The final countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially begun. Marking one year until the tournament kicks off, countdown clocks have been revealed in all 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The opening match is scheduled to take place on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, making it the first venue in history to host three World Cup opening ceremonies. Excitement is building throughout the continent. While this edition sees some capital cities like Washington D.C. and Ottawa not hosting matches, the United States` 250th anniversary in 2026, coupled with Philadelphia`s historical significance as a former capital, adds a special layer of celebration.
Philadelphia, known as the City of Brotherly Love, is set to host matches and has ample experience with large-scale global events. The upcoming Club World Cup will serve as a practical test run, following Philadelphia`s successful hosting of the 2016 Copa America Centenario and the World Meeting of Families, including Pope Francis`s visit, in 2015. The city is well-prepared to welcome the world.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stated, “We are prepared and the eyes of the world will be on our great city as the FIFA World Cup matches officially begin. This is more than just a sporting event; it is a transformative moment that embodies everything that we`re working toward here in the city of Philadelphia, and that`s a safer, greener Philadelphia with opportunity for all, and it`s going to be amazing to have the world see it.”
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature an expanded format with 48 teams. Thirteen teams have already secured their spot, with 35 more still to qualify. This marks the return of the World Cup to the United States for the first time since 1994. The 1994 tournament holds the record for the highest attendance in World Cup history, a benchmark widely expected to be surpassed in 2026. With matches spread across three nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – it represents an unprecedented moment for North American soccer. For Philadelphia, being a host city provides a significant opportunity to showcase itself on the global stage.
Meg Kane, host city executive/CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, commented on the anticipation: “What I think has been really interesting is the conversations with supporters and partners is the excitement around the fans who will be coming from other countries, and what I like to say is learning how [they experience fandom]. We come at things in Philadelphia from that vision of `Go Birds` and what it`s like at an Eagles game and I think as we`ve educated people around the celebration and joy of the World Cup that these fans bring, there is a real interest in not only seeing it up close and personal but in understanding it and maybe joining in.”
The World Cup is a unique global phenomenon, fostering a true celebration of soccer with fans participating from every corner of the world.
As the tournament draws nearer, here is essential information:
Key Dates
- June 11, 2025: One year out mark
- September 2025: CONMEBOL qualifying concludes
- November 2025: CAF, AFC, UEFA, Concacaf qualifying concludes
- December 2025: World Cup draw
- March 2026: World Cup and UEFA qualifying playoffs
- March 3, 2026: 100 days out
- April 22, 2026: 50 days out
- May 11, 2026: One month out
Host Cities and Stadiums
East Region
- Toronto, Canada – BMO Field
- Boston, Massachusetts – Gillette Stadium
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Lincoln Financial Field
- Miami, Florida – Hard Rock Stadium
- New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium
Central Region
- Dallas, Texas – AT&T Stadium
- Atlanta, Georgia – Mercedes Benz-Stadium
- Kansas City, Missouri – Arrowhead Stadium
- Houston, Texas – NRG stadium
- Monterrey, Mexico – Estadio BBVA
- Mexico City, Mexico – Estadio Azteca
West Region
- Vancouver, Canada – BC Place
- Seattle, Washington – Lumen Field
- Los Angeles, California – SoFi Stadium
- San Francisco, California – Levi`s Stadium
- Guadalajara, Mexico – Estadio Akron
Match Schedules for Host Nations
Opponents for group stage matches will be determined during the World Cup draw.
USMNT: Group D Matches
- June 12: Los Angeles
- June 19: Seattle
- June 25: Los Angeles
Mexico: Group A Matches
- June 11: Mexico City
- June 18: Mexico City
- June 24: Guadalajara
Canada: Group B Matches
- June 12: Toronto
- June 18: Vancouver
- June 24: Vancouver
Knockout Stage Schedule
- June 28 – July 3: Round of 32
- July 4 – July 7: Round of 16
- July 9 – July 11: Quarterfinals
- July 14 – July 15: Semifinals
- July 18: Third-place match
- July 19: Final
