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FIFA Confirms Full 2026 World Cup Schedule, From Azteca Opener to MetLife Final

Fans now pivot to a Dec. 11 ticket draw as FIFA publishes kickoff times, venue assignments, heat‑mitigation guidance.

Overview

  • Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match on June 11 at Estadio Azteca, and the final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
  • The United States’ group slate is June 12 vs. Paraguay in Los Angeles, June 19 vs. Australia in Seattle, and June 25 vs. a UEFA playoff winner in Los Angeles.
  • FIFA’s next ticketing phase, the Random Selection Draw, opens Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. ET, with nearly 2 million tickets already sold and fixed pricing for this window.
  • The expanded tournament features 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 venues, with 78 games at 11 U.S. NFL stadiums and a new round of 32 that includes the eight best third-place teams.
  • Player-welfare planning informed scheduling, with several roofed or air‑conditioned venues such as Dallas, Houston and Atlanta expected to reduce heat exposure.