The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams with 104 matches over 39 days, starting June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa and ending July 19. The tournament will be hosted across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A free wallchart is available to track the games. The group stage features 12 groups of four, with top two and eight best third-place teams advancing to a round of 32 knockout stage. This edition has 40 more matches than the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Sky offers 20% off Glass TVs until June 17.
This edition marks the tournament's first-ever expansion to 48 teams, with 104 matches played across 39 days, making it the biggest World Cup yet. It gets underway on Thursday, June 11, with Mexico vs South Africa and concludes on July 19 with the final.
With dates and times visible next to each fixture, you will not miss any of the games. And so, with that in mind, make sure to download the free wallchart below to stay on top of the action from the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. The participating nations will be divided into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place teams will qualify for the new round of 32.
After the group stage, all games will be knockout format. There will be a whopping 40 more matches to keep tabs on than the Qatar World Cup in 2022, with the action taking place in 16 venues across the three nations. The World Cup groups were finalised following the final draw in December and the last qualifying matches in March.
Sky has cut 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs until June 17, including the more budget-friendly Air model which now starts from £4.50 per month. Choose Manchester Evening News as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
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