The clock is ticking! With just one year remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, countdown timers have been revealed across the 16 host cities. The tournament will officially commence on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, making it the first stadium in World Cup history to host three opening matches. Excitement is mounting.
While this edition marks the third World Cup where not all host nation capitals will stage matches (Washington D.C. and Ottawa are not included), there`s plenty to anticipate. In the United States, the event coincides with the nation`s 250th anniversary, with Philadelphia, a former capital, playing a significant role.
Philadelphia, also known as the City of Brotherly Love, will first host the Club World Cup, serving as a valuable test event for the main tournament. With prior experience hosting large global gatherings like the 2016 Copa America Centenario and the 2015 World Meeting of Families with Pope Francis, Philadelphia is well-equipped to manage events of this scale.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker commented, “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, which is a safer, greener Philadelphia with opportunity for all. It will be amazing to have the world see it.”
Thirteen teams have already secured their spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, with 35 places still to be filled. This will be the first World Cup hosted by the United States since 1994, a tournament that holds the record for the highest attendance—a record expected to be broken in 2026. With matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it`s a thrilling period for the entire continent, offering host cities like Philadelphia a prime opportunity to shine.
Meg Kane, host city executive/CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, highlighted the anticipation among locals: “What I think has been really interesting in conversations with supporters and partners is the excitement about fans arriving from other countries and, as I like to say, learning how they experience fandom. In Philadelphia, our approach is often from the `Go Birds` perspective and the atmosphere of an Eagles game. I think as we`ve educated people about the celebration and joy that World Cup fans bring, there`s a genuine interest not only in witnessing it firsthand but in understanding and perhaps even joining in.”
The World Cup stands out as a unique event, bringing together fans from around the world in a true celebration of soccer.
As the tournament draws nearer, here is some key information:
Key Dates
- June 11, 2025: One year mark
- Sept. 2025: CONMEBOL qualifying concludes
- Nov. 2025: CAF, AFC, UEFA, Concacaf qualifying concludes
- Dec. 2025: Final World Cup draw
- March 2026: Inter-confederation 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
Matches for Host Nations
Opponents 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
