, with a record number of teams, matches and host cities.

FIFA World Cup 2026 to Begin on on June 11: 104 Matches, One Trophy; Check India Timings and Date

For the first time in World Cup history, 48 nations will compete for football's most coveted trophy, transforming the competition into the largest and most ambitious tournament FIFA has ever staged. Over the course of 104 matches, teams will battle across 16 host cities before the world champion is crowned on July 19.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Introduces Historic New Format

The upcoming tournament marks a significant shift in World Cup structure. Instead of 32 teams, the competition will feature 48 nations divided into 12 groups of four teams each.

The top two teams from every group will automatically qualify for the knockout rounds, while the eight best third-placed teams will also progress. This expanded format introduces a new Round of 32 stage before the traditional Round of 16, meaning finalists will now have to play eight matches to lift the trophy.

The revised structure is expected to deliver more knockout drama, additional high-profile fixtures and greater opportunities for emerging football nations to make their mark on the global stage.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Key Dates to Remember in India

Fans can expect football action almost every day between June 11 and July 19.

Group Stage: June 11-27
Round of 32: June 28-July 3
Round of 16: July 4-7
Quarter-finals: July 9-11
Semi-finals: July 14-15
Third-Place Playoff: July 18
Final: July 19

The tournament's grand finale will be held at MetLife Stadium, which will serve as the centrepiece venue for the championship match.

India Timings of FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches

Indian football enthusiasts should prepare for a month of sleepless nights. Due to the time difference between India and North America, most matches are expected to begin during late-night and early-morning hours.

The majority of fixtures are likely to kick off at approximately 12:30 AM IST, 3:30 AM IST or 6:30 AM IST, making the tournament a late-night affair for viewers across the country.

For Indian audiences, the opening match will effectively be played on June 12, when host nation Mexico begins its campaign against South Africa.

Is India Playing in FIFA World Cup 2026?

India will not be participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to secure qualification. Nevertheless, interest among Indian football fans remains high, with several blockbuster group-stage encounters already attracting attention.

Among the most anticipated matches are clashes involving traditional football powerhouses, including England versus Croatia, Brazil against Morocco, and France taking on Norway.

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