FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Revealed: New Jersey Secures Final, Azteca Stadium to Host Opener
In a highly-anticipated announcement, FIFA has unveiled the schedule for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, with New Jersey securing the honour of hosting the final at the MetLife Stadium on July 19. The tournament will kick off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11.
Azteca Stadium to Make History
Azteca Stadium makes history by becoming the first venue to host FIFA World Cup games in three separate editions, following its roles in 1970 and 1986.
The decision to award the final to New Jersey came after a fierce competition with Dallas, adding a thrilling climax to the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA President on World Cup 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed excitement, stating,
“The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality that will take shape in the form of 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.”
Fixture Distribution Across 3 Countries
Atlanta and Dallas will host the semi-final fixtures, while the third-place game is set for Miami. The quarter-final games will take place in Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, and Boston. A total of 16 cities across the three countries will host matches, with the majority held in the USA.
The MetLife Stadium, with a seating capacity of 82,500, will provide a fitting stage for the final. The stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, has previously hosted international football games, including the final of the 2016 Copa America tournament.
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Canada, as co-hosts, will have 13 games, including ten group-stage matches between Toronto and Vancouver. Mexico, set to host three games, will feature ten encounters during the group stage in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
The remaining FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be played in 11 cities across the United States.
The Azteca Stadium will mark the tournament’s beginning with the opener on June 11, and Mexico is set to play the first match. In addition, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, and Boston have been named as hosts for the quarter-final games of the World Cup.