World Cup 2026 · Key dates

When does the World Cup 2026 start?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is under way. It kicked off on Thursday 11th June 2026 with Mexico v South Africa at Estadio Banorte, Mexico City.

Verified · 2 sources·from the fixture calendar MercatoWire Data Desk · verified 2026-06-15 04:10 UTC

11th JuneWorld Cup 2026 kicked off, Mexico v South Africa at Estadio Banorte

Key dates

World Cup 2026 calendar (from the verified fixture data)
Stage	Date	Detail
Opening match	Thursday 11th June 2026	Mexico v South Africa
Group stage	Thursday 11th June to Sunday 28th June 2026	72 matches, 12 groups of four
Round of 32	From Sunday 28th June 2026	First knockout round, new for 2026
Final	Sunday 19th July 2026	MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Opening match kickoff in your time zone

Mexico v South Africa kickoff, local times (15:00 ET)
Region	Kickoff	Date
US Eastern	15:00	Thu 11 Jun
US Pacific	12:00	Thu 11 Jun
UK	20:00	Thu 11 Jun
Central Europe	21:00	Thu 11 Jun
India	00:30 (+1)	Fri 12 Jun

The opener

The tournament opened with host nation Mexico against South Africa at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. Kickoff was 15:00 ET (Thursday 11th June 2026). It was the first of 104 fixtures in MercatoWire's verified calendar, every one confirmed against two independent sources.

World Cup 2026 is the first 48-team edition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The group stage runs to Sunday 28th June 2026, the new Round of 32 follows, and the tournament ends with the final on Sunday 19th July 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. See the final page for the closing details, or how the 48-team format works for the full structure.

Frequently asked

When does the World Cup 2026 start?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup started on Thursday 11th June 2026. The opening match was Mexico against South Africa at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, kicking off at 15:00 ET.

What is the first match of World Cup 2026?

Mexico v South Africa at Estadio Banorte, Mexico City, on Thursday 11th June 2026. Host nation Mexico plays the opening fixture of the tournament.

How long does World Cup 2026 last?

The tournament runs from Thursday 11th June 2026 to Sunday 19th July 2026, a little over five weeks. The group stage finishes on Sunday 28th June 2026 and the final is on Sunday 19th July 2026.

Where is the first World Cup 2026 match played?

At Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. It is one of 16 venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico used at the tournament.

When is the World Cup 2026 final?

The final is on Sunday 19th July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The kickoff is 15:00 ET.