Tech
Jun 16, 20261
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Announced
The FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule has been announced, marking the largest tournament ever with 48 teams and 104 matches. The expansion reflects growing global interest in football and FIFA's push for a more inclusive event.
Quick Facts
Who
FIFA
What
announced the 2026 World Cup schedule
When
2026
Where
North America
- announced the 2026 World Cup schedule
- expanded tournament to 48 teams and 104 matches
- FIFA
- Kompaspedia
- 48 teams
FIFA has officially released the schedule for the 2026 World Cup, which will be the largest edition of the tournament ever, featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches. The announcement was made on June 16, 2026, by Kompaspedia, highlighting the ongoing expansion of global football interest.
The unprecedented number of participating teams and matches reflects the growing popularity of football worldwide, as well as FIFA's efforts to make the tournament more inclusive. This marks a significant increase from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments.
The schedule includes a range of matches across multiple host cities in North America, with the expanded format promising more opportunities for teams from different confederations to compete on the world stage. Fans can expect an extended tournament timeline to accommodate the additional games.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a milestone event for FIFA, attracting global audiences and showcasing the sport's evolution. Further details on specific match dates and venues are expected to follow soon.
Why This Matters
The schedule release crystallizes planning for fans, broadcasters, and sponsors; the expanded bracket means more matches, longer tournament duration, and greater opportunities for teams from smaller confederations. For readers, this signals a shift in global football consumption—more games, more diversity, and a longer window of engagement.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 16, 2026
WireOfficial announcement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule