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 took 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 South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, one of only three stadia in the world to host two World Cup finals, on June 11.
MORE: Complete list of teams to have qualified for the World Cup
Date and kickoff time of opening match
The opening match will take place at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 11.
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 announced the World Cup schedule on December 6, 2025.
The schedule for all group games can be found below.
Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F
Group G | Group H | Group I | Group J | Group K | Group L
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. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
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