Football fans can now start planning their trips to North America after FIFA finally unveiled the complete match schedule for the 2026 World Cup. The governing body confirmed the dates, kick-off times, and specific venues for all 104 tournament matches in a special ceremony on Saturday.
The Final Piece of the Puzzle
This second announcement followed Friday's initial draw, where teams discovered their group-stage opponents. The unusual two-part format meant supporters had to wait an extra day to learn the crucial logistical details of where and when their team would play. The dedicated reveal show took place at 5pm UK time on Saturday, officially transforming the theoretical groups into a concrete tournament itinerary.
For England, who were drawn into Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, the wait is over. Their path through the initial stage is now clear, with specific stadiums assigned to each fixture. Potential venues for the Three Lions' group games include:
- BMO Field in Toronto
- AT&T Stadium in Arlington
- Gillette Stadium in Foxborough
- MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford
- Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia
How to Watch the Announcement
Viewers in the United Kingdom were able to watch the schedule announcement live through FIFA's official social media channels. The event was also streamed globally on FIFA's official YouTube channel, ensuring fans worldwide had immediate access to the vital information.
The ceremony was hosted by legendary commentator Andres Cantor. He was joined by a star-studded lineup of football greats assisting with the proceedings, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, two-time world champion Ronaldo, 2006 winner Francesco Totti, Bulgaria icon Hristo Stoichkov, and former United States international Alexi Lalas.
Why the Delay Was Necessary
The decision to split the announcements across two days was a deliberate logistical move by tournament organisers. The 24-hour pause allowed planners to carefully assign fixtures to venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The primary goals were to optimise kick-off times for global television audiences and to minimise excessive travel for fans following their teams.
This careful scheduling ensures the most high-profile matches can be placed in prime broadcast slots, maximising viewership for the expanded 48-team tournament. For supporters, the Saturday reveal was the final piece of information required to confidently book flights, accommodation, and match tickets for the footballing spectacle in 2026.
With the full schedule now confirmed, the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins in earnest. England will be aiming to go all the way, and their fans now have a clear roadmap of the journey ahead.
