The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially entered its final year. To mark one year until the tournament begins, countdown clocks were unveiled across the 16 host cities. The opening match is scheduled for June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This historic moment will make Estadio Azteca the first stadium ever to host the World Cup`s opening game three times.
Excitement is palpable, and while this will be the third World Cup where matches are not held in *all* host nation capital cities (Washington D.C. and Ottawa are not included), there are many reasons to celebrate. The tournament aligns with the 250th anniversary of the United States, and Philadelphia, a former U.S. capital, is set to be a key host city.
Philadelphia is also hosting the Club World Cup, serving as a valuable test run for the larger tournament. The city has experience managing major international events, having hosted the 2016 Copa America Centenario and the World Meeting of Families attended by Pope Francis in 2015.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker commented on the city`s readiness: “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.”
Thirteen teams have already secured their spot in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, with 35 more teams yet to qualify. This marks the first time the United States will host the World Cup since 1994, a tournament that holds the record for the highest attendance, a record expected to be surpassed in 2026. With matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it`s an exciting time for the entire continent, offering cities like Philadelphia a chance to showcase themselves on a global stage.
Meg Kane, host city executive and CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, highlighted the local enthusiasm for welcoming international fans: “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 event, bringing together fans from around the world in a true celebration of soccer.
As the tournament approaches, here is some essential information:
Key Dates
- June 11, 2025: One year until the tournament starts
- Sept. 2025: CONMEBOL qualifying concludes
- Nov. 2025: CAF, AFC, UEFA, Concacaf qualifying concludes
- Dec. 2025: Official World Cup Draw
- March 2026: World Cup and UEFA qualifying playoffs
- March 3, 2026: 100 days until the tournament
- April 22, 2026: 50 days until the tournament
- May 11, 2026: One month until the tournament
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
Host Nation Match Schedules
Opponents for these 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 – 7: Round of 16
- July 9 – 11: Quarterfinals
- July 14 – 15: Semifinals
- July 18: Third-place match
- July 19: Final
Dominic Ashworth