World Cup 2026 Highlights, Schedule, Groups & Where to Watch
Everything you need for the first 48-team World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026 — and free highlights of every match on MatchHighlights minutes after the final whistle.
Watch World Cup HighlightsOpening matches
Host nation groups
The 48 teams are drawn into 12 groups (A–L). Here are the groups for the three host nations; the full draw was completed on December 5, 2025.
- Mexico
- South Africa
- Korea Republic
- Czechia
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Qatar
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- United States
- Paraguay
- Australia
- Türkiye
How the 2026 format works
For the first time, the World Cup features 48 teams instead of 32. They are split into 12 groups of four, and each team plays three group-stage matches. The top two teams in every group advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams, creating a new Round of 32 before the tournament continues into the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
In total there are 104 matches across 39 days. The group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, with the final round of group games in each group kicking off simultaneously to protect competitive balance. The semi-finals take place at AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and the final is at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area on July 19, 2026.
16 host cities
The official ball: Adidas Trionda
The official match ball is the Adidas Trionda — Spanish for "three waves" — with a red, green and blue design representing the three host nations. It uses connected-ball technology that relays data to assist VAR decisions.
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup
In the United States, matches air in English on Fox networks and in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo, with streaming available on Peacock. In other countries, live coverage is carried by your regional rights-holder, so check your local broadcaster for kick-off listings.
Wherever you are, you can catch up for free on MatchHighlights — we post highlights and goals for every World Cup match shortly after full time.
Go to World Cup highlightsFrequently asked questions
When does the 2026 World Cup start?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The opening match is Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11.
Where is the 2026 World Cup being held?
It is the first World Cup hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico — across 16 host cities (11 in the USA, three in Mexico and two in Canada).
How does the new 48-team format work?
48 teams are split into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to a new Round of 32. There are 104 matches in total.
When and where is the 2026 World Cup final?
The final is on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area. The semi-finals are in Dallas and Atlanta.
Where can I watch 2026 World Cup highlights?
MatchHighlights publishes free highlights and goals for every 2026 World Cup match shortly after full time. In the United States, live matches air on Fox (English) and Telemundo/Universo (Spanish) with streaming on Peacock; in other countries, check your regional broadcaster.