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World Cup 2026 Match Schedule & Key Dates

World Cup 2026 Schedule

104 matches. 39 days. Three countries. Here's everything you need to know about the World Cup 2026 schedule, from the opening match to the final.

Key Dates

  • Opening Match: June 11, 2026
  • Group Stage: June 11 – June 29, 2026
  • Round of 32: July 1 – 4, 2026
  • Round of 16: July 5 – 8, 2026
  • Quarter-finals: July 10 – 11, 2026
  • Semi-finals: July 14 – 15, 2026
  • Third-place match: July 18, 2026
  • Final: July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium

Tournament Phases

Group Stage (June 11 – June 29)

48 group stage matches played across all 16 venues. With 12 groups, there are multiple matches every day. The most intense period for predictions — and the most opportunities to earn points.

Knockout Stage (July 1 – July 19)

Single-elimination matches starting with the new Round of 32. Every match is do-or-die. Predictions become harder but more rewarding. Extra time and penalty shootouts add drama.

Time Zones & Scheduling

With matches spread across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, kick-off times will span several time zones. East Coast evening matches will be early morning in Asia and midday in Europe. Kickgeist's smart match reminders adapt to your local time zone, so you'll always know when to submit your prediction.

Keeping Up with 104 Matches

104 matches is a lot of football. You don't need to watch every match to make predictions, but you'll want to stay informed. Kickgeist's match center gives you live scores, lineups, and key match events so you can follow along even when you can't watch.

Never Miss a Prediction

Kickgeist sends smart multi-tier reminders before each match: 24 hours, 6 hours, and 2 hours before kickoff. Set your preferences and never miss a prediction deadline — even with multiple matches per day.

Last updated: April 2026

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