Fans all across North America, and around the globe, have experienced skyrocketing anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the years since the end of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, national teams around the world have had one overriding objective: get to the World Cup, and deliver a strong showing once there.
Finally, the start of the next FIFA showcase is just around the corner, with the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico now only six months away.
The draw for the group stage takes place on December 5, after which all qualified nations will know whom they will face — and their potential route to the final itself.
AllSportsPeople brings you exactly when the 2026 World Cup will begin, how it will start, and all we know on the celebrations around its commencement.
MORE: All the details around how the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will work
When does World Cup 2026 start?
The 2026 World Cup will start on Thursday, June 11, 2026. This marks a return to the traditional June-July schedule of the sport's flagship tournament, with the final taking place on July 19.
The 2022 edition was moved to the northern hemisphere's winter to avoid the brutal heat of the summer months in host nation Qatar, where the high temperatures of June and July were considered a risk to player and spectator welfare.
World Cup 2026 first game
The first World Cup match will see co-hosts Mexico face an as-yet undetermined opponent at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, one of only three stadia in the world to host two World Cup finals, on June 11.
Pre-drawn into Group A, El Tri will learn their opening-day opposition at the group-stage draw on December 5.
MORE: Complete list of teams to have qualified for the World Cup
Date and kickoff time of opening match
The opening match will be played at a time yet to be announced.
Both Group A matches will be played on Thursday, June 11, with the Mexico game against the team drawn into A2. The second game will kick off shortly thereafter, played between teams drawn into position A3 against position A4 and hosted at Estadio Akron in Zapopan.
When is the World Cup opening ceremony?
FIFA has not officially announced any details about the opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup, including date, time, or who will be performing.
However, it's likely that the ceremony will take place earlier in the day on June 11 before the two Group A matches begin.
It will likely be held at the Estadio Azteca ahead of the opening match involving Mexico. There may also be concurrent celebrations held in various World Cup venues or fanfest sites.
World Cup 2026 kickoff times
FIFA has not yet announced the various kickoff times for matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These will be confirmed in the 24 hours after the group-stage draw on December 5.
However, we do know what days each group will play their matches.
Likely, FIFA will stick to a few repeatable start times for most matches across the various time zones, but all that will be known for sure once the draw is complete and FIFA has a better handle on the schedule.
When is World Cup 2026 final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
It will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.