when does the fifa world cup start

The next FIFA World Cup (the 2026 edition) is scheduled to start on 11 June 2026, with the opening match in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca.

Quick Scoop

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on 11 June 2026 in Mexico City, where co-host Mexico is set to open the tournament at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

• The competition will run until 19 July 2026, making it a 39‑day tournament, the longest World Cup so far due to the expanded 48‑team format.

• Matches will be played across host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final scheduled for 19 July 2026 in the New York–New Jersey area (MetLife Stadium).

Latest news and context

• Recent coverage highlights that the World Cup is now less than a year and a half away, with detailed match schedules and kickoff times already published by major sports outlets and FIFA-linked announcements.

• Media reports emphasize the historic nature of this tournament: first World Cup hosted by three countries and the first with 48 teams, increasing the total number of matches to 104.

Fan and forum discussion vibes

• Football forums and fan communities are actively discussing travel plans to North America, likely opening-match ticket demand in Mexico City, and the logistical challenge of following games across three different countries.

• There is also lively debate around how the expanded format will affect group‑stage excitement and whether the longer schedule will change how clubs manage player workloads before and after the World Cup.

TL;DR: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on 11 June 2026, with the opening match in Mexico City, and runs through 19 July 2026 across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.