FIFA announced that it will reveal the full match schedule for the 2026 World Cup during a live global broadcast this Saturday. The live presentation from Washington, D.C. will begin at 12:00 p.m. EST (1700 GMT) — nearly 24 hours after the tournament’s final draw, which will establish the 12 groups of four teams each.
What to Expect
- During the broadcast, FIFA will confirm venues and kick-off times for all 104 matches of the expanded 48-team tournament, scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico in June-July 2026.
- The presentation will be led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino alongside former players and representatives from the qualified nations (and those still contending).
- FIFA has said the match-allocation process aims to balance various factors, including players’ welfare, fan convenience, and optimal broadcast timings across different time-zones.
Why It Matters
This will be the first time the full schedule — not just the group draw — is released in a separate, dedicated broadcast. Given the tournament’s historic expansion (48 teams, 104 matches), fans, broadcasters, and national associations will finally get the detailed roadmap needed for planning travel, viewing schedules, and logistics.
Also important: the final version of the schedule will only be confirmed in March 2026, once the remaining six qualification spots are filled via playoffs.
